An early Iron Age to middle/late Iron Age hearth/oven was identified during an evaluation at Bell Grove, Aylesham in 2023.

The hearth/oven comprised a “sub-circular pit with steep inward sloping sides and a moderate concave base, with some in-situ burning/heat affected natural ground remaining against the sides. [The feature] measured 0.94m long x 1.15m wide x 0.31m deep and contained three deposits” (from the original report, 1). The feature contained residual pottery sherds dating from 1550/1000-50 BC, worked lithics, frequent charcoal pieces and heat affected material.

The hearth/oven cut a possible pit measuring 1.74x1.56x0.13m and containing a single residual pottery sherd dating from 1550-50 BC. (1)

<1> Swale and Thames Archaeological Survey Company, 2023, Archaeological Evaluation Of Land At Bell Grove, Aylesham, Dover, Kent. (aylesham Village Expansion Phase 2b Parcel 5 & 6 And Access Road 2b.7) (Unpublished document). SKE56575.