series of extended lists compiled by the late Kenneth Gravett in the 1990s, which were based on the Statutory List available to him at that time. These slim volumes had a limited circulation, but may often be found in public libraries. The amount of information they give on any one building is however limited.
   The Buildings of England series was founded by Sir Nikolaus Pevsner in the 1930s. Originally they were published by Penguin Books, but Yale University has now taken over and the series covers the whole country. Most counties are covered by a single volume, but Kent has three, which are listed in Annexe 2. Each Pevsner volume gives details and a few photographs of the most significant buildings in each parish. They are generally very reliable, but be warned that they are by no means comprehensive - some historically important buildings have yet to be included.
   The Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England published an excellent Gazetteer of Medieval Houses in Kent in 1994 (see Annexe 2). This was based on a study confined strictly to medieval houses, (ie no later than 1550). Not every parish in Kent was included. Additional information on a building including photographs, may have been archived by the RCHME and will be available through the Centre for Kentish Studies at Maidstone.
   Edward Hasted’s History of Kent, (First Edition 4 volumes, 1778-1799), (Second Edition 12 volumes, 1797-1801), generally has something to say about a few principal houses in each parish. Public libraries may have a copy of the 1972 reprint of their local 2nd Edition volume. This is quite expensive even as a reprint, but a CDROM of the whole set was produced recently and may be found on the secondhand market.

3. BUILDINGS NOT DESCRIBED IN LISTS OR BOOKS

   Building owners or researchers may feel that a building merits investigation even though it is not described in a published list or book. There may be good reason to suspect the historical importance of the building, but interested individuals may feel that have insufficient knowledge of old buildings to investigate it themselves. It is always worth contacting local historical societies to see whether they can help. Contact addresses should be available through local libraries.
   Much as we would like to, the Kent Archaeological Society’s Historic Buildings Committee cannot offer a service for assessment of the age or significance of buildings. However there are knowledgeable people throughout the County who are able to give some advice on these matters and Committee will do its best to put an enquirer in touch with someone local who might be able to advise them.
   There is of course a large number of books on old buildings, both in and out of print, which will be helpful and we describe a selection of these in Annexe 3. However as the old saying goes, "there is no substitute for experience".

4. DECIDING ON A SURVEY OF A BUILDING

   Building owners or others may, as we have said, decide that some form of investigation or survey is needed. One interpretation of the word "survey" is an examination of a building in some detail, to ascertain its type, how it is constructed, what alterations have been made, the type and style of fixtures and decorations and

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