On the Halstow Marshes, at TQ 78497804, recent ploughing has revealed a small area of burnt earth containing much briquetage: small finds include a few RB sherds, a fragment of samian and a piece of salt glazing. The site was discovered initially by Mr M.Ocock, secretary of the Lower Medway Research Group who considers it a possible Red Hill. (1) TQ 78507805. Seven trial trenches were dug by members of the Lower Medway Archaeological Research Group. No structures were found, but quantities of coarse-ware, fragments of roofing and bonding tile and glass were found, together with lumps of decayed mortar. Remains of what are possibly evaporating vessels or large salt-moulds were found along with greenish slag like that found on RB salt panning sites (2). Additional reference (3).

Description from record TQ 77 NE 12:
TQ 78007697 A Romano British salt making site with briquetage visible on the surface is under investigation by Mr Ocock (1). The site lies in Little Middle Marsh. The only surface indication of a possible site was the presence of a few sherds of Romano-British coarse pottery and these would probably not have come to light had it not been decided to plough, for the first time, this particular field. It was decided to check the possibility that the sherds had not been transported from elsewhere, but had originated from remains of occupation in the field itself. Seven trial pits were dug in an area approximately 100ft by 25ft. The stratification sequence was revealed in three of the pits. The remaining pits also produced sherds of Romano-British coarse pottery in varying quantities. Most were of a second century date and many were of a sandy red fabric. Fragments also of roofing tiles, bonding tiles and glass were found, togetther with lumps of decayed mortar (2). Site photographs (3,4).

<1> F1 FGA 12-NOV-64 (OS Card Reference). SKE42915.

<1> Salt Rep on the Salt weekend held at the Univ of Sussex Sept 1974 28 (A Miles Eds KW de Brisay KA Ev (OS Card Reference). SKE49393.

<2> Arch Cant 84 (1970) 255-257. (OS Card Reference). SKE35780.

<2> Arch Cant 84 1969 255-7 (MA Ocock) (OS Card Reference). SKE35790.

<3> Field report for monument TQ 77 NE 8 - November, 1964 (Bibliographic reference). SKE4208.

<3> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9550.

<4> 1947, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9828.