OLD KENT STONES AND BONES
THE ADDINGTON NEOLITHS
THE ADDINGTON LONGBARROW
Map Ref: TQ 653.591
Lying just a matter of a few yards away from each other, these ancient barrows are found to the west of the village of Addington which is around seven miles from Maidstone and only a mile or so away from “The Coldrums”.
Both barrows are set within private grounds but the fallen chamber of the “Addington Longbarrow” may be seen from the roadside. The chamber together with its capstones which lie at the eastern end of the barrow, collapsed as a result of an excavation carried out in 1845 by the local vicar. And the reason why you can view the fallen chamber from the roadside happens to be quite a simple one…It’s because the road runs right through it! Appearing hell-bent on discouraging or eradicating so-called pagan sites, the barrow mound unfortunately was split in two by the intolerance of yesteryear.
A Peristalith stone
Photo © G.Tucker
At least a couple of dozen stones can still be seen today and now lie scattered around the well-weathered mound. Consisting of sand that’s found in abundance nearby, the mound at one time was much higher and it’s believed that the surrounding stones numbering at least fifty would have formed a peristalith. As to what happened to them…well your guess is as good as mine. I certainly wouldn’t like to think they were broken up and used as hard core for the road!
THE CHESTNUTS
Map Ref: TQ 652.592
The Chestnuts
Photo © G.Tucker
The larger of the two monuments, this chambered long barrow lies roughly a hundred yards or so in a north-easterly direction from the other barrow. The mound of sand has all but disappeared and although some of the sarsens are badly eroded, it appears to have survived in better condition than its next-door neighbour. Aligning on the Winter Solstice, this is one of Kent’s finest barrows and includes some really impressive uprights…some of which were probably chosen deliberately for their interesting pyramidal shapes…
Photo © G.Tucker
Photo © G.Tucker
Twelve large sarsens remain at the eastern end of the barrow, including one fallen capstone that’s estimated to weigh something in the region of fourteen to fifteen tons. Four large uprights form the outer facade whilst another four help to form the central chamber. Sitting astride a major meeting of leys crossing each other, “The Chestnuts” are charged with an energy that presents a great opportunity for dowsing.
Whilst some bones were believed to have been unearthed at the other barrow nearby, an excavation in ’57 at “The Chestnuts” revealed traces of cremated bones of at least nine people. Some artefacts were also found that were all of a Neolithic and Early Bronze Age fabric. Consisting mostly of pot fragments and shards, these finds may now be viewed in Maidstone Museum.
Both sites are on private property, but visitors are welcome to view the stones for a small charge. In order to avoid disappointment you’re best advised to make an appointment in advance. Contact Mrs J. E. Bygrave on 01732 84022.
ADDINGTON PARK
Close by is Addington Park which spreads itself over thirty seven acres. Within this idyllic setting there once stood a fine old manor house, that was demolished I believe due to fire damage soon after the 2nd WW. For the past fifty years or so the land has been owned by the Seekers Trust and is now quite renowned as a spiritual healing centre.
Of special interest within the heart of the centre is a large rose garden that’s set out in the shape of a seven pointed star. Seven is the number of spirit and revelation and this beautiful walled garden serves as an ideal place for peaceful contemplation.
Along its many paths the wooded parkland offers many fine walks where you can simply be at one with nature. In one particular area some old stones have been gathered which at one time I feel might have been part of some ancient monument or such.
Photo © G.Tucker
Containing some of Kent’s most ancient antiquities the nearby village of Addington continues to be one of the oldest inhabited places in Kent (or for that matter I guess within the UK). And set at some distance away from the village but just over the road from the barrows is the centuries old church of St Margaret of Antioch. Although somewhat screened by trees, it lies back off the road and rests upon quite a stark and impressive mound.
© G.Tucker 2007