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 three Roman cemeteries, two of which were within mortuary enclosures. The western of these two enclosures was formed by the addition of north-south and east-west aligned ditches to two pre existing ditches on the northern side of the Iron Age and Roman hollow way. Two cremation burials were interred in this enclosure. In addition, five inhumation burials were recorded in this enclosure. One individual was interred with two pottery vessels dated second to third century AD. Another was buried with a copper alloy bangle and hobnail boots The east enclosure was formed by the addition of east to west aligned ditch to existing ditches, again to the north of the hollow way. Eleven cremation burials were interred in this enclosure. Of these three were interred within cinerary urns, and the remainder are thought to have been contained in bags or other organic containers. These burials were accompanied by at least one pottery vessel for which a first to second century AD date is indicated. Other grave goods included hobnail boots and a rosette brooch dated AD 20–60; these were unburnt and had been buried intact with the vessels. The brooch was found in close association with the cremated bone and it is thought it may have been used to fasten a bag containing the bone. A total of sixteen inhumation burials were also interred in this enclosure. Three graves produced no skeletal remains, possibly due to the acidity of the soil, although many factors can affect bone deterioration. However, based on the size and shape of these features they have been recorded as graves. It can be noted that the preservation and completeness of a large proportion of the articulated inhumations was relatively poor. Some individuals were buried with grave goods, including hobnail boots, pottery vessels and jewellery. One double burial was also recorded. Intercutting graves suggest the cemetery was in use for a long period of time. Pottery and grave goods in this enclosure are generally dated from the first to second century AD. The third cemetery is represented by a linear group of burials aligned east to west along part of the route of the east-west hollow-way. In total 27 graves were identified. Skeletal remains survived in 24 graves, of which one was a double burial. Eight of these individuals were accompanied by complete pottery vessels generally suggesting a mid to late first century AD date. One vessel of possible second to third century AD date was also recovered. Few other grave goods were present; however, one individual was found to be wearing an iron neck ring. One small pit containing two pottery vessels dated mid to late first century AD and a group of iron nails may also represent a burial although no human remains were recovered. (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.