During excavation work in 1997 a large rectangular, 70 m by 64 m, enclosure was found. The enclosure ditch had a V-shaped profile with a flat base, and was of varying depths and widths. The site was aligned approximately on the cardinal points with a possible entrance on the western side. Few internal features have been found, and none suggesting habitation. The main structure found was a square masonry building of mainly chalk blocks bonded with puddled clay. The structure was sunk into the natural subsoil, up to nearly 0.5m. Set within the outer walls was a smaller internal wall forming a square. The whole building was surrounded by an external drain which may have fed into the main enclosure ditch. It is not clear if this drainage system was as a result of poor drainage on the site, or part of the original conception. The construction date of this structure is unclear, but from finds from the ditch fills a date around the late 2nd century, or even the late 1st century is suggested.

At some time in the 3rd century a flue or stoke hole was inserted into the north-west corner, constructed of complete roofing tiles, bonded with puddled clay. It is possible that this merely replaced an earlier flue occupying the same location. The inside faces of the flue walls were heavily fired. Though large volumes of bricks and tiles were found within the structure, it is thought more likely that it was a drying oven, for agricultural purposes, rather than a tile kiln. Following disuse and partial filling with debris, the structure was modified, with the door being blocked up. It is not clear what purpose this served.

The surrounding area of Structure 1 contained several postholes, pits and gullies, some of which may be contemporary. Feature consisting of irregular oval scoop containing dark silt, charcoal, animal bone, daub, and Roman pottery C2nd/3rd) capped by large fragments of Roman tile. Could have been a hearth when Structure 1 was in use.

Structure 2 consisted of 3 flint post-pads in (L Shape) identified on either side of the unexcavated strip north of Enclosure 1. It may be of similar date to Enclosure 1.

Occupation on the site seems to have continued into the very late 3rd century, possibly the early 4th century. The site was later re-used during the early medieval period (TQ 77 SE 160).

Finds form the site included; pottery, mainly from the 3rd century, a large quantity of roof tiles, a copper bracelet, and coins (of note a barbarous radiate and an antoninianus of Carausius), all but one of which dated to between 260-90 and most likely represent a hoard.(1-3)

Enclosure 2 - larger ditched enclosure than Enclosure 1. It contained animal bone, Roman tile, charcoal, flints, pottery from late C3rd/early C4th. Most of the pottery found on the site came from this area, as well as a significant assemblage of coins. Latest coins dated to c.AD 290. Coins and pottery both suggest that the ditch was backfilled in the late C3rd or early C4th - the same as for Structure 1.

Small pit with burnt base and side, found within Enclosure 2, is thought to be a (unurned) cremation burial. Calcined bone, one hobnail and charred plant (rye and barely grains) remains were also found in this pit.

Various small finds made of iron including a knife, nails, bucket handle and mounts, reaping hook and ring were also recovered. (4)

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1998, Archaeological Work Along the Route of the Wainscott Northern By-pass and at Four Elms Roundabout 1992 - 1997: Stratigraphic Archive Report Part 2: Appendices & Figures (Unpublished document). SKE12121.

<3> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1998, Archaeological Work Along the Route of the Wainscott Northern By-pass and at Four Elms Roundabout 1992 - 1997: Stratigraphic Archive Report Part 1 (Unpublished document). SKE12122.

<4> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, Post 1997, Archaeological work along the route of the Wainscott Northern By-pass and at Four Elms Roundabout 1992-7. (Unpublished document). SKE15616.