Several finds with a prehistoric date were uncovered within the grounds of Dover College (formerly St Martins Priory) during small scale excavations undertaken there in 2019. The finds all come from clay layer, buried at a depth of between 0.80 and 0.95m below present ground level. This appears to be a well stratified archaeological horizon raising the distinct possibility that there was pre-medieval habitation on the site, long before the priory was established. The finds include 5 sherds in total, four plain wall sherds of black flint-tempered ware, perhaps of Bronze Age or Iron Age date, and a single sherd of grey, grog-tempered fine-ware with a maroon-red exterior slip, probably of late Iron Age date. A single unpatinated prehistoric struck flint was recovered from pit three. This is a thick blade like secondary flake with traces of edge damage/miscellaneous retouch on both long edges. It appears to be a genuine prehistoric flint, rather than the product of medieval flint-knapping to prepare building material. In addition to this worked flint five further calcined flints were recovered, none of which appeared to have been burnt in situ. At least some could be contemporary with the prehistoric pottery recovered. (1)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2019, Dover College, Dover, report on excavation of three flagpole pits (Unpublished document). SKE53439.