Update from the Archivist

5 Jan

It has been an extremely busy period for the archive and library. Working permanently from the Society library has been an absolute delight. The wonderful collections are readily to hand, and the environment is one of serene calm and intellectual curiosity. The library has been home to the Society throughout its history, and it is an honour to be surrounded by the traditions and accomplishments of those who worked here before me.

I was privileged to welcome a fantastic team of enthusiastic and talented volunteers into the Society for the first of many gatherings. I introduced the team to the important collections and explained our aims to fully catalogue the backlog of library materials, and organise, rehouse and catalogue our vast archive. The projects have begun, and the goal is clear, but the New Year will see a significant increase in work on this front, and I am very excited for these projects to progress. We have the materials and equipment for all aspects of the library and archive projects in place. If you are interested in getting involved, do please send me an email. With your wonderful assistance, the Society’s important collections will soon be fully accessible and may turn up some fascinating stories.

I plan to provide an accompanying blog to document our journey through the work. This will highlight the progress made, the material becoming available, and any treasures which come across our path. With over 150 years of historical and archaeological research to work through, the possibilities are endless.

[fg]jpg|The Kent Archaeological Society Library|Image[/fg]

[fg]jpg|Making the most of our incredible space|Image[/fg]

We recently received an incredible donation from history enthusiast and collector Morten Kriek. Morten had acquired a title deed to Rushbourne Manor, in Canterbury, dated to 1809. The document is a fascinating record of the property, and we plan to digitise and transcribe the deed before placing it on display in the Society library.

We have also been delighted to accept archive donations from Dr Brian Philp, covering his extensive paper archive of excavations across Kent; the late Dr Paul Ashbee, a former patron of KAS, Sutton Hoo co-director and author of Kent in Prehistoric Times; Gordon Taylor, former Chairman of the Isle of Thanet Archaeological Society; and potentially a collection of Allen Grove notebooks. These collections are incredibly important to the heritage of the county, and the donations to the archive are extremely welcome. We can now ensure these collections are safely stored and, more importantly, utilised for future research and interest.

I have been encouraged by recent meetings with a variety of Kent heritage-based stakeholders from differing backgrounds, who have been working tirelessly to promote heritage in their local groups and regions. This is something I feel very strongly about, and I actively attempt to engage with as many similarly minded groups as possible. I genuinely believe that an improved network of heritage groups across Kent will not only assist in promotion but will also strengthen our causes moving forward. We are well aware of the challenges our sector faces, but we also know the huge benefits history and archaeology study can bring. This applies not just to professionals, but to all those with an interest. I urge any such groups who are involved in the heritage of Kent to reach out — we would love to work with you.

[fg]jpg|The Title Deed for Rushbourne Manor, Canterbury, 1809|Image[/fg]

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Whilst our December lecture event was unfortunately cancelled due to unforeseeable circumstances, our Zoom lectures continue to be a success, and we are delighted to have speakers booked until at least March 2026. The response to the YouTube channel remains encouraging; numbers continue to rise, and the topics of discussion continue to be varied and fascinating. Our most recent talks can be found online now:

www.youtube.com/@kentarchaeologicalsociety8317/featured

As ever, details of our archive and library collections can be found on the Kent Archaeological Society website:
www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/library
www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/archives

If you would like to be involved in the archive or library as a volunteer, or are interested in learning more about the collections, please do email me at:
craig.campbell@kentarchaeology.org.uk

All photographs courtesy of the Kent Archaeological Society, 2025.

[fg]jpg|After attending a recent meeting of the East Kent Civic Forum and Kent Federation of Amenity Societies, we were treated to an incredible guided tour of the Dover Maison Dieu|Image[/fg]