During an archaeological investigation ahead of the construction of Thanet Parkway rail station off Hengist Way, Cliffsend, a wide variety of archaeological features finds and deposits were uncovered. These included several Iron Age burials as well as some evidence for ritual activity of the same date. The first of these burials was located to the east of the large possible waterhole feature, on the west boundary of the North-South Hollow way. Notably the individual was wearing an iron ring around the neck. The skeleton demonstrated numerous pathological conditions including spinal deterioration, vertebral disk degeneration of the lower back and spinal lesions, joint ankylosis of the mandible and signs of infectious disease. There were also many indications of trauma including hairline fractures and sharp force trauma. These significant conditions, the isolated nature of the burial and the presence of the iron ring are very suggestive of the life and social status of this individual. No dateable material was found in association with the grave. However, it is thought that this interment may relate to a small group of burials identified to the north during the EKA2 works. These burials were also located immediately west of the north-south hollow-way, and one adult female was found with an iron ring around her arm. Some of these burials have returned radiocarbon determinations indicating that they date to the middle Iron Age. In addition to the solitary grave adjacent to the north-south hollow-way evidence for further burials possibly of slightly later date was recorded at the west of the site. These comprised two possible token cremation burials which cut the fills of the large ditch at the west. A further five potential token cremation burials were dispersed across the west area of the site. That these were token cremation burials was indicated by the small amount of burnt bone that they contained.

In addition to burial practices, evidence for other potential ritual activity was identified within this landscape. This was represented by a cluster of four small pits, plus one other situated to the north-east. Each of these pits contained groups of pottery dated broadly to the Iron Age period, which appeared to have been laid purposely in the pit. In addition, a linear arrangement of six small pits which followed the alignment of the east-west hollow-way also contained probable placed deposits These deposits comprised fragments of animal bone, generally skull or long bones, and pottery. This interpretation is based on the character of the pits, which were just large enough to contain the selected animal remains and / or pottery, and that these items appeared to be placed on the base of the features. The pottery recovered from one feature has been dated to the middle to late Bronze Age. However, a later Iron Age date is indicated overall. Also situated towards the west of the site, one pit could also be considered to represent ritual activity. This pit measuring 0.86m x 0.95m and 1.2m deep was oval in plan with vertical sides. It produced an unusual group of pottery comprising three comb-decorated Beaker sherds, one decorated sherd of middle to late Bronze Age pottery, two sherds dated to the earliest Iron Age and two sherds dated to the later Iron Age. Four thumbnail scrapers of probable early Bronze age date were also recovered. The chronologically mixed nature of this assemblage is more suggestive of curation and purposeful deposition rather than residuality, hence this interpretation. At the east of the site, one large pit and a nearby possible placed deposit are also notable. The large pit, measuring 1.9m by 2.08m and 0.76m deep, was circular in plan with vertical sides and a flat base. A small quantity of cattle bone was laid on the base of the feature. Just to the north, a small pit contained the remains of a complete vessel of possible late Iron Age date.
(information summarised from source) (1)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2023, Thanet Parkway, Land south of the A299 (Hengist Way), Cliffsend Ramsgate, Kent, Archaeological post-excavation assessment and updated project design (Unpublished document). SKE55795.