Monument record TR 34 SW 1726 - Hypocaust beneath Roman Tufa Block building (C6) associated with the Roman 'Painted House' complex, Dover

Summary

During a series of extensive rescue excavations, ahead of development in Dover’s town centre undertaken by Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit a hypocaust was uncovered beneath a building (C6) which was located at the north eastern end of the Bingo Hall/ Painted House site. The hypocaust had been substantially robbed and infilled with rubble but parts of at least 21 pillars were located. (location accurate to the nearest 2m based on available information)

Location

Grid reference Centred TR 3183 4146 (3m by 6m) (23 map features)
Map sheet TR34SW
County KENT
District DOVER, KENT
Civil Parish DOVER, DOVER, KENT

Map

Type and Period (2)

Full Description

(summarised from publication)

During a series of extensive rescue excavations, ahead of development in Dover’s town centre undertaken by Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit a hypocaust was uncovered beneath a building (C6) which was located at the north eastern end of the Bingo Hall/ Painted House site. The hypocaust had been substantially robbed and infilled with rubble but parts of at least 21 pillars were located.

The pillars which consisted of tiles laid horizontally, survived to varying heights of between 4cm and 40cm (1-8 courses) and would have all stood to a likely original height of 60cm. No associated furnace was located but it is possible that it was on the west or north sides which were not investigated. An inserted arch, 86cm wide, at the south east corner of the room represents a later addition, possibly contemporary with the inserted cross wall. It is likely that this arch was for a new furnace in this location. (1)


<1> Philp, B, 1989, The Roman House with Bacchic Murals at Dover (Monograph). SKE24004.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> Monograph: Philp, B. 1989. The Roman House with Bacchic Murals at Dover.

Finds (1)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (2)

  • Intrusive Event: Rescue Excavation Dover Town Centre, Painted House and Bingo Hall Sites (EKE4658)
  • Event Boundary: Rescue excavations within Dover Town Centre ahead of development of York Street, Dover (EKE15656)

Record last edited

Aug 27 2019 2:54PM