Monument record TR 15 NE 1947 - Medieval settlement features at HM Prison, Longport, Canterbury

Summary

Medieval settlement features at HM Prison, Longport, Canterbury (excavated in 2016). These features include a wall, metalled surfaces, a pit and linear/ditch features. The features are thought to represent medieval settlement at the site and may be linked with St Augustine's Abbey.

Location

Grid reference Centred TR 1571 5781 (149m by 82m) (10 map features)
Map sheet TR15NE
County KENT
District CANTERBURY, KENT
Civil Parish CANTERBURY, CANTERBURY, KENT

Map

Type and Period (4)

Full Description

Medieval settlement features at HM Prison, Longport, Canterbury, excavated in 2016. These features include a wall, metalled surfaces, pits and linear/ditch features. The archaeological evaluation at HM Prison, Longport comprised the excavation of 6 evaluation trenches (3-8) within and around the extant prison wall. The evaluation was undertaken by Canterbury Archaeological Trust as a result of proposals for development at the site. The evaluation trenches are all located within the outer precincts of St Augustine's Abbey, suggesting many/all of the medieval features may relate to this site. Other finds and features include Iron Age pottery, Roman features (TR 15 NE 1946), and evidence for post-medieval quarrying (TR 15 NE 1948) and features associated with earlier HM prison buildings (TR 15 NE 1949).

The wall feature was aligned N-S and measured 0.90x0.25x0.12m. It is suggested to represent part of an outbuilding associated with St Augustine's Abbey.
One of the linear features/ditches measured 1.50m across and was orietated N-S; the other linear feature/ditch measured in excess of 3.8x0.85x0.95m and was orientated E-W.
One of the pits measured 1.42m in diameter and was up to 0.32m deep. The second, larger pit was truncated and cut by other features; however, it is estimated to have measured around 3.7x1.45x0.60m. The pits are thought to be associated with the disposal of refuse at the site.
The metalled surfaces were associated with a range of finds, including pottery and animal remains.

Artefacts recovered from the site include a range of medieval/post-medieval pottery, animal remains, tile, environmental deposits from a pit fill relating to charred cereal grains, seeds, possible faecal material, elderberry seeds, fish remains, slag, CBM, and hammerscale. (1)


<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust Ltd, 2016, Former HM Prison, Longport, Canterbury Kent Archaeological evaluation report (Unpublished document). SKE52668.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> Unpublished document: Canterbury Archaeological Trust Ltd. 2016. Former HM Prison, Longport, Canterbury Kent Archaeological evaluation report.

Finds (9)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

  • Intrusive Event: Archaeological evaluation report for HM Prison, Longport, Canterbury (Ref: CCCU HMP EV16) (EKE22482)

Record last edited

Jan 29 2025 11:37AM