Monument record TR 37 SE 1479 - Ditches - possibly part of a Later prehistoric field system along the route of the Margate to Weatherless Hill pipeline (Area 1-D)

During excavations associated with the installation of a pipeline between Margate and Broadstairs, Area 1-D revealed a series of ditches, pits and tree throws. Many of the features were heavily truncated (probably by agricultural activity). Most of the features were located in the NW half of the easement, with only a few ditches being observed at the SW end. Dating evidence was sporadic, with only a few ditches containing pottery, in four of which the pottery was in too poor condition to record the date. There is evidence of Neolithic activity. The ditches were intermittently positioned and on various alignments. Some associations and patterns were observable, although all of the ditches extended outside the excavation area. A total of 25 ditches were recorded in the area. A number of these were components of field systems, with orientation and morphology indicating at least three phases, but the shape of the landscape must also have had a bearing on them. Only two ditches contained datable pottery i.e. ditch 7882: late prehistoric, and ditch 7775: Late Iron Age/Early Iron Age. A prehistoric date is suggested for the other features but only based on poor quality pot crumbs (1-3)

<1> Wessex Archaeology, 2005, Margate to Weatherlees Hill Wastewater Treatment Works Twin Pipeline: Interim Statement (Unpublished document). SKE13017.

<2> Wessex Archaeology, 2008, Thanet's Longest Excavation: Archaeological Investigations Along the Route of the Weatherless - Margate - Broadstairs Wastewater Pipeline (Monograph). SKE53449.

<3> Wessex Archaeology, 2006, Margate and Broadstairs Urban Wastewater Treatment Scheme (Unpublished document). SKE29263.