Monument record TR 15 NW 2663 - Palaeochannels on land at and adjacent to Cockering Farm

Two palaeochannels were identified on land at and adjacent to Cockering Farm, during excavations in 2021. The palaeochannels were represented by linear features aligned NNE-SSW, and measured 2.25-18m in width, and 0.14-0.40m in depth. The features extended across the full length of the area under excavation and beyond the limits of the trench (over 93m). The fills of the features comprised sandy silt, with some flints and lenses of moderate gravel; one of the palaeochannels also contained 7 pieces of worked flint dated broadly as 'prehistoric' and with a combined weight of 234g. (1) Further geoarchaeological analysis of one of the channels identified an alluvial deposit at its base dating from around 5500-4710 BC, interpreted (4) as potentially indicating vegetationm clearance taking place at the site during the Mesolithic period. This could link to Mesolithic activity located during the evaluation, comprising worked flint (TR 15 NW 2619). (4)

A geophysical survey of the site in 2017 identified a single large palaeochannel located running across the site. This now survives as a valley crossing the site. (2)

During an evaluation carried out in 2017 by Oxford Archaeology at a site to the south-east, further evidence for palaeochannels was identified in the form of a layer of colluvium up to 1.5m thick seen in several of the trenches. The layer was deposited above natural river terrace gravels. No finds or features were recovered from the possible palaechannel. (3, 4)

A desk-based assessment of an adjacent site described several more palaeochannels visible on the 2007 and 2013 satellite imagery running NE-SW to the south of the palaeochannels located during excavation and geophysical survey. (4)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust Ltd., 2022, Land at and adjacent to Cockering Farm, Thanington, Canterbury, Kent Archaeological strip, map and sample excavation Post‐excavation assessment (Unpublished document). SKE55719.

<2> Sumo Survey, 2017, Geophysical Survey Report: Land at Cockering Farm, Thanington, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE55824.

<3> Oxford Archaeology East, 2017, Land off Cockering Road, New Thanington, Canterbury, Kent: Archaeological Evaluation Report (Unpublished document). SKE55658.

<4> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2023, Land at Thanington Primary School, Thanington, Canterbury, Kent. CT1 3UX Archaeological Desk-based Assessment (Unpublished document). SKE58704.