Historic monument in Canterbury at risk of being lost forever
A historic monument in Canterbury has been added to a list of buildings at risk of being lost. Dane John Mound is a prominent feature in the Dane John Gardens but due to the number of visitors, ‘significant’ problems have been identified by Historic England.
It is believed the site was originally a Roman cemetery, before being converted to a motte-and-bailey castle in the 11th century under William the Conqueror’s rule, following the Norman invasion of 1066. It was then turned into a civic park between 1790 and 1803.
The medieval site is one of 15 sites across the South East that have been added to the register this year because of concerns about their condition. It reads on Historic England’s website: “They are at risk of being lost forever as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.”
Over the years, erosion has taken its toll on the monument, Historic England stated. It added: “Canterbury City Council is working on plans to protect and restore the scheduled monument.”
The monument is within the bounds of a Grade II registered park and garden. The Dane John Mound Pinnacle, Sundial, Memorial to Christopher Marlowe, and the Invicta Engine set on a plinth within the Dane John Gardens are Grade II listed.
Perched on top of the Dane John mound, is the Simmons memorial, constructed in 1790 to commemorate the generosity of alderman James Simmons. He was also responsible for the purchase and landscaping of the Dane John Gardens.
It reads on the Historic England’s website: “In 1790 the ‘Dane John Land’ was made over to Alderman James Simmons, who undertook to ‘level the land called Dane John except for the great hill there’ and landscape the entire area, at which time the mound was enlarged to its present dimensions.”
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References
- ^ Inside the ‘enchanting’ and characterful Kent Cottage retreat now on the market (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ Huge Herne Bay station changes to start this month and what they mean for commuters (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ HERE. (data.reachplc.com)