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For hundreds of thousands of years people have been
leaving traces of their lives above and below ground in
Kent.
These archaeological sites, landscapes and historic buildings
constitute the historic environment and have an important role to
play in our modern environment.
They show how Kent's towns, villages and countryside have
developed and provide reference points to the past for modern
communities.
Why is Kent's heritage important?
Kent's geographical position, in the extreme south-east of
England, and in close proximity to the European mainland, has
played a key part in determining the county's history.
From ancient trade links with Europe to its strategic military
location in the wars of the 20th century, Kent has always had a
significant role to play in British history.
Because of its history, Kent has a wealth of historical sites
that are unique to the area, which are of national importance.
What features are special to Kent?
The variety of sites in Kent is very wide, dating from the lower
Palaeolithic period (c.450,000 BC) to the present day.
The range of site types is also very large and includes iron age
hillforts, Cold War bunkers, Roman villas, cement works, airfields,
castles, water mills, fish traps, pillboxes and cemeteries.
Unique to the area are some of England's oldest human remains
from Swanscombe (c. 400,000 years old), and the county's numerous
20th century military sites.
What characterises Kent's historic landscape?
In 1999 Kent County Council commissioned
Oxford
Archaeology (link opens in a new window) to carry out a
Historic Landscape Characterisation survey.
This survey was funded by English Heritage as part of their
national programme of assisting local authorities to carry out such
assessments.
The Historic Landscape Characterisation assessment has
established a framework for future historic landscape assessment
and research activities within Kent.
It has produced both paper and digital maps which will enhance
the creation of development plans, structure planning procedures,
development control and conservation activities.
Conserving Kent's history
These irreplaceable historic remains are, however, under
constant threat. The immense pressure of development in Kent means
that it is essential to be vigilant to ensure our past is not
thrown away in the rush to the future.
Kent County Council has a particular role to play in conserving
and protecting Kent's historic remains to ensure that development
is both sustainable and sympathetic.
We work closely with
English
Heritage (link opens in a new window), neighbouring local
authorities, Kent's district councils and Medway Council, the
government's advisor on archaeological matters, commercial
archaeological contractors and local groups such as the
Kent
Archaeological Society (link opens in a new window) in our aim
to help conserve our heritage for future
generations. |