The Romano-British religious centre of Vagniacis at Springhead, Kent, and the settling of the Ebbsfleet Valley

With contributions from Phil Andrews

ROMAN SECRETS REVEALED IN A NEW BOOK!

South of Northfleet, occupants of vehicles whizzing along the A2, past the Millbrook Garden Centre on one side and Springhead Nurseries on the other, can have no idea that they are passing over the buried remains of a Romano-British religious centre. Not only that, but one with the largest number of temples ever found in Britain.

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Established around the head of the Ebbsfleet stream and existing for at least 300 years from the mid-1st century AD, it was the heart of a vibrant settlement and a likely marketplace for the country around, having agriculture, industry and commerce. Lived in by several hundred people, increased by the arrival of worshippers and travellers, it was on the strategic main Roman road from the Channel ports to London and deep into the interior of the province of Britannia beyond. There was even a short-lived fort. From the springs at Springhead, which gave the site its present name, the Ebbsfleet flowed downstream, past an important Romano-British ale and malt factory and villa at its side, and on into the Thames. The complex at Springhead was called Vagniacis, meaning at, or close to a marshy area or water, fitting with its stream-side setting.

But the story of settlement in the Ebbsfleet valley and surrounding area began in the distant past, from the flint-tool era of prehistory, through the Bronze and Iron Ages and, via the Roman occupation, to the Saxons, ending in the 8th century AD. All this is in the new book.

Following some earlier investigations, the journey of discovery began seriously with an epic sequence of archaeological excavations carried out from the 1950s by the Gravesend Historical Society, then later by the Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit and by Wessex and Oxford Archaeology, prior to the construction through parts of the site of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and the High-Speed line. An astonishing layout of buildings and roads at Springhead as well as cemeteries, with other features along the Ebbsfleet, revealed a story of life, activity and death through the passage of time.

Author Victor Smith said:

‘The sad reality is that there is absolutely nothing to see on the ground. It’s under the fields, the A2, the garden centre and the nurseries, as well as some residue at the side of the Ebbsfleet. These discoveries are of national significance and really need to be remembered and promoted. Hopefully the book will help to keep the memory alive and lead to further investigations for which there is scope. There needs to be information boards for foot visitors to the area, including at the side of footpaths.’

Some archaeological finds from Springhead may be seen in the Milton Chantry Heritage Centre in Gravesend and in a showcase near pay desks of the Millbrook Garden Centre.

The richly illustrated new A4 size 44-page book, published by the Gravesend Historical Society, succeeds one it produced 22 years ago but which is now out of print. It provides an updated account based on the published findings of the many investigations over the decades. Its centre-page spread is an impressive painted aerial view of Springhead in c. AD 200 by heritage artist James Elford. Written by Victor Smith and Phil Andrews, this publication is entitled The Romano-British Religious Centre of VAGNIACIS at Springhead, Kent and the settling of the Ebbsfleet Valley (2025).

Enquiries to Mrs. Sandra Soder, Hon. Sec. of the Society, at

sandrasoder@yahoo.co.uk
01474 363998

The Kent Archaeological Society Library was recently gifted a copy of the book, published by the Gravesend Historical Society and deposited in line with the Allen Grove Fund Grant conditions, of which the Gravesend Historical Society were a recent recipient.

This beautifully illustrated 44-page book explores one of the most enigmatic Romano-British sites in Europe, investigating aspects of the domestic, economic and ritual importance of the region. This revised account includes much new information and offers a tantalising account of the settling of the Ebbsfleet Valley.

Victor Smith excavated at Springhead at just age 13 with the Gravesend Historical Society. He went on to become site supervisor and assistant director during excavations in the 1960s. During the 1990s, he continued this work, searching for the Roman road at Springhead. Thanks to this long and thorough interest and investigation of the area, his understanding and description of the landscape is unrivalled.

The book is available now.

www.ghs.org.uk/contact_us.html

Details of the Allen Grove Fund can be found on the KAS website:
www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/grants/allen-grove-local-history-fund

[fg]jpg|Painted aerial view of Springhead in c. AD 200 by artist James Elford|Image[/fg]