Findspot record TR 34 SW 1246 - Anglo Saxon Glass Vessel, located above the Roman Military Bath House, Dover

Summary

15 fragments of pale green glass were located during excavations undertaken by Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit at the Roman Bath House in 1979. They represent two very rare and expensive Anglo Saxon cone beakers (location accurate to the nearest 20m based on available information).

Location

Grid reference TR 3185 4144 (point) Approximate
Map sheet TR34SW
County KENT
District DOVER, KENT
Civil Parish DOVER, DOVER, KENT

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

taken from source:

During the excavation of the Roman Bath-house in Dover in 1979, by KARU, at least fifteen fragments of pale green glass were discovered from a disturbed deposit well above the levels of the bath-house. They represent two very rare and expensive cone beakers of which six of the fragments have been partially reconstructed. Three more fragments are from a possible palm cup.

Below the rim is a series of horizontal trails, whilst the main body is decorated with vertical loops. This form is termed the 'Kempston-type' after a site in Bedfordshire, though there are variants reflecting the hand made process. A similar type of beaker was found in a grave at the Anglo Saxon cemetery in Mincham, Surrey, where it is noted that it may have been imported from France, Belgium or Germany. These vessels are regarded as high status symbols of wealth and placed in graves for the afterlife. They date from the second half of the fifth century to the middle of the sixth century. (1)


<1> Gerald B Clewley, 2016, Kent Archaeological Review: Anglo Saxon Glass Vessels from Dover. Vol. 200 (Article in serial). SKE31860.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> Article in serial: Gerald B Clewley. 2016. Kent Archaeological Review: Anglo Saxon Glass Vessels from Dover. Vol. 200. Vol 200. pp 18-19..

Finds (1)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (2)

  • Intrusive Event: Excavations in Dover Town centre, Roman military bath house site (EKE15856)
  • Event Boundary: Rescue excavations within Dover Town Centre ahead of development of York Street, Dover (EKE15656)

Record last edited

Mar 31 2017 4:15PM