A large number of prehistoric settlement features were excavated during an evaluation at Herne Bay Golf Course, Herne Bay in 2015. The features include six pits, five hearths, five cremation burials, thirteen linear features, six ditches, one deposit, and three unidentified features. These features were generally dated through their association with prehistoric pottery, although only one of the cremation burials contained dateable evidence. A large number of other features including pits, ditches, post-holes, and stake-holes remain undated at the site, some of which may also be prehistoric in origin.

The site narrative is as follows "thirty-five of the sampled features contained prehistoric pottery. Together with the remains which were observed, recorded but not sampled, they suggest a prehistoric landscape enclosed by linear features within which pits and hearths/fire-pits were dug and cremation
burials were placed. Post-/stake-holes could suggest settlement activity or stock management.
The spread of burnt flint and charcoal [to the central eastern side of the site] could have formed within an area where flint was burnt and crushed for pottery production, or might have been laid as a trackway. The settlement probably forms a continuation of the extensive prehistoric occupation seen in surrounding ground, particularly at Eddington Farm to the north and immediately south of the development site, east of Bullockstone Road, as well as to the north-east at Underdown Lane and at Herne Bay High School to the west" (from the original report, 1).

Finds of pottery, worked flint, burnt flint, daub, slag/hearth lining, and cremated bone were recovered from the site, alongside charred tubers and probable onion couch grass associated with the fills of cremation deposits. These plant remains are generally found within Bronze Age cremation deposits, and may either indicate the character of the vegetation on the land, or could be indicative of ritual activities associated with the cremation itself. Small quantities of marine shell and animal remains were identified at the site, however, these were undated so could have originated from any period between the prehistoric and the post-medieval. (1)

An evaluation carried out in 2016 identified further prehistoric features including linear features, a hollow-way, and pits, with associated finds including pottery, burnt flint, and charcoal. Struck flint was also recovered from features and deposits across the site. (2)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2015, Herne Bay Golf Course, Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 7PG, Archaeological evaluation report (Unpublished document). SKE58057.

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2016, Herne Bay Golf Course, Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 7PG Archaeological evaluation Phase 2 Interim statement (Unpublished document). SKE57739.