Historic environment projects

The Heritage Conservation Group manages a number of archaeological projects designed to conserve or promote the historic environment of Kent.

Conservation programme at Thurnham Castle

Thurnham Castle is a medieval castle located on the North Downs. The site has remains of a flint gatehouse with two surviving curtain walls partially surrounding a flat area known as a bailey.

There is a large mound to the east with traces of possible flint towers on top and surrounded by a large ditch. The site is a scheduled monument, but was considered to be "at risk" and was acquired by Kent County Council.

As part of the White Horse Millennium Wood and Country Park Project, the site has been gradually cleared of scrub and small trees exposing flint walls and further archaeological remains.

The complex has been archaeologically surveyed and the flint walls have been recorded and repaired.

Far more of the medieval remains survive than previously hoped and it is now possible to appreciate the historic and strategic importance of this site.

The project is supported financially by the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage, Maidstone Borough Council and Thurnham Parish Council.