About ODAS

Orpington and District Archaeological Society (ODAS) is an active local archaeology volunteer group with a field headquarters at Scadbury Park, Chislehurst. Members are all volunteers.

The Society promotes the study of archaeology in the local area by undertaking excavations, carrying out research and encouraging public interest through meetings and visits.

Where We Work

This society normally operates in the Upper Cray Valley in the London Borough of
Bromley, in an area bounded by the A222 on the west; the A21 on the south; the LBB boundary on the east; and the LBB boundary (which runs along the B2173 – old A20 to Ruxley Corner, then along the Sidcup bypass as far as the A222) to the north.

The Society’s History

ODAS was founded in February 1975 by a group of local enthusiasts who, having helped the Curator of the Bromley Museum excavate the Roman Bath House and Anglo-Saxon cemetery in St. Mary Cray, realised the importance of investigation and recording of archaeology in the Upper Cray Valley.

Excavation

Roman Jar

Roman Jar

There is recorded evidence of man’s presence in the River Cray valley from Palaeolithic times, and since its foundation ODAS has undertaken numerous excavations in the the area. It has uncovered a Roman corn drier, a Saxon sunken hut associated with a Roman ditch, and a Roman trackway and ditch complex.

In 1986 the Society embarked on a long term excavation of the Medieval moated manor at Scadbury Park, Chislehurst. One of the aims of the excavation is to find evidence of earlier occupation of the site. A number of publications give details of the work we have done there.

Projects

The Society undertakes a number of projects, the most important of which is the Upper Cray Valley Project. This research project has involved identifying records of all the sites and finds reported in the Upper Cray Valley and then listing them by period. The first five parts of this project from Palaeolithic to Medieval periods have been published and details are available from the Publications page.

Processing and Research

In addition to excavation the Society carries out field surveys, documentary research and post excavation finds processing in preparation for publication. The Society also maintains a close relationship with the Bromley Museum.