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Archaeologia Cantiana -  Vol. 3  1860  page 44

On Anglo-Saxon Remains Discovered Recently in various Places in Kent
 by C. Roach Smith Esq

are found at Rochester, the heights of Chatham were covered with the tumuli of the new settlers, whose habitations at length became the nucleus of the present town. Faversham also became another Saxon town. As you are aware, the site of the cemetery which has given us these splendid specimens of goldsmith’s-work, and the swords of thanes, is yet called the Kinq’s field. That many of these localities were the sites of regal residences may be inferred from historical evidence which records them as selected for synods, councils, and witenagemots. With this important testimony, (the value of which no one better appreciates than yourself,) may, I am convinced, be coupled the information derived from archaeological researches such as those you are so well promoting; and you will admit that no trifling point has been gained, if in any way the facts we produce from the Saxon graves can be used as a comment on some passages in the ‘Codex Diplomaticus AEvi Saxonici.’

Believe me, my dear Sir,
                     Sincerely yours,
                                   C. ROACH SMITH.
Temple Place, Strood March 16th, 1861

Description of the Plates.
PLATE I.—Copper Bowl (engraved half the actual size), discovered, in 1860, by labourers digging for brick-earth, in a clay soil, north of Lullingstone, near the line of railway. A. Bottom of the Bowl, showing the arrangement of the ornamental work, portions of which yet remain. B. One of the figures on the side, full size. C,D. Studs, also from the exterior of the Bowl, full size. Most of the ornaments bear traces of a dull red enamel. E. Metal ornament (of the actual size), found with the Bowl, but apparently belonging to some other object now lost. The graduated pattern arranged cross-wise somewhat resembling the steps and shaft of a cross, occurs in the higher class of the circular fibula, and probably was copied from the Byzantine coins, upon many of which a flight of steps surmounted by a cross is of common occurrence. See also Fig. 2. Plate

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