The discovery of Roman pottery sherds, tile and oxidised iron in 1855 near Mereworth Castle led to an excavation of the site. The subsequent work reportedly revealed evidence of an ancient barrow, although the site appeared to have been damaged in the early 18th century during the construction of the Castle and its moat. A low wall of loose stone was found and close to this was a cairn of small stones with charcoal covering a variety of potsherds. Further tiles, potsherds and a large brass coin, probably of Marcus Aurelius Anton were found, as well as a small socketed bill-hook of Saxon date. Some coins were found near a fragment of samian ware as well as unburnt animal bones.