An archaeological excavation was carried out at Barton Mill in 2005. This followed earlier evaluation of the site, also in 2004, by Canterbury Archaeological Trust (2)

The evaluation was undertaken in May 2004 and comprised of ten trial trenches each 6m and 10m in length and approc 2m wide with trench 8 coming to 4m wide. Subsequently in 2005 an excavation addressed two areas focused on trenches 1, 4 and 5. Trenches 6-10 in the northern area of the site, found no significant archaeological deposits.

Trench 1 revealed potential evidence for the remnant of an ancient land surface below the alluvium with associated flintwork of early Neolithic date (see TR 15 NE 1802). Trench 4 revealed a number of early Roman features including a ditch, pits and postholes, possibly representing a structure. However, since no further evidence was found in trenches 3 and 5 the extent of these features are likely to be limited.

Roman and probable Roman features at the site included a linear cut aligned NW-SE measuring over 1m in width and 0.5m in depth. Two intercutting pits measuring 1.6-2m in length, 1-2m in width, and 0.7-0.9m in depth were associated with the linear cut. Finds associated with these features comprised flint-tempered potsherds, struck and fire-cracked flints, animal bone, and Roman tile fragments. 3 other pits and 2 post-holes were also identified in this area of the site, however, these features remain unexcavated. Several features at the site were only partially excavated, therefore their function was undetermined. These included a feature measuring around 0.45m in depth with a concave base, and no artefactual evidence. (1, 2)

Although no features of definitive archaeological significane were identified within area 1, part of a large north to south aligned palaeochannel was recorded. The channel remains undated however with the only find being an undated piece of worked flint, which is considered to be redeposited. It is possible that the channel itself gradually infilled during the Roman period with the increased silting of the Stour associated with sea level rise.

Finds include a flint assemblage including a small number of worked burnt pieces, which can be used to indicate small-scale flint working and other activites that took place near to hearths or fires in trench 1. Along with the Roman finds in Trench 4 (Area 2) including one pit, three postholes and four ditches. Suggesting activity from a small-scale Romano-British settlement/farmstead along the Roman road. (1)

<1> Wessex Archaeology, 2006, Post-Excavation Assessment Report at Barton Mill, Canterbury, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE51912.

<2> 2004, An archaeological evaluation of Barton Mill and Barton Mill Road, Sturry Road, Canterbury (Unpublished document). SKE55143.