(TQ 6773 sited to Gravesend only) Roman occupation site. (1) Plans for the redevelopment of the centre of Gravesend have been under active consideration for several years and in August 1978 a detailed scheme was announced by the Gravesham District Council. the Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit was asked to comment on the archaeological implications of a large five acre area to the south and west of the parish church. The results were highly significant. Extensive evidence of Roman settlement was found across the whole five acres and it is clear that it extends beyond the available area on all four sides. Numerous ditches, some very large, were found crossing the area and these probably define the limits of extensive enclosures containing wooden structures. Traces of Opus Signinum also hint at the presence of at least one small masonry building somewhere in the area. The finds from the area include quantities of local and imported Roman pottery ranging in date from the first to the fourth centuries. This includes material of mid first century date and a Roman military origin must be considered for this prime site. (2)

<1> Brit 11 1980 401 (FO Grew) (OS Card Reference). SKE38300.

<2> Kent Arch Rev 58 1978 192-95 (D Garrod and B Philp) (OS Card Reference). SKE45797.