[Centred at TQ 5175 7336] TUMULI [OE] [22 in number] (1)
The Camp, Dartford Heath, 1780. Because of the threatened French-Spanish invasion 1779-80, a camp was formed on Dartford Heath. " - The site of the long row of tents is still apparent (1844) and clearly indicated by the turf-ruins, as the traveller crosses from Heath Lane toward Baldwyn's. (2)
These are not tumuli. They may probably be the remains of an army camp. (3)
The excavation, carried out in 1955 by the Kent Arch. Society and the Baxley Antiquarians, of a selected tumulus on Dartford Heath, was undertaken to establish its origin and period of construction. The original unbroken "turf-line" was exposed, the soil from the surrounding ditch having been heaped upon it. Fragments of china found have been dated by Messrs. Wedgewood to 1785. Bottle necks which were also found were dated by the Glass Manufacturing Federation to the early 19th c. This area was used as a tented camp in the spring and summer of 1780, (a) and the tumuli are most probably the turf ruins and remains of this encampment. (4)
A number of these mounds have now been destroyed - see amended A.M. No further field action taken. (5)
The "tumuli" are the remains of 18th c.Military Field Kitchens. (6)
Additional bibliography. (7)

<1> O.S. 6" 1938-39 (OS Card Reference). SKE47827.

<2> Hist. & Ants. of Dartford 1884, pp.354-8, illust. (J. Dunkin) (OS Card Reference). SKE44056.

<3> Corr., 6" (R.F. Jessup, 1948) (OS Card Reference). SKE39304.

<4> Dunkin (OS Card Reference). SKE41518.

<5> Letter (J.E.L. Caiger, 28.12.1956) (OS Card Reference). SKE46045.

<6> F1 AC 04-DEC-59 (OS Card Reference). SKE41754.

<7> Sussex Arch Coll. 103, 1965, 66 (I.D. Margary) (OS Card Reference). SKE49773.

<8> Arch Cant 86 1971 208-209 (PJ Tester) (OS Card Reference). SKE35844.

<9> Field report for monument TQ 57 SW 4 - December, 1959 (Bibliographic reference). SKE3111.