A Brief Note on the History of Archaeological Investigation in the Sittingbourne Area

by The HRGS' Robin Grimes

Be it understood that all statements, thoughts and ideas in this article are the writer's own and are not to be taken as the thoughts and ideas of the Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne or any other of its members.

The major problem with archaeological research in the Sittingbourne area is that over the past two hundred years the top surface of most of the area has been quarried away for brickearth for the building industry. Large quarries have been opened up for the extraction of chalk and flint for the same industry and land that has been reclaimed has been built over.

Although the foregoing led to many find sites the standard of archaeological excavation and research left much that was to be desired. Untrained workers and labourers dug sites, artefacts were looted and wilfully destroyed in the search for 'Treasure'. Even when a recognised expert in his field such as George Payne was involved in an investigation there was little or no control over the final disposition of any major artefacts that may have been discovered. This is evidenced by the infamous case of the Roman lead coffins from the area, which were melted down and used to wipe pipe joints on local construction sites.
Many other artefacts unearthed by Payne were sold to museums in other counties or to private individuals for their own personal collections. The worthies of Sittingbourne were offered the bulk of his collection but decided that the town could not afford to house them and so Rochester among other places were the beneficiaries of Paynes' benevolence.

This situation prevailed for many years until education and more enlightened times ensued. The later half of the twentieth century saw some good work done in the area by, the mainly voluntary, local archaeology group led by people such as Doctor Robert Baxter and others. These groups however, were to be almost the last of the amateur archaeologists, with changing times came new rules and regulations which saw the advent of the big, finance driven, private commercial archaeological companies. These compete, by tender, for the major development sites and their work is normally conducted behind high fenced walls. Reports on sites and finds rarely, if ever, find their way into the public domain.

The local Heritage Museum struggles to find sufficient space in which to display those artefacts it has in its collection, that it manages to do so is a credit to those volunteers who work there. Meanwhile the local Council, in its infinite wisdom, has seen fit to close forever the only other museum devoted to local history, its contents split between other repositories in the county. Another loss to the people of the Borough.

With the possible forthcoming major development north of the railway and the proposed redevelopment of the High Street one is forced to ask if any thought at all has been given to what, if anything is going to happen to the archaeological finds that undoubtedly lie beneath the area. In fact I have not seen the words Heritage or Culture mentioned anywhere in the proposals so far set forth.

What to do if you find something of archaeological interestIt depends upon what it is, if it's small and easily moved take it to the nearest museum or "expert" for identification. If it is very large, say the foundations of a building, get the expert to come to you. If it is a body, first check to make sure it is not wearing a digital watch (if it is, then send for the police) if it appears to be of a great age then inform either the nearest archaeological unit or museum or if in doubt the police, who will then pass it on to the appropriate organisation.

ALWAYS remember the 'Treasure Act', if you find several gold objects etc, you are obliged by law to declare them, this goes for archaeologists working on site as well as the general public.

ALWAYS make a note of where you found an object, it may lead to further discoveries at a later date.

When in doubt, and if practicable, then leave an object alone and get an expert to have a look at it first. Finding an artefact 'in context' is very important.

Do not be afraid to ask questions or to seek advice. There is always someone who will help.

To view a selection of online Archaeological Sites and Reports please click here.