In 1931 an Early Iron Age pit was discovered at TQ 60056801 whilst digging a cess-pit at the Old Downs, Hartley. A section was made of a pit about 8 feet deep in the chalk. At the bottom was an old hearth with some calcined chalk, a roe deer antler, a piece of sharpened bone, and two very small pieces of pottery. Finds deposited in Maidstone Museum by D.C. Keef. (1,2) Area siting of cess-pits at TQ 60056801 confirmed. (3)

<1> Arch Cant vol 51 1939 204 (OS Card Reference). SKE36404.

<2> Maidstone Museum 6" (OS Card Reference). SKE46355.

<3> F1 ASP 16.10.64 (OS Card Reference). SKE42130.

<4> Field report for monument TQ 66 NW 3 - October, 1964 (Bibliographic reference). SKE3526.