xlvili Proceedings. 
party. Mr. Holmes explained the position and extent of the 
excavations, and their probable use as store-houses or places of 
refuge, and gave reasons against their being simply ancient 
chalk-pits or flint workings, as has been from time to time 
asserted. Their age is uncertain, though it is probable, as their 
name suggests, that they were used as shelters in the time of 
the Danish invasions in the eighth and ninth centuries. They 
are possibly, however, of a much earlier date, tradition taking 
them back to Roman or Pre-Roman times. 
After spending a couple of hours in exploring the pits, the 
members were invited by Mr. Seabrooke to tea at his house, and 
the remaining time was spent in rambling about his garden and 
interesting grounds. 
A vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Seabrooke was proposed by 
Mr. Moore for their kindness and hospitality, and the members 
returned to town after a pleasant day. 
June 16th.—Botanical. Farthing Downs. 
July 16th.—Hayes, Keston, and Holwood Park. Conductor, 
Dr. Franklin Parsons, F.G.S. 
July 21st.—Botanical. Hayes Common. Conductor, Dr: 
Franklin Parsons, F.G.S. 
August 1st, Bank Holiday (whole day).—Wrotham, for Ightham 
Mote and Tonbridge. Conductor, Mr. G. W. Moore. 
As on a previous excursion to this neighbourhood, train was 
taken from Beckenham Junction to Wrotham, whence the party, 
to the number of about ten, walked to Ightham, visiting Ightham 
Church on the way. This church is old, dating from the twelfth 
century, and very interesting, but not much time was available. 
It contains several old brasses. Passing through Ightham 
village, the route followed was through Ivy Hatch, whence the 
road descended through an exceedingly pretty high banked lane 
by the side of the gardens of the Mote to the entrance. Per- 
mission had been obtained from T. C. Collyer Fergusson, Esq., 
to visit the house, and though there was not much time, owing 
to the gardener who showed the party round having to attend a 
local flower show, the place was found exceedingly interesting. 
The house is probably the best remaining example of one of 
the old moated and partially fortified houses formerly existing in 
the country. From all accounts the original building dates 
back to just before 1200, and some remains of this are found in 
the offices. Originally built by Sir Ivo de Haut, the house 
passed later into the hands of Sir Robt. Brackenbury, but was 
restored to the De Haut family by Henry VII. 
