Archaeology
The Palace & Becket’s Well
The Palace & Becket’s Well
A great tower revealed and a Holy Well
In 1974 a local builder tried to erect infill housing along Bubblestone Road which would have covered over much of the site of the ancient manor house and palace. The Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit were able (in the nick of time) to perform an emergency dig. Such was the quality and importance of what was discovered that building work was stopped and the land purchased for posterity. Today the ruins remain protected for future generations and against future damage. The KARU recorded their excavation details, and then returned the land to a grassed over ‘green field’ site. For more information on the Archbishop’s Palace, click here.
According to folklore, Becket’s Well is alleged to have been created by Thomas Becket striking his staff at this spot. In Tudor times, it was the main source of fresh water to the palace and its moat. At that time, the well was contained within its own structure. As a Medieval culvert created on the spring line where Gault clay meets the chalk ridge, it still continues to provide a continual source of fresh water, today. Further archaeological study is planned and a degree of re-construction is intended to reduce further decay.
‘Mystical’ Becket’s Well in the 1920s
Becket’s staff striking the ground, creating his miraculous well
At one time a hop field surrounded the well
Becket’s Well, the chamber
Becket’s Well in the 1970s
Mid-excavation to save the well in the 1950s
Two ‘romantic’ views, 1912-22
Thomas Becket, medieval stained glass at Canterbury
ODHS at Becket’s Well
Archaeologists busy at work during the 1950’s rescue excavation
Along with much else the Tudor garderobes (toilets) were uncovered in the rescue dig of 1974.
The Bronze Age Mount
Their memory lives on
The Bronze Age Mount
Iron-Age Hill Fort
A great hill-fort overlooking the valley
Iron-Age Hill Fort
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The Romano British Cemetery
The Roman way of death
The Romano British Cemetery
Progress Villa
Unearthing a Roman farm
Progress Villa
The Pottery Field
Discvery of local industry
The Pottery Field
The Palace & Becket's Well
A palace and a holy well
The Palace & Becket's Well
Church Field Villa
One of the earliest British centres of Christian worship
Church Field Villa
The Bronze Age Mount
Their memory lives on
The Bronze Age Mount
.
The Romano British Cemetery
The Roman way of death
The Romano British Cemetry
Progress Villa
Unearthing a Roman farm
Progress Villa
Pottery Field
Discvery of local industry
Pottery Field
The Palace & Becket's Well
A palace and a holy well
The Palace & Becket's Well
Church Field Villa
One of the earliest British centres of Christian worship
Church Field Villa
