An undated chalk quarry was excavated north of Higham Park. The quarry had been backfilled and levelled relatively recently, however, it may date from an earlier period. Other chalk quarries in the nearby area appear to date from the 19th century, therefore this quarry may also date from this period (this information was retrieved from the desk-based assessment of a nearby property, 1).

The chalk quarry was thought to be recent in date and comprised a large cut representing the quarry and several associated linear features thought to represent part of a track associated with the quarry. The quarry measured 22m in width and was in excess of 2.2m in depth - the base of the feature was not excavated. The fill contained brick and peg tile fragments, ash, clinker, chalk lumps, and modern artefacts including metal objects, bottles, and ceramic tiles. The linear features comprised three parallel linear cuts aligned NW-SE and measuring between 4-5.5m in width and with one recorded depth of 0.2m.

Residual finds of burnt flint associated with the topsoil, alongside a Neolithic arrowhead, is interpreted as evidence for prehistoric occupation to the north of the site. (2)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust Ltd, 2017, Land at Highland Court Farm, Canterbury, Kent Archaeological Desk-Based Study (Unpublished document). SKE52724.

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2004, An archaeological evaluation of Land North-West of St Lawrence & Highland Court Cricket Ground, Highland Court Farm, Bekesbourne. (Unpublished document). SKE55153.