Monument record TR 02 NE 100 - Four medieval sub-circular features as well as C13/14th pottery sherds, New Romney

Archaeological watching briefs carried out during the extension of 'Melaine' in 2003 found four probable medieval pits, two on the north and two on the south of the building.

The two pits to the north appear to date from the mid to late 13th century. The features were cut through a clean beach material which was exposed across the base of all the trenches. This deposit may represent either the top of the natural sand and shingle spit upon which New Romney was originally founded, or one of the subsequent periods of inundation by the sea. Despite the lack of dating material from the pits, they must predate the formation of a layer containing pottery datable to between 1250-1325 which included several fragments of foreign imports. (1, 2) (information summarised from source)

One of the two pits to the south of the building contained burnt clay which possibly represented daub. This was interpreted (2) as probably being associated with the construction or demolition of a medieval timber walled building or buildings in the vicinity of the site. (2)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2003, An archaeological Watching brief during the excavation of foundation trenches to the rear of 'Melaines', Fairfield Road, New Road, New Romeny, Shepway, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE15739.

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2004, An archaeological watching brief during the excavation of foundation trenches to the front and rear of Melaine Fairfield Road, New Romney, Shepway, Kent, (Phase I and Phase II) (Unpublished document). SKE57618.