[TQ 72177729 - approximate siting only] In 1954 a mechanical excavator digging clay for cement uncovered human and animal bones and a large number of potsherds including rims of bowls, mortaria, urns & c. There was much coarse ware, and one pale buff flagon was recovered complete. `Certainly a cremation group but possibly a settlement site also'. Visited 24th Feb. 1954 in the company of Mr. R.F. Jessup. The finds went to the head offices of the Cement Co.(1). Local enquiry revealed the cement company to be that of Associated Portland Cement Manufacture, Swanscombe, Kent. The site of the find is in a field under pasture, at the present time waterlogged. Perambulation revealed no surface finds (2). Correspondence on this site from A.P.C.M. Co. to Sgn.Cdr. P.H. Ker Gray notes among the finds a flagon, a vase, a Samian patera, and a wide mouthed pot; also Roman coins, the only one of which identifiable is a sestertius of Lucius Versus (AD 161-9) No confirmatory evidence on date of find or siting is given but it is noted that all finds made were in the possession of the A.P.C.M. Co. The site is now a grass baulk between the lagoons formed as a result of mud-digging; although no further finds are known to have been made at this particular site subsequent mud -digging has revealed much evidence of Roman occupation in the close vicinity. (SEE TQ 77 NW 15) (a)(3). Excavation has revealed a group of ten cremation burials with attendant funerary vessels. These burials are of late first to early second century date and would appear to form the edge of a large cemetery known to have been destroyed by commercial excavation. Beneath the burials lies much industrial debris associated with Belgic pottery. Similar debris found at other points in the area, associated with occupation layers, indicates that this industry continued well into the fourth century AD. This debris is very reminiscent of the Essex Red Hills, and similar areas have been observed by the writers on the Upchurch marshes. The site is believed to have been associated with the extraction of salt, and it it hoped that further work will clarify this point. Medieval pottery has been found at one point associated with what appears to be a chalk floor (4). Additional references from index entries and field reports (5-9).

<1> Oral Mr J Evans FSA (Hon Corr) Isle of Grain (OS Card Reference). SKE47958.

<2> F1 CFW 18-DEC-58 (OS Card Reference). SKE42625.

<3> F2 ASP 23-JAN-59 (OS Card Reference). SKE43154.

<4> Inf Sgn-Cdr Ker Gray Frankfield Farnham Lane Haslemere Surrey (OS Card Reference). SKE44363.

<5> F3 CFW 15-NOV-64 (OS Card Reference). SKE43383.

<6> Arch Cant 76 (1962) 205-6. (OS Card Reference). SKE35585.

<7> Field report for monument TQ 77 NW 2 - December, 1958 (Bibliographic reference). SKE4210.

<8> Field report for monument TQ 77 NW 2 - January, 1959 (Bibliographic reference). SKE4211.

<9> Field report for monument TQ 77 NW 2 - November, 1964 (Bibliographic reference). SKE4212.