Monument record TQ 65 NE 499 - Second World War Nissen Huts and structures, West Malling

Between 1938-1945 buildings associated with the Malling Union Workhouse (TQ 65 NE 435) were owned by KCC and the site was used for miltary purposes throughout the Second World War. The chapel was demolished during this period, probably as a result of construction work on Nissen huts and possible air raid shelters or other subterranean structures. (1)

During a 2022 evaluation carried out at the site, two brick built latrines with an associated manhole or inspection pit were identified. These features were determined to date from the occupation of the site during the Second World War. A metal spoon was recovered which dated to 1940 and bore a Broad Arrow Ordnance stamp, indicating that it was former British Army equipment. (2)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2023, Land south of nos 1 and 2 Orwell Spike, West Mallking, Kent, ME19 4PB: Archaeological report on the strip, map and sample excavation (Unpublished document). SKE56102.

<2> Pre-Construct Archaeology, 2022, 5A Orwell Spike, West Malling, Kent: An Archaeological Evaluation (Unpublished document). SKE57689.