Enclosure 3, which was located at the northern end of Plateau 1, consisted of two arcing ditch segments forming a sub-circular or possibly ‘D’-shaped enclosure approximately 37.5m across internally north-south and in excess of 26m east-west. Four burials and a circular feature containing a small amount of cremated bone were discovered within the enclosure. The date and function of the enclosure is not clear but it is likely that it predates the beaker burials which are positioned within the area it encompasses, a late Neolithic or early Bronze Age date is therefore suggested.

About two-thirds of the feature was probably exposed. The enclosure was delineated by a ditch traced for a total length of 72m, with a gap of 3.5m situated at the south-western extremity which created an entrance-way. The enclosure ditch was of variable dimensions around the circuit, although of mostly similar profile with sides at about 45 degrees, occasionally uneven, and a flattish or concave base. Its width varied from 1.2–2.45m and its depth between 0.41–0.9m. The fills of the ditch probably represent natural erosion and contained a small assemblage of Neolithic, Early/Middle Bronze Age and Earliest Iron Age pottery was recovered, mostly from the upper fills, along with a small quantity of flint flakes, blades and other fragments, with one end scraper. The four burials Lying within Enclosure 3 were just to the north of the western entrance and the small feature that contained a small amount of cremated human bone was close to the southern enclosure ditch. Two radio carbon dates were obtained from the human bone: 2019–1829 cal BC and 2198–1923 cal BC, sherds of beaker pottery were discovered with all of the burials. The circular feature may have once contained a un-urned cremation burial. The enclosure does not appear to be related to domestic activity as there was virtually no domestic waste in the ditch and there was no other evidence of domestic activity either within the enclosure or its vicinity. It is possible that the enclosure had a ceremonial/mortuary function. (information summarised from sources) (1)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2023, Beneath the Seamark: 6000 Years of an Islands History (Monograph). SKE55405.