Evaluation work in 1994 identified probable iron-age features. Just to the south of this site a small pit and a length of ditch were found also of iron-age date. They may be part of this site. (TR 36 NW 393).(1)

Following on from evaluation work in 1994, further work in 1996 located a large iron age enclosure c.125m x 93m with a causeway entrance on its eastern side. The eastern and northern angle of the ditches survive intermittently as lengths of a chalk cut feature characteristically 0.7m wide and at most 0.3m deep. Twenty sections of these ditches yielded numerous sherds dating to the late iron age period and several iron age potins (Thurock type) c.100BC date. The northern third of the enclosure was divided from the rest of the site, eat-west, by an internal ditch or palisade trench. The fill was rich in pot sherds and midden material, suggesting its close proximity to a domestic area. A number of pits were excavated in the north-west corner of the site which were also rich in pot sherds and also yielded four further potin coins, and a bronze object faced with engraved and fretted silver. It was suggested that this might be the plate of a Celtic equal-ended flat brooch.

Features and finds from the late neolithic/early bronze age and mid bronze age were found within the site.(2)

The presence of potins in a predominatly "Belgic"-style grogged assemblage, with little apparent wear-pattern, suggestive of long-term occupation, prehaps indicateds a late construction date. The suggested date is c.50BC - 42AD. (3)

<1> Trust for Thanet Archaeology, 1994, Kent International Business Park, Manston, Thanet: Archaeological Evaluation Report - Phase 2: The Second 33 Acres (Unpublished document). SKE12035.

<2> Trust For Thanet Archaeology, 1999, Kent International Business Park: Archaeological Work in 1996 a First Interim Report (Unpublished document). SWX7111.

<3> Trust For Thanet Archaeology, 1997, Kent International Business Park, Manston 1994-97 (Unpublished document). SWX7104.