An archaeological excavation was carried out at Barton Mill in 2004 and 2005 following evaluation in 2004 (2).
The evaluation was undertaken in May 2004 and comprised of ten trial trenches each 6m and 10m in length and approx. 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). Trench 4 revealed a number of early Roman features including a ditch, pits and postholes, possibly representing a structure (TR 15 NE 1801).

Although no features of definitive archaeological significance were identified within the area 1 excavation (which was an expansion of trench 1), part of a large north to south aligned palaeochannel was recorded. The channel measured over 7m in width and 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.

161 pieces of worked flint dating from the Early Neolithic period and associated with a possible remnant ancient land surface was excavated at the site, alongside one undated piece of worked flint which was associated with the palaeochannel and which may have been redeposited. Overall, at least 271 pieces of worked flint were recovered from the site, alongside a large quantity of burnt flint, thought to be associated with the prehistoric worked flint. (1)

Canterbury Archaeological Trust also evaluated the site earlier in 2004. This revealed evidence for an early Neolithic flint-working assemblage dating to (4000-3300 BC). The assemblage largely comprised flakes and has been interpreted as the waste residue of tool manufacture. (2)

<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 Wessex Archaeology, 2006, Post-Excavation Assessment Report at Barton Mill, Canterbury, Kent (Unpublished document).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 2004, An archaeological evaluation of Barton Mill and Barton Mill Road, Sturry Road, Canterbury (Unpublished document).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.