Monument record TR 35 NW 914 - Anglo-Saxon brickearth quarrying and field system, Woodnesborough

Archaeological evaluation and excavation in 2015 found evidence of an Anglo-Saxon agricultural landscape and quarrying from the late 6th to the 10th centuries. The evidence consisted of quarry pits for brickearth excavation, a field system, and undated pits and linear features which may have also originated during this period.

The Anglo-Saxon activity recorded at Laslett’s Yard suggests almost continuous activity from the late sixth to tenth centuries. Four broad phases of activity dating to this period were identified: an early Anglo-Saxon presence (500-600AD) was indicated by contemporary ceramic finds; quarry pits for the excavation of brick-earth were cut in the northeast part of the site (600-700AD); following back-filling of the quarries, a field-system including segmented ditched enclosures and planting pits was established (730-850AD); finally, a small number of pits indicate late Anglo-Saxon activity (875-975AD). (1, 2)

<1> Swale and Thames Survey Company, 2017, Post-excavation Assessment Report on the Archaeological Excavation at Laslett's Yard, Marshborough Road, Woodnesborough, Kent CT13 0PE (Unpublished document). SKE52717.

<2> Swale and Thames Survey Company, 2015, An Archaeological Evaluation at Laslett’s Yard, Marshborough Road, Woodnesborough, Kent CT13 0PE (Unpublished document). SKE59003.