Monument record TR 35 NW 929 - Cropmark remains of three enclosures of later Prehistoric date

The cropmark remains of group of three probable later Prehistoric enclosures were seen centred as a group at TR 3004 5839 and mapped from aerial photographs.
It is not certain that they are contemporary or associated with one another, but may represent part of a small settlement or farmstead. They are recorded individually as follows:

TR 3004 5839 - an incomplete rectilinear enclosure of possible IA/RB date measuring 27m x 30m. This is defined by a single ditch, but has traces of a second inner ditch on the south-eastern side where there is a terminally defined entrance. Two of the sides are straight, while the third is slightly convex. The north-western side is not visible.

TR 3009 5843 - an incomplete curvilinear single ditched enclosure with a diameter of c.17m and traces of internal pits. The western side of the enclosure is not visible. Adjacent to the northern side of this enclosure (aligned NNE-SSW) is a linear ditch of 25m in length which may be associated with the site.

TR 3005 5846 - a ditch forming just under half a full circuit, probably part of a curvilinear enclosure with an approximate diameter of 17m. This lies in close proximity to the curvilinear enclosure described above and may be associated with this and the other features recorded on the site.

All three of these enclosures were mapped at 1:2500 scale from aerial photographs as part of the English Heritage: Richborough Environs Project. (1-2)


Historic england archive material: AF00055 Richborough Environs Project A 1:2500 scale air photographic survey of Richborough Roman fort and its environs was carried out as part of a Multi-disciplinary research project initiated by English Heritage Centre for Archaeology. The aim of the project was to establish the extent, morphology and complexity of the settlement in the area under active ploughing between the Saxon Shore fort and the amphitheatre. The combined results of the aerial survey, the geophysical surveys and small scale excavations undertaken by the CfA will be used to improve the interpretation, management and presentation of the site.

<1> English Heritage, 2002, Richborough Environs Project, Kent Report on the Aerial Photographic Transcription and Analysis (Unpublished document). SKE31073.