Monument record TR 36 SW 523 - A rectilinear enclosure constructed of corrugated wall section

A rectilinear enclosure constructed out of what appears to be corrugated sections of prefabricated concrete with slight banks built up against the upright walls. The enclosure was seen centred at TR 3164 5865 and measures c. 21m x 21m and has an entrance to the south, opening onto the A257 the main E-W Sandwich to Canterbury road. It is thought to be military in origin, possibly a depot. However, the site is not obviously in use when photographed during the Second World War, and is thought to originate from the First World War. When photographed in 1979 the site appeared overgrown and the western side was damaged or missing.

Also noted along the verge of the road were a series of evenly spaced depressions seen stretching for approximately 1km. These have been suggested to be war time weapons or explosives caches (Roger Thomas 2002, pers com).

These and surrounding features were mapped at 1:2500 scale from aerial photographs as part of the English Heritage: Richborough Environs Project. (1-3)

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.
MD000152 Richborough Environs, TR 35 NW & TR 36 SW

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Heritage, 2002, Richborough Environs Project, Kent Report on the Aerial Photographic Transcription and Analysis (Unpublished document).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