Brockton Farm, Charing Heath, Kent. Archaeological record in advance of and during dismantling

The Oxford Archaeological Unit (OAU) was commissioned by Kvaerner Construction Ltd (KCL) to undertake a programme of archaeological recording in advance of, and during the dismantling of the Grade II Listed farmhouse at Brockton Farm, Charing Heath, Kent (NGR: TQ 9220 4890). The study of the farmhouse has revealed a substantial portion of a 17th-century roof structure above the north range of the main two-storey block of the house with evidence for two original projecting gables to the north and an attached rear wing to the south. This roof is related to two surviving substantial 17th-century floor frames at first floor level and an eaves level ceiling frame at the western end of the northern range. A section of contemporary framed southern wall was also identified. This evidence has allowed for a fairly detailed reconstruction of a substantial 17th-century timber framed house built around a surviving brick stack with four original fireplaces (two at each level). Within the eastern section of the 17th-century roof structure, elements of a pre-17th-century gabled wing have been identified, although the extent of survival is too limited to allow for a confident attempt to be made at a reconstruction. The structural evidence for a building of relatively high status has been supported by documentary sources which would appear to indicate that Brockton Farm may in fact represent the original medieval Manor house.