[TQ 53837397 - approx (2)] Roman ligula, 9 1/2" long, of unusual form, discovered, in the company with bones, in 1887, near the Walnut Tree Tavern on the western side of Highfield Road, Dartford. Of bronze, richly inlaid with silver and banded with a black material, it may be compared with a similar one from a Saxon grave at the foot of Star Hill, Rochester, which Mr. Roach Smith considered to be Roman. [See AO/59/204/1] (1-2) The site is occupied by Highfield House, a 19th c private dwelling, undated, but nearby housed are dated to the late 1800's. It may be assumed that the ligula was found before, or during, the building of the house. (3)

<1> Arch. Cant. 18, 1889, 206, illust. (G.Payne) (OS Card Reference). SKE36976.

<2> Maidstone Museum 6" (Anon, undated) (OS Card Reference). SKE46364.

<4> F1 ASP 20-OCT-59 (OS Card Reference). SKE42212.

<5> Field report for monument TQ 57 SW 10 - October, 1959 (Bibliographic reference). SKE3118.