Coffin Stone

The Enigma of the Coffin Stone

Imagine standing before a massive stone, one that has witnessed centuries of history and change. The Coffin Stone, located at the foot of Blue Bell Hill in Kent, England, is such a monument. Measuring 4.42 meters in length and 2.59 meters in breadth, this sarsen stone lies horizontally on the ground, its story waiting to be unraveled.

The Stone’s Past

Archaeologists believe that the Coffin Stone may have once stood upright as part of a now-destroyed chambered long barrow. This structure was constructed during Britain’s Early Neolithic period, around 4500-3800 BCE. The stone is one of several examples found near the River Medway, known as the Megathliths, which were built by pastoralist communities shortly after agriculture was introduced to Britain from continental Europe.

Excavations and Discoveries

The site has a rich history. In 1830s, human bones were reported nearby, leading to an archaeological excavation led by Paul Garwood in 2008-09. The findings revealed that the stone had been placed in its current location during the 15th or 16th centuries.

The Coffin Stone is located near Little Kit’s Coty House and the Tottington springhead, now part of a vineyard. It provides insight into the Early Neolithic period in Britain, a time when communities adopted agriculture, leading to monumental structures like chambered long barrows.

The Medway Megaliths

Chambered long barrows were built along Western Europe’s seaboard from southeastern Spain to southern Sweden. The architectural tradition marked humanity’s first widespread use of stone in construction. In Britain, the Megathliths are a group of megalithic monuments along the River Medway, constructed using sarsen sandstone and having internal heights up to 3 meters.

The builders were influenced by pre-existing tomb-shrines, with possible origins from various regions. The Coffin Stone is believed to be the remnant of a destroyed chambered long barrow, with no clear evidence found during archaeological investigations in the 2000s.

Historical References

The site has been noted by several antiquarians over the years. William Stukeley first mentioned it in his book Itinerarium Curiosum in 1776, and it was described by John Thorpe and Beale Poste. The stone was also known as ‘The Table Stone’ and featured a spindly tree growing from around it.

A large sarsen slab was placed on top of the Coffin Stone at some point in the twentieth century, and human remains were discovered near the site in 1838 or 1839. William Coles Finch included a plate of the Coffin Stone in his book In Kentish Pilgrimland in 1927, noting plough damage and breakages.

The Legacy of the Coffin Stone

The Coffin Stone stands as a testament to Britain’s rich prehistoric past. It is a key example of the Medway Megaliths and provides insight into the Early Neolithic period, a time when communities adopted agriculture and constructed monumental structures like chambered long barrows.

The stone’s history is intertwined with local legends and archaeological discoveries, making it a fascinating subject for both historians and enthusiasts. As we continue to explore its past, the Coffin Stone remains a mysterious and intriguing piece of our shared heritage.

The Coffin Stone is more than just a large sarsen stone; it’s a window into the past, a silent witness to centuries of history. As we continue to uncover its secrets, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of our ancestors and their remarkable achievements.