Founded in 1857, the Kent Archaeological Society is one of the oldest and largest organisations dedicated to the study, preservation, and promotion of the history and archaeology of the historic County of Kent. Its scope embraces the full breadth of human activity in the region—from prehistory to the modern period—including areas now within Greater London such as Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich and Lewisham, which remain integral to Kent’s historic landscape.

The Society exists to advance knowledge of Kent’s past through research, fieldwork, and publication. It supports archaeological investigation in all its forms, from excavation and survey to documentary and archival study, and plays an active role in recording and interpreting the county’s heritage. Through collaboration with local societies, academic institutions, and independent researchers, it fosters a wide and inclusive community of enquiry.

A central part of the Society’s work is the dissemination of knowledge. It publishes a substantial body of material, including its long-established journal Archaeologia Cantiana, as well as magazines, research papers, reports, and editions of historical records. These publications, alongside an extensive and growing digital resource of articles, images, and data, make the Society a key repository and publisher of Kentish history.

The Society actively encourages participation at all levels. It supports local archaeological and historical groups across Kent, provides guidance for contributors, and welcomes work from professional archaeologists, students, and independent researchers alike. Specialist research groups and initiatives—such as those focused on ceramics, finds recording, and documentary transcription—demonstrate its commitment to collaborative and ongoing scholarship.

Education and public engagement are central to the Society’s mission. It organises lectures, conferences, training excavations, and online talks, offering opportunities for members and the wider public to engage directly with new discoveries and current research. The Society works to inspire interest in archaeology and history in schools and communities, encouraging people of all ages to explore and understand the past.

Through its grants, bursaries, prizes, and funding programmes, the Society provides practical support for research, fieldwork, and heritage projects across the county. It also maintains important collections, contributes to the preservation and study of historic buildings and artefacts, and facilitates access to research resources, including its library and archival materials.

Today, the Kent Archaeological Society continues to build on more than a century and a half of scholarship and discovery. By bringing together professionals, volunteers, and enthusiasts, it connects past and present—ensuring that Kent’s rich and varied heritage is explored, understood, and shared for generations to come.