Anglo-Saxons 1: Dover Hill

Anglo-Saxons 1a Photo ref 6 Album 24 FEVE650 Photographs of the Anglo-Saxon Site Dover Hill Folkestone 1907 600dpi

What’s been found on Dover Hill, Folkestone? What clues can you see in the picture? When do you think this photo was taken?

The photo was taken in 1907, over 100 years ago.

The road at Dover Hill, Folkestone has been widened and the workmen have discovered some ancient graves.

Mr A E Nichols, the Borough Engineer leads an archaeological dig which uncovers 40 skeletons (part of a larger cemetery), and lots of interesting grave goods (important objects buried with them).

News quickly spreads and crowds of excited people arrive to see what’s been found. Many walk up the hill from Folkestone, while others arrive on their bicycles.

Anglo-Saxons 1b - Photo ref 31 Album 24 FEVE650 Photographs of the Anglo-Saxon Site Dover Hill Folkestone 1907 (27) 600dpi

What’s the grave number? What else can you see?

Anglo-Saxons 1c - Photo ref 2 Album 24 FEVE650 Photographs of the Anglo-Saxon Site Dover Hill Folkestone 1907 close up

What’s this? Zoom in to investigate it in close-up detail

This archaeological site plan shows the positions of all the graves (numbered 1 to 40) excavated at the Dover Hill Anglo-Saxon cemetery.

It was completed in 1907 once all the graves had been excavated.

The position of Dover Hill (the busy road to Dover from Folkestone) is shown at the bottom of the plan.

There is also a scale so you can work out how big the site is and a compass showing which way is north.

Anglo-Saxons 1d - Photo ref Alb. 24 FEVE650 Anglo-Saxon Site Dover Hill Folkestone 1907 (Postcard) Burgess 600dpi

How many graves can you see? Can you spot Mr Nichols, the Borough Engineer?

Explore the rest of the topic:

Discover a Dover Hill skeleton now on display in Folkestone Museum

See important finds from this site and find out what they help us learn about life in the Folkestone area in Anglo-Saxon times.

Image credit: Courtesy of Kent County Council (Folkestone Library)