A metalled clay surface was encountered during excavations on land off Craythorne Lane, New Romney. The surface was associated with a series of burining episodes as well as material datable to the 13th and earth 14th century.

The surface comprised a firmly compacted mid-to-dark brownish grey clay layer c 0.20m thick with occasional flecks of fired clay/daub, rare charcoal flecks and occasional rounded and sub-rounded pebbles formed a metalled clay surface. It was recorded in the southern corner of the site covering an
area of c. 5.00m by 3.00m. Thirty-nine potsherds (1250-1300), 23 bone fragments, 4 oyster shell
fragments, 3 pieces of fired clay and 3 iron objects were recovered from this context. A sample of this deposit was collected revealing cereals including wheat (Triticum sp.) and barley (Hordeum sp.) as well as various non-cereal pulse crops and wild legumes. The fish bones recovered from within this surface were more fragmented than other examples collected at the site and may be indicative of trampling. A series of burnt episodes were present within the fabric of the metalled surface. These were fairly similar in nature and comprised burnt clay and sand. These layers may provide evidence of low level industrial activity linked with ship repair or construction. (1) (informaiton summarised from source)

<1> Archaeology South - East, 2009, Post Excavation Assessment and updated project design, St Nicholas School, Fairfield Road, New Romney (Unpublished document). SKE55256.