Historic Buildings Research Group Historic Buildings Research Group

The Old House Project, Boxley Abbey

A playlist of some of the videos from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) Old House Project working party at Boxley Abbey; a project in association with the KAS, Maidstone Area Archaeological Group (MAAG), and Hastings Area Archaeological Research Group (HAARG).

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Historic Buildings Research Group Historic Buildings Research Group

Sharing conservation skills at historic Kent buildings

For a week in July 2022, 98 volunteers, specialists and staff of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) gathered to help at the Old House Project, and neighbouring Boxley Abbey in Kent.

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KAS KAS

Beauchief Wreck Divers

A group from neighbouring Sussex are trying to name unknown wrecks around Beachy Head and film as many as we can when weather and visibility allows before they disappear forever.

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KAS KAS

Smarden v Napoleon

In this film we go back over 200 years to follow the fortunes of three Smarden men who enlisted to fight the French in Spain, Portugal and at the Battle of Waterloo.

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KAS KAS

A Disorderly Parish

In 1688 the Reverend Richard Rands described Smarden as "A Disorderly Parish" so this film explores some of the more notable transgressions which have taken place in our village, ranging from treason and murder to affrays of various kinds.

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KAS KAS

The Lion from the West

The life story of John Sella Martin, a man born into poverty and slavery, who became a Baptist minister and a forceful proponent of abolition. In Britain his powerful oratory attracted huge crowds who came to hear him speak during the American Civil War. He spoke in Smarden in 1863.

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KAS KAS

Wartime Memories of Smarden

The Rathbone family lived in Smarden at Hegg Hill during World War Two. This film is based on the fascinating memoir written by Lettice Rathbone for the Women's Institute and covers events such as the army coming back from Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain and how the village prepared for invasion. Her sister Marion also wrote about village life in WW2 which you can read here.

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KAS KAS

The Story of Smarden’s Shops

To celebrate the opening of Smarden's new Community Store and Post Office, this is the story of our village shops, Post Office and shopkeepers over the past 600 years.

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KAS KAS

Smarden’s Deadly Year

A heroic doctor, contagion, lockdown, shocking fatalities. A scenario only too familiar to us today, but this is what happened in the Kent village of Smarden 350 years ago. This is a forgotten episode in the history of a rural village that resonates strongly with us now.

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KAS KAS

The History of Smarden (part two)

Shot in 2005, this film tells the story of Smarden from early obscurity to its golden age of broadcloth and back again, as told by present-day villagers. This is the second of two videos.

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KAS KAS

The History of Smarden (part one)

This film was shot in 2005 and tells Smarden's long and eventful story, from obscurity to its golden weaving years and back again, described in the voices of its present day villagers. This is Part One of Two episodes.

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Links History & Archives Interest Group Links History & Archives Interest Group

The Vinegar Bible Conservation

Lara Meredith speaking in 2015 of her conservation of The Vinegar Bible from the Chapter Library of Rochester Cathedral.

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The Videos section of the Kent Archaeological Society website brings together a growing collection of filmed content exploring the archaeology, history, and heritage of Kent. This includes recorded lectures, conference presentations, site visits, project documentaries, and themed talks produced by the Society, its affiliates, and independent researchers. Many of these recordings originate from online events and fieldwork, covering topics from experimental archaeology to local history and major research projects, providing an accessible and engaging way to experience current work and discoveries across the county .

We invite individuals, local societies, researchers, and filmmakers to contribute video content to help expand this dynamic resource. Submissions may include recorded talks, site tours, project overviews, interviews, or documentary footage relating to Kent’s archaeology and history. Contributions hosted on platforms such as YouTube, or created as part of community, academic, or independent initiatives, are especially welcome, helping to share knowledge and interpretation with a wider audience.

Selected videos may be featured within the Society’s Videos section to support research, education, and public engagement. When submitting, please include details such as title, creator, date, a short description, and any relevant links or permissions. Our editorial team may make minor adjustments for clarity or presentation where needed. By contributing, you help build a rich and accessible visual record that captures both the practice and interpretation of archaeology and history in Kent.