Monument record TR 36 NW 1419 - Section of Roman (and possibly earlier) Hollow Way, Part of a Roman settlement at Minster, Thanet

Flanking the southern side of the Roman settlement was a length of trackway extending for a distance of 820m. To the east it forked into two strands the northernmost petering out as it ran up the slope of the excavation area. westwards it continues as a single length before meeting a complex of intersecting trackways. Where excavated the trackway was up to 2.5m wide and 0.44m deep. It had gently sloping sides and a broad irregular base which had been cut by linear features indicative of wheel ruts. Lenses of flint nodules representing crude metalling were identified in some areas. Patches of metalling may have been laid sporadically, particularly when areas of the trackway became boggy. The broad nature of the trackway indicates the natural meandering of the route that would have occurred of a period of time. The only pottery recovered from the trackway was of a third-fourth century date, although the layout of the Roman settlement, thought to have been established in the second half of the first century, evidently respected its alignment. The evidence suggests that the trackway represents a more ancient route across the high ground flanking the Wantsum channel, its location in no small part influencing the position of the Roman settlement. (information summarised from sources) (1-2)

<1> 1996, Arch Cant 116, 1996 (Article in serial). SKE54497.

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1996, Canterbury's Archaeology 1994 - 1995 (Serial). SKE11882.