During an archaeological excavation on land off Poorhole Lane in broadstairs, Thanet, Kent, ahead of the redevelopment of the site for housing, a group of archaeological features were identified. The potential for the site to reveal archaeologyu had already been established during an earlier geophysical survey and archaeological evaluation of the area. The features exposed comprised multiple ditch segments generally northeast to southwest aligned, a curvilinear ditch and several shallow pits. The segmented ditches primarily appear to form two northeast to southwest parallel lines, with a group of three segments to the west and a group of two to the east. The western group have clear termini; however, the eastern ditches are a little vaguer, petering out either end. It is likely these features were some form of boundary feature, however the exact nature of segmented ditches is not fully understood, though associated with Iron Age activity. These segmented ditches along with the other features exposed suggest the site is likely situated on the periphery of an Iron Age settlement. Dateable material was recovered from many of the features, suggesting an Iron Age date. Ceramics dating to the earlier Iron Age, around 800-500 BC, derived from a cluster of features broadly situated in the northwest corner of site, with some having a slightly uncertain dating and possibly dating to the later Bronze Age. One ditch butt-end produced over 50% of the total pottery assemblage with dates more consistently dating between 400-150/100 BC and a further two later features were situated in the southwest corner of the site, with dates ranging between 300-100 BC. The dating of the pottery appears to be broad with some earlier Iron Age features but later Iron Age material is also present. Whilst the fabrics are long-lived and many of the sherds are undiagnostic and therefore less accurately dated within the Iron Age, there are some key diagnostic sherds which do indicate that the site saw some activity throughout the period but was abandoned in the later Iron Age, as there is an absence of any transitional Iron Age to Roman or specifically Roman ceramics. The pottery assemblage suggests that the site was a low status Iron Age site, possibly on the edge of a settlement that utilised locally produced wares. Among the assemblage, fragments of vessels such as cups and jars were recovered suggesting domestic use for storing or serving food. The environmental samples have produced a small amount of environmental evidence, producing a small number of charred grains, modern weed seeds and larger assemblage of snails. The contexts from which the material derive are considered to be formed primarily of natural processes. The environmental material does not provide a great deal of additional information, particularly the charred plant remains as they are in such low quantities and could be intrusive and later in date rather than Iron Age. The mollusc assemblage is typical for chalk environments which are particularly favoured by snails. (information summarised from source) (1)

<1> Allen Archaeology, 2022, Archaeological Assessment Report, Strip, Map and Record on Land to The North of Poorhole Lane, Broadstairs, Thanet, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE55182.