This site represents open ground within a multi-period settlement that originated as a Roman roadside town (likely *Noviomagus*-associated traffic, or more probably Crayford, identified by some with the *Noviomagus* of the Antonine Itinerary, though that is more securely placed at West Wickham). Activity spans the Roman period (1st–4th centuries AD), Anglo-Saxon reoccupation (5th–10th centuries — Crayford being the site of the AD 457 battle recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle), and the medieval town. The "open areas" designation reflects backland, yard, and undeveloped plots within the settlement footprint rather than built-up frontages.
Source: Pleiades — A Community-Built Gazetteer and Graph of Ancient Places. View the Pleiades record →
The settlement's importance lay in its position on Watling Street at the crossing of the River Cray (or Darent), serving as a minor roadside *vicus* providing services to traffic between Londinium and Durovernum (Canterbury). It is one of a chain of small civilian nucleations along this major route, with continuity of occupation that makes it significant for studying Romano-British to Anglo-Saxon transition in north-west Kent.
Excavations in the Crayford/Dartford area have recovered Roman pottery, co
This site represents open ground within a multi-period settlement that originated as a Roman roadside town (likely *Noviomagus*-associated traffic, or more probably Crayford, identified by some with the *Noviomagus* of the Antonine Itinerary, though that is more securely placed at West Wickham). It is recorded in the Pleiades gazetteer of ancient places as a site site from the Roman period in Britain.
Open areas within Roman, Saxon and medieval town is classified as a Roman site — a civilian site in the Pleiades ancient world gazetteer. Roman Britain's archaeology encompasses thousands of sites ranging from legionary fortresses and marching camps to villas, temples and towns.
Several Roman sites lie within a short distance, including Durobrivae (0.3 km), Romano-British villa and 19th century reservoir in Cobham Park (6.1 km), Roman villa 200m north of church (7.2 km). Aubrey Research maps over 2,200 Roman sites across Britain, drawn from the Pleiades ancient world gazetteer.
Aubrey Research generates detailed historical reports for any location in Britain, incorporating Roman heritage, Domesday Book records, scheduled monument data, archaeological finds and much more. Enter a nearby address to begin.
Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in Britain — drawing on Roman heritage, Domesday records, scheduled monument data, archaeological finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.
Research the area around Open areas within Roman, Saxon and medieval town