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People have lived in Kent for over 400,000 years and even
today the evidence of their activities still surround
us.
Their homes and settlements, farms, places of work, business and
worship, and the means by which they defended themselves, still lie
scattered in the towns and countryside of Kent.
The county sites and monuments record (SMR) currently records
over 22,000 archaeological sites and artefacts.
Although many of these sites are highly visible, such as the
churches, cathedrals, castles and buildings that are part of our
everyday lives, much of the heritage of Kent now lies buried
beneath the ground.
Kent County Council seeks to protect the best of our past by
helping local authorities draw up development plans and strategies
that conserve Kent's heritage and by advising them on planning
applications.
Where appropriate, archaeological sites are protected within the
planning process. Where this is not appropriate sites are recorded
by archaeologists prior to any development.
You can request information from the SMR using our
online form (link opens in a new
window).
You can also view archaeological reports and aerial photographs
at the council offices. To do this you will need to
submit a request (link opens in a new
window). These services are not available if the
information is to be used for commercial
reasons. |