Monument record TQ 96 SW 1311 - Second World War static water tank, The Wheatsheaf Public House, Sittingbourne

The foundations of a Second World War static water tank was identified during excavations carried out at The Wheatsheaf Public House, Sittingbourne in 2024. The water tower was constructed as a temporary feature during the Second World War for use of the fire brigade.

"The tank comprised of a base layer of hexagonal shaped concrete with two circular bands of
concrete on the outside edge. A rectangular feature with a narrow bottom was encountered, likely a
sump for the easier collection of water with pumps from the fire brigade.
Six postholes with remnants of steel girdles were found within the structure, partially truncating the inner circle, and therefore likely to have been a later event" (from the report, 1).

The water tank measured 3.13 by 3.11m from the outer ring and 2.87 by 2.88m from the inner ring. The inititals 'GB' appeared to have been added to the concrete of the northern side of the outer ring. The outer ring was also determined via test pitting to impact to a depth of 0.13m. (1)

<1> Invicta Archaeological Services, 2024, Archaeological Investigation at The Wheatsheaf Public House, Sittingbourne, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE58729.