ROMAN ALTAR ON HAM COMMON.
NEGLECTED STONE WITH A HISTORY.
On the side of a road leading across Ham (Surrey) Common stands a large white stone. For years it has been seen by thousands of persons, and has attracted no special interest. Now, after careful examination of the stone, Dr. Kesteven, of Kingston, an authority on Roman history and antiquities, has come to the conclusion that it is a genuine altar as used by the Romans about 2,000 years ago.
The stone is 3 feet in height, and on the top is a depression in which were placed, it is believed, offerings to the gods. Though the stone is much worn, there are on the side traces of figures which, in Dr. Kesteven’s opinion, represent a procession of priests.
He urges that the stone, which has been neglected, should be protected by a railing.