FROM the dawn of time up to the Anglo-Saxon era, Kent’s fascinating history is laid bare in a new book.

The Archaeology of Kent to AD800 explores the past as revealed by the finds from archaeological digs – from the very first recorded dig in 1542 up to the latest discoveries during the construction of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.

The book was edited by Kent County Council’s head of heritage conservation, John Williams, with contributions from some of the county’s leading experts.

Mr Williams, who joined KCC in 1989, was the county’s first appointed county archaeologist.

He had previously headed the archaeology unit at Lancaster University for five years. Mr Williams said the book had been something of a labour of love for him.

He said: "It’s taken a long time, but to see it all come together is very satisfying.

"There’s been quite a lot of development on Kent in recent years, which has given us the evidence to expand and build upon what we previously knew about Kent’s rich past. It’s a fascinating story and a very exciting time."

Full colour illustrations take the reader on a journey from the ancient barrows at Kits Coty, near Maidstone, through the Roman villa remains at Thurnham, to the evidence of early English settlements unveiled by the rail link.

The book has a foreword from Lord Bruce Lockhart, the chairman of English Heritage and former leader of Kent County Council.

He said: "This book makes us realise that Kent has a heritage to be proud of, to celebrate and cherish, as we move forward into the 21st century."

The book is available by sending a cheque for £25 made payable to Kent County Council, to KCC Publications, Invicta House, Maidstone, ME14 1XX. Copies are also available from the Centre for Kentish Studies at County Hall.

The book is printed by Boydell Press, ISSN 1352-805X.