A small number of pits, a gully and a possible ditch dating to the late iron age and possibly extending into the the early Roman period. The feautres found indicate an agricultural use of the area, and possibly represent part of a field system.(1)

After an archaeological evaluation uncovered late iron age/ early Roman features in 2001 two further excavations and a watching brief were carried out on the site. Features were found over an area of about 100 m sq. A number of ditches were interpreted as the remains of field boundaries, some of which were in use during most of the site’s life. A major feature was a north-south running droveway flanked by gullies curving off to the west at the northern limit of the archaeological excavation site. A second, later droveway, was cut on practically the same line, although it does not seem to have been deliberately re-cutting the earlier gullies.

Little evidence of occupation was found, although a small cremation cemetery and evidence of industrial activity, suggest that the features may lie close to a settlement. The small cremation cemetery was located close to the western side of the droveway, approximately TQ8877563965 in two clusters. A pond like feature later covered the southern group in the late 1st century. Five burials have been positively identified; four un-urned and one urned. Human bone was also found in association with pyre debris, some mixed with ash and cremated animal bone. Analysis of the human bone identified the presence of adult and sub-adult remains. Only one small find was recovered from the cremations. A Colchester B copper alloy spring brooch from an un-urned burial was found with evidence of pyre debris.

Industrial activity was restricted to the north-west and north-east of the site. To the north-east there is clear evidence of smithing. A hearth and flue was excavated along with 52 kg of slag from the immediate area. To the west another possible circular hearth was found. Its use is unclear, but could have been for corn drying, as a kiln (a small quarry is nearby), or for salt production, although no briquetage has been recovered (2).

See also (TQ 86 SE 87], an assemblage of prehistoric flints found on the site and (TQ 86 SE 90), a few residual bronze age pottery sherds found in a later feature.

<1> Thames Valley Archaeological Services, 2001, Wises Lane, Borden, Sittingbourne, Kent: Archaeological Evaluation (Unpublished document). SKE12304.

<2> Thames Valley Archaeological Services, 2003, Bronze Age, Roman and Saxon sites on Shrubsoles Hill, Sheppey and at Wises Lane, Borden, Kent: A Landscape of Ancestors and Agriculture by The Swale (Monograph). SKE12323.