Castlefacts³

Kemsing Castle Bank

Has been described as a Possible Timber Castle (Motte)

There are cropmark/slight earthwork remains

Name	Kemsing Castle Bank
Alternative Names
Historic Country	Kent
Modern Authority	Kent
1974 Authority	Kent
Civil Parish	Kemsing

On the lower slopes of a slight spur at the foot of the Downs at TQ 55505874 there is a sub-circular platform measuring some 40.0m. in diameter and up to 2.5m. in height: there is no trace of a surrounding ditch. A 17th c. cottage has been set into its southern side and on its W. side there is a dry stone revetment wall probably of comparatively recent construction but containing some quite large blocks. The mound is known locally as the "Castle Bank" and thought to be the site of an adulterine castle but its present condition does not allow identification. No proper reference to it has been found although it is presumed to be the "earthwork" noted by Harrison 20 yds. (sic) to the West of Kemsing Church (F1 CFW 25-AUG-64). (PastScape)

Gatehouse Comments

The manorial history in Hasted starts only in the time of Henry II does not help with dating or possible ownership. Location, beside church, is entirely consistent with a manor house and road pattern marks out a part circular enclosure. Quite how fortified this site was in the C11/C12 is questionable but is entirely possible as a small ringwork castle and/or thegnal burh.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

Not Listed

Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)

409442

County Historic Environment Record

webapps.kent.gov.uk/KCC.ExploringKentsPast.Web.Sites.Public/SingleResult.aspx?uid=MKE234

OS Map Grid Reference	TQ555587
Latitude	51.3065414428711
Longitude	0.229479998350143
Eastings	555500
Northings	158740