by Phil Smither, Portable Antiquities Scheme, Berkshire

A lecture given to the Society on 21st September 2024

In the 1920s, J. P. Bushe-Fox carried out excavations at Richborough. He produced a number of reports, while the artefacts found on site were left in museum stores. Bushe-Fox concluded that over time Richborough was:

• An invasion and supply base AD 43-44
• A port town AD70s – 3rd century
• A triple ditch fortlet – 3rd century
• A shore fort – Late 3rd – 5th century

Phil reviewed evidence from features on the site which included timber stores, pits, wells, workers cottages. masonry buildings and their cellars and artefacts including: pottery, coins and inscriptions.

From this evidence Phil concluded that Richborough was:

• The site of the invasion landing AD 43
• Possible military site AD 43-70s
• Imperial supply port AD 70s – 150s
• Port town with new arch – AD 150s – 3rdcentury

It remains to be seen if and how Phil’s new interpretations find their way into the Kent Historic Environment Record and the notice boards explaining the site to visitors.