Evaluation work confirmed the presence and continuation of archaeological features to within the area of the proposed sports pitch, at Herne Bay High School. Where dateable, the features were of late iron age/early Roman date (based on the ceramic evidence), consisting of ditches and pits. In addition to pottery, burnt and struck flint and a tiny quantity of shell was recovered from the features. The features are a continuation of the extensive archaeological landscape recorded east of Bullockstone Road (see TR 16 NE 85, 86, 87).
Late Prehistoric remains had been recorded during previous archaeological works at the school, north-east of the current site and some flint tempered pottery of possible Bronze Age date was recovered from features during the current evaluation (see TR 16 NE 84) [1].
Archaeological excavation work examined areas of the All Weather Pitch likely to be impacted upon by the development. Part of the pitch was to be cut into sloping ground, south of the High School, with the remainder raised above existing levels and preserved in situ (hence the odd shaped feature plan). The report splits the findings into four areas, the northern area, cutting into the slope, and the eastern, western and southern arms. Numerous cut features were recorded throughout the area, including pits and linears on differing alignments dating to the late iron age/early Roman period. The report does not really attempt to interpret the function of the features, one is referred to as a drainage ditch, others as agricultural. The features were dated from a small, abraded, ceramic assemblage. The pottery assemblage points to a low-status rural settlement, with the main occupation dating to between the mid to late 1st century BC, until the middle of the first century AD. This evidence ties in with previous archaeological findings east of Bullockstone Road (see TR 16 NE 85, 86, 87). Earlier prehistoric features have been recorded on the High School site, NE of All Weather Pitch (see TR 16 NE 84) and a number of residual struck flints were recorded during the current work (see TR 16 NE 91). Assemblages of CBM, daub and burnt clay, burnt flint and a tiny quantity of slag were also noted. A large number of tree hollows were recorded and many of the undated features were also probably tree hollows. A small number of medieval (see TR 16 NE 90) and post medieval features and finds indicate agricultural use of the area in these periods (a separate monument was not created for the post med archaeology) [2].
Further archaeological assessment of the excavation work split the excavated evidence into 3 main phases. The late iron age/ early Roman phase (as above) formed the bulk of the evidence, and there were two small phases of Later Roman (TR 16 NE 89) and Medieval archaeology (TR 16 NE 90). The struck flint is now thought to be neolithic in date (TR 16 NE 91) [3].
Evaluation trenching on the site of the High School in 2002 revealed a number of late iron age/early Roman features, two pits and a ?ditch, all recorded in one trench. They were located in the se corner of the site, in an area adjacent to the archaeology recorded under the proposed All Weather Pitch and west of the extensive archaeological landscape recorded east of Bullockstone Road. The ditch may alternatively be part of the later prehistoric? trackway recorded to the east (see TR 16 NE 84). A report is due to be published in Arch Cant at some point and this may clear up these phasing irregularities [4].
A watching brief on the foundations for 'O Block' in the area surrounding the trench where archaeology was recorded during the 2002 evaluation (see 4), observed no archaeological features or finds [5].
NB: THE PHASING OF VARIOUS FEATURES RECORDED ON THIS SITE HAS CHANGED THROUGH THE REPORT PROCESS. HOPEFULLY THE FINAL ARTICLE DUE TO APPEAR IN ARCH CANT AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE WILL ADDRESS THESE PROBLEMS.

Excavation in 2007, prior to construction of tennis courts. Single piece of iron age pottery found in the subsoil.(6)

<1> Hertfordshire Archaeological Trust, 2000, Herne Bay High School, Herne Bay, Kent. New All Weather Pitch. An Archaeological Evaluation (Unpublished document). SKE12770.

<2> Hertfordshire Archaeological Trust, 2001, Herne Bay High School, Herne Bay, Kent. New All Weather Pitch. An Archaeological Excavation (Unpublished document). SKE12771.

<3> Hertfordshire Archaeological Trust, 2001, An archaeological assessment and updated project design for the publication of Excavations at Herne Bay High School, Herne Bay, Kent, 2001 (Unpublished document). SKE12772.

<4> Hertfordshire Archaeological Trust, 2002, Herne Bay High School, Herne Bay, Kent. Proposed New Build- Resource & Sixth Form Area (O-Block), New Fitness Room, Gymnasium and Sports Extension & Associated External Works. An Archaeological Evaluation (Unpublished document). SKE12775.

<5> Hertfordshire Archaeological Trust, 2002, Herne Bay High School, Bullockstone Road, Herne Bay, Kent. Resource & Sixth Form Building (O Block). Archaeological Monitoring and Recording (Unpublished document). SKE12750.

<6> Archaeological Solutions, 2008, New Tennis Courts, Herne Bay High School, Herne Bay. An archaeological excavation (Unpublished document). SKE15748.