Page:VCH Kent 1.djvu/485

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ANCIENT EARTHWORKS

Homestead moats (class F) were usually constructed by the simple expedient of digging a deep, wide fosse around and throwing the material inwards, thus raising the island, or enclosed space, above the level of the surrounding land; occasionally we find the enclosures divided by ditches or water moats into two or more islands, and sometimes provided with additional defences much partaking of the character of works classed under G.

Homestead moats were constructed so late as the 16th or 17th century, but the majority are of far greater age; some indeed may be survivals from the days when Saxon settlers needed protection as well from raiders as from wolves and other denizens of the vast forests, scarcely less dreaded than human foes.

We have placed the low-banked, shallow-ditched enclosures under class H, as 'ancient village sites,' but do not commit ourselves to the positive assertion that such was their purpose.

Various works of doubtful origin and uncertain purpose are placed in class X, where will also be found reference to the unique earthworks at Lesnes (Erith), to the puzzling remains known as Castle Toll (Newenden), and to some later defensive works.

Mr. T. V. Holmes contributes the fullest account of the mysterious 'Deneholes' which has appeared, and Mr. F. C. J. Spurrell describes the 'Embankments of the Thames,' a subject of which he has made a special study.

The Rev. H. L. Beardmore of Ripple has kindly devoted time to the examination of various reputed camp sites; Mr. F. C. J. Spurrell, Mr. Harold Sands, Mr. George CHnch, and Mr. J. H. Allchin of Maidstone Museum, have afforded information through their published works or private letters; Captain A. M. Henniker, R.E., has examined sites of camps near Canterbury; and Mr. W. H. St. John Hope has made valuable suggestions. Thanks are due to these gentlemen, and especially to Colonel O. E. Ruck, R.E., for plans of works unrecorded in the Ordnance maps and for many a journey made at the writer's request, journeys which sometimes resulted in the discovery that the 'camp' described and pictured by some old writer was but an antiquary's dream! Needless to say, ample use has been made of Mr. George Payne's laboriously compiled schedule.[1]

Although some fragments of earthwork enclosures and of homestead moats are not included in the following pages, it is nevertheless hoped that no remnant of importance is omitted.

HILL FORTS, ETC.

[Class B]

Bigbury. — See Harbledown.

Charlton, near Woolwich: The Camp. — The hill of sand and marl on which this camp stood has been and is being so extensively

  1. Archæological Survey of Kent. Arch. (1889), li.

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