ABOUT US
Founded in 1970 the Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit has excavated 400 sites throughout Kent. The unit continues to excavate, record, publish and protect the rich history of Kent to this day. Two of those archaeological sites are open to the public and are enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. Both sites are run by our fantastic teams of knowledgable volunteers and we are always happy to add to those teams.
If you are interested in gaining experience of working in a museum-like environment, please Contact Us.
The exposed ruins of the Crofton Roman Villa in Orpington is open to general visitors and for educational puroposes with local schools. Please visit our Crofton Roman Villa page to find out more about what we offer and to download our information for teachers leaflet.
The Roman Painted House in Dover is another site run by the Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit, which consists of extremely well preserved Roman house and portrays a facinating insight of Roman Dover. Please visit our Roman Painted House page for further information.
Notices and Upcoming Events
Crofton Roman Villa, Orpington
We are pleased to announce that we will be experimentally re-opening the Crofton Roman Villa, Orpington in a limited capacity from Tuesday 11th August.
We will be open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am - 1pm.
We have an adapted version of the Villa designed with your safety in mind and the safety of our team of volunteers. Please see our adaptations in the section below. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Villa in a safe way, whilst adhering to government guidelines. Please note that we will not be able to have on display the usual children's activities during this period.
Roman Painted House, Dover
We are pleased to announce that the Roman Painted House, Dover will be experimentally re-opening on Saturday 15th August.
We will be open every Tuesday and Saturday from 10am - 4pm.
The Painted House will be adapted to ensure the health and safety of our team and visitors.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Painted House in a safe way, whilst adhering to the government guidelines below.
COVID-19 GUIDELINES
In order to ensure your safety and the safety of our volunteers, we ask that you please:
- Wait 2 metres apart at the entry door until advised to enter
- Sanitise hands and wear a face covering where possible
- Stay 2m. apart from others at all times once inside
- Circulate in one way only, with no returning
- Avoid touching exhibits, graphics, rails or furniture
- Exit by the top door only
Our team apologies for these essential measures, rightly required by central and local Government. Thank you for your cooperation.
Why not check out our Blog?!
The KARU blog consists of both old and new articles, some taken from our Kent Archaeological Review journal, which were written by various contributors and some regarding current archaeological projects and issues.
Kent Archaeological Review
Although the CKA has ceased to function the Kent Unit holds most of the back numbers of the Kent Archaeological Review and these can be purchased from KARU (at £1 a copy, plus postage), presently only by post, but normally also from the Roman House at Dover.
Registered Charity Number: 273581