Monument record TQ 95 SW 174 - Mesolithic pits, deposit, and flint scatters, Tanyard Farm

Mesolithic pits, alongside a probable buried surface, and flint scatters were excavated at Tanyard Farm at some point between 2020-2023. The excavation was carried out in advance of proposed residential development at the site.

Finds recovered from across the site and from the fills of features included over 2,000 pieces of worked flint, over 1,000 pieces of burnt flint, and charred hazelnut shells. The worked flint assemblage included "debitage associated with axe/adze manufacture, roughly worked core tools, a finely worked 'tranchet' adze, microliths and debitage from microlith manufacture alongside diverse retouched forms including scrapers and burins" (from the original report, 1).

Work following the excavation is focusing on the identification of areas of discreet activity based on spatial analysis of finds, and radiocarbon dating of the hazelnut shells to build up a clearer understanding of the time-frame of occupation. (1)

<1> Thames Valley Archaeological Services, 2023, Land at Tanyard Farm, Lenham, Kent Archaeological Post-excavation Assessment (Unpublished document). SKE58589.