Excavation in 2005 in advance of the construction of the new Leybourne Bypass found extensive archaeological remains (area E2). A large late iron age enclosure was defined by a ditch at least 2m wide and 1m deep. The ditches contained a large amount of late iron age pottery, animal bone and ragstone. A sub-enclosure and pits were also found, one containing a iron sickle or billhook. A number of loomweights, daub, copper alloy fragments were found together with a child burial that was sealed beneath small boulders and surrounded by groups of postholes. A small early/middle Saxon sunken-feature building was also found. In the south-west part of the site, c 4.9m x 3.6m dimension. Finds included pottery, animal bone, fired clay and copper alloy fragments. A nearby ditch contained iron age, Roman and Saxon pottery. A single medieval pit containing tile was also found and a row of postholes may also be of medieval date. A section of dry-stone walling may be of post medieval date.(1,2)

<1> Wessex Archaeology, 2005, A228 West Malling and Leybourne Bypass, West Malling Kent: Archaeological Excavation and Watching Brief Works (Unpublished document). SKE13007.

<2> Wessex Archaeology, 2006, A228 West Malling & Leybourne Bypass, West Malling, Kent, archaeological evaluation, excavation and watching brief works, post-excavation assessment report and proposals for analysis and final publication (Unpublished document). SKE15655.