Archaeologia Cantiana Vol. 88 1973 page 140

significant that part of a Purbeck marble base of late-twelfth- or early-thirteenth-century form was found in the digging close by (Fig. 4, no. 3). To the right of the fireplace an opening occurs suggesting a doorway into the east range. It is blocked by post-Dissolution chalk rubble on the east and across the west side the base of a thin wall was excavated, proving that this was not in fact a doorway but a deep recess once accessible from the dormitory undercroft. The floor of the recess was paved with square green and yellow tiles. THE WEST RANGE Two trenches excavated in the lawn confirmed the correctness of Elliston-Erwood's siting of this range. Along the west side was a gully bordered by rough unmortared blocks of stone, intended to catch water dripping from the eaves. Beyond this, little can be added to our knowledge of the lay brothers' quarters apart from what may be inferred from better preserved remains elsewhere. Their dormitory was on the first floor with their refectory beneath, part of the lower storey also containing an outer parlour communicating between the cloister and the court to the west. Possibly at Boxley the doorway at the north end, still to be traced by one jamb remaining against the south wall of the church, formed the entrance to the parlour. Entrance to the lay brothers' quire in the western part of the nave was gained		through the existing round-headed doorway in the south aisle. The kitchen, serving both the monks' refectory and that of the lay brothers, could have been conveniently sited in the south end of this range. Whether the range continued southward beyond the extent shown in our plan is uncertain. There was undoubtedly a cross-wall in the position indicated, as signs of an arched opening set in an east-west alignment appear inside the east wall. A plan of 1801 (Appendix III) indicates an extension to the south but this may have been a post-Dissolution addition as are many of the walls comprising the complex of outbuildings remaining in this area. Within the present house there is a substantial section of medieval wall containing a two-centred arched doorway and formerly there were indications of three blocked lancet windows.¹⁶ Between the house and the church the footings of a thin rubble wall were traced approximately at right-angles to the west range. It did not join that building and its age and purpose remain uncertain. Across it was a length of lead pipe'¹⁷most likely related to the former water supply of the post-Dissolution house. ¹⁶ Arch. Cant., xv (1883), xli. ¹⁷ The internal diameter is 2 in., the lead being 0.2 in. thick. A keel-shaped join runs along one side.
Page 140 (This page prepared for the Website by Ted Connell)

This website is constructed by enthusiastic amateurs. Any errors noticed by other researchers will be to gratefully received so
that we can amend our pages to give an accurate record as possible. Please send details too research@kentarchaeology.org.uk