A series of low, unmortared 'dwarf walls' were uncovered during works associated with the Channel Tunnel Rail Link at Springhead (2001-2003). They formed a group of adjoining square or rectangular compartments, each 5m or more across and aligned approximately N-S or E-W. They have been interpreted as watercress beds. Watercress is known to have been grown at Springhead since the early 19th century and it was the earliest site in Britain where commercial watercress cultivation was undertaken [1,2,3].

Location accurate to 2m based on available information

<1> Wessex Archaeology, 1997, Archaeological Evaluation at Springhead (ARC SPH95), Gravesend, Kent, Environmental Statement Route Window 13, Interim Report. (Unpublished document). SKE12217.

<2> Wessex Archaeology, 1997, Archaeological Evaluation at Springhead (ARC SPH95/STP 97), Kent, Channel Tunnel Rail Link. Environmental Statement Route Window 13. Final Fieldwork Report. (Unpublished document). SKE12218.

<3> Oxford Wessex Archaeology Joint Venture, 2010, Settling the Ebbsfleet Valley. CTRL Excavations at Springhead and Northfleet, Kent. The Late Iron Age, Roman, Saxon, and Medieval Landscape (Monograph). SKE31245.