Monument record TR 36 NE 2682 - Large multi period pit discovered during pipeline trenching near Joss Bay

During excavations associated with the installation of a pipeline between Margate and Broadstairs, in the area around Joss Bay A notable feature was an enormous sub-circular pit in section B. The initial pit had steep to vertical straight sides and a flat base and was 7.8m x 6.7m, and 1.7m deep. The pit was allowed to backfill naturally, indicated by numerous tiplines and fills, alternating between loose chalk rubble, presumably from spoil heap or bank erosion, and silty build-up from the erosion of the sides and surrounding material. The upper parts of the sides were pock-marked with small solution hollows and slightly less steep, clearly indicating that they had been allowed to erode. The initial fills have been attributed to the late prehistoric period, perhaps contemporary with previously found evidence of activity in the area. After substantial natural infilling, a fairly deep, sub-rectangular pit (Romano-British) was dug into the side of the larger pit. Later, the large pit was re-cut, particularly accurately and to approximately half the original depth. Very quickly the re-cut was backfilled; the deposit was homogenous
and contained material of several dates, the latest being medieval. (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 Wessex Archaeology, 2005, Margate to Weatherlees Hill Wastewater Treatment Works Twin Pipeline: Interim Statement (Unpublished document).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 Wessex Archaeology, 2006, Margate and Broadstairs Urban Wastewater Treatment Scheme (Unpublished document).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.