Ep 6. Smallhythe, Kent
- February 7, 1999
In Season 6 Episode 6 of Time Team, the team travels to Smallhythe, Kent, to uncover the archaeological mysteries of this small village. This area of Kent has a rich history spanning several centuries, from the Saxons to the Tudors, making it the perfect location to explore the site of a lost medieval chapel.
Smallhythe is situated on the River Rother and was once an important site for trade, with ships arriving to unload their goods on the quayside. Smallhythe was also home to a popular theatre, originally built as a barn in the late 19th century, and later converted into a theatre by actress Ellen Terry.
The Time Team arrives in Smallhythe to explore the site of a lost medieval chapel that was once located in the village. The chapel was dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and it was first mentioned in a 13th-century document. The team begins by conducting a geophysical survey of the area to locate any hidden structures or features that may be buried beneath the surface.
The survey reveals a number of potential features, including a large ditch encircling the area, as well as several rectangular and circular anomalies that could be evidence of buried buildings. The team narrows down their focus to a specific area of the site, where they begin to dig.
They soon uncover a series of walls, which they believe may be the remains of the lost chapel. As they continue to excavate, they find evidence of medieval tiles, which were once used to pave the floor of the chapel. These tiles are decorated with beautiful designs, including images of animals and mythical creatures.
The team conducts further excavations around the chapel walls, and they discover a series of pits and postholes that suggest the chapel may have been extended or modified over time. They also find evidence of a possible graveyard, with several graves containing human remains.
As the team continues to dig, they uncover a range of fascinating artefacts, including a medieval pilgrim badge, believed to have been used by pilgrims visiting the chapel. They also find a delicate silver ring, which may have belonged to one of the chapel's patrons.
Throughout the episode, the Time Team shares their expertise and insights into the history of the area, explaining the significance of the various structures and artefacts they uncover. They also work closely with local historians and residents, who provide valuable information and insights into the local history of Smallhythe and its surrounding area.
By the end of the episode, the team has uncovered a wealth of new information about the lost medieval chapel, shedding light on a fascinating chapter in the history of Smallhythe, Kent. The episode is a fascinating exploration of the rich and varied history of this small village, and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our heritage for future generations.
