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Guilton Grave XV

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posted on 2021-11-10, 15:12 authored by Helena HamerowHelena Hamerow
I have here assembled several relics apparently the contents of the same Tumulus but which have been carefully scattered among several gentlemen in the neighbourhood where they were found; some are now in my possession; some in the cabinet of Mr. Faussett. [...] They were discovered, anno 1771, at Ash, in Kent; and, as I apprehend, by labourers digging of sand. A Mr. Heyward of the faculty, residing in then at that place, collected them; some of which, I believe, he presented to Mr. Jacob of Faversham, through whose hands I received those which are in my possession. As no notes were taken on the spot, I am obliged to be satisfied with the information I could gather, and which I shall here set down with fidelity [...]

History

Grave title

Tumulus

Date excavated

1771

Reference

Douglas 1793

Page number

48-52

Modern description

Douglas seems to have used the term 'tumulus' for 'grave' rather than 'barrow', assuming that originally graves were always covered by barrows.The finds listed by Douglas under 'Tumulus XV' include female dress accessories and weapons, which suggests that they come from at least two graves. The Kentish composite disc brooch and at least three amethyst beads probably come from the same grave, but there is no record that would confirm this: \This jewel was in the possession of Mr. Jacob who I apprehend received it from Mr. Hayward at the time he received the other relics and wherefore I conceive it to have been the produce of the same tumulus; especially as there is an evident analogy in the contents of this and Tumulus XIV.[...]\" (Douglas 1793 48 n. *).According to Douglas (1793 52) a copper-alloy bowl and a second vessel or possibly a base to it a bucket a pair of scales a set of weights and a touchstone and an axe head were found together. The copper-alloy bowl stood on the ‘patera’ “inverted for a base” (ibid. 49). The axe head left an iron stain on the copper-alloy bowl (ibid. 50). The coins \"were found with other plain brass weights and one of lead piled one upon the other gradually lessening to the top to the number of eight\" (ibid. 51). The pair of scales and the touchstone were found close to the weights (ibid.). Roach Smith (1854 14) refers to the find in his Collectanea Antiqua."

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