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.

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.

Kent Archaeological Review

Although the Council for Kentish Archaeology (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, Dover.

Volunteers Wanted!

Please Contact Us to Enquire

New Publications Announcement!

You can now purchase the following booklets from our publications page at £6.00 each! You can also purchase at the Roman Painted House when we re-open in June.

All proceeds go towards further rescue work in Kent.

Excavations in the Ancient Town of Sandwich (Part 1)
Excavations in the Ancient Town of Sandwich (Part 2)
Rescue Excavations in West Kent
The Discovery of a Roman Settlement in the Centre of Gravesend, Kent
Prehistoric Sites on the Kent M25 Motorway

Notices and Upcoming Events

SPECIAL EVENT

C.B.A. FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY - SUNDAY 1ST AUGUST 2021 10.00AM - 4.30PM

THE LONG-LOST ROMAN TOWN OF NOVIOMAGUS IN WEST WICKHAM

LOCATION: CROFTON ROMAN VILLA, CROFTON ROAD, ORPINGTON (BROMLEY BOROUGH)

A celebration to launch a new publication about the discovery of this Roman Town, sought for over 400 years.

The Director of Excavations will give a talk about the discoveries at 11am and 3.00pm including a few special finds from the site.

Modest entry charges apply and signed copies of the book at the price of £6.00 will be available.

Crofton Roman Villa, Orpington Notices

We are pleased to announce that subject to Government changes, the Crofton Roman Villa will re-open on:

Tuesday 20th July from 10am - 3pm

Opening Times for 2021 until end of October:

Tuesdays and Fridays 10am - 3pm

Roman Painted House, Dover Notices

We are pleased to announce that subject to Government changes, The Roman Painted House in Dover will also re-open on:

Tuesday 20 July 2021 from 10am - 4.30pm.

Opening Times for 2021 until 19th September:

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday each week

10am - 4.30pm.

Last entry at 4pm.

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.