Kent Archives and Local History Service presents a talk by Andrew Mayfield (Kent County Council Community Archaeologist).
Opposite the lake in Mote Park, Maidstone now sits Mote House, built in approximately 1800. However, prior to this house, there was another house, ‘Old Mote House’ - which stood at the bottom of the Long Valley. Today nothing of the old house remains, however sketches and paintings of the time show that it was a grand and sizeable complex of buildings.
‘The Moat [sic] in Kent, the seat of Lord Romney’ by W Watts. Reference Kent Archive Ims KHLC-IMG/PR/1/MAI/18
The Mote Park 'Hidden Histories' project involves a long-term study of the site where the old house once stood. For the past four years a team of archaeologists, volunteers, school children and the public have been investigating the remains of Old Mote House. This illustrated talk will summarise their findings and showcase some of their discoveries!
Andrew Mayfield is a Community Archaeologist. He works for the KCC Heritage Conservation Team, and also for the Royal Parks at Greenwich Park. In 2022,Andrew won the Community Archaeologist of the Year award, a recognition that honours an individual who has inspired others to share their love of archaeology and promote the heritage of their local area.
One of the discoveries of the project: a previously unknown wall from an earlier phase of Old Mote House.
A German stoneware pot sherd. Bellarmine are a nickname for the pottery type. Both photographs from the Mote Park Hidden Histories Project.
For further information and to reserve a seat, ring 03000 420673 or email archives@kent.gov.uk
