Part of a 19th/20th century tramline was excavated at Lower Rainham Road, Medway, Kent between October-November 2022. This was part of an archaeological evaluation of the site ahead of residential development. The evaluation was carried out by Wessex Archaeology.

Evidence for the tramline was identified in trenches 29 and 30 in the form of a layer of made ground which formed the foundation of the tramline. The excavated section of the tramline measured 2 x 1.53 x 0.15m.

Metal artefacts recovered from the tramline included a copper alloy wire fragment and one iron reinforcement for boots (dating from the post-medieval - early modern period). Six iron hinge pivots/hooks were also recovered from the excavations, these are thought to have originally been attached to planks or wooden posts which may have been directly associated with the tramline.

A Mayen Lava quernstone fragment was recovered from the tramline which is thought to potentially be Romano-British or Anglo-Saxon in date, however, it has been interpreted as possible packing material.

The tramline is thought to have been laid down between 1869-1897; it ran to Rainham and is recorded on the 1896 OS map. It is first recorded on the 1897-1900 OS map, and appears in aerial photography from 1946 - however, it appears as if the tramline has gone out of use by this time as sections of it are missing.

The wider site demonstrates evidence for a range of archaeological features. These include a ditch, pits and postholes, an animal burial, which are all situated in the northeast section of the site. Most features are undated, but those which have been dated originate from the post-medieval to modern period. (1)

<1> Wessex Archaeology, 2022, Lower Rainham Road, Rainham Medway, Kent (Archaeological Evaluation) (Unpublished document). SKE55553.