Monument record TQ 76 NE 425 - Roman site at Grange Farm, Gillingham

Summary

A large complex Roman site was excavated in 2005/6. Over 20 structures and buildings were excavated amongst which was a temple/mausoleum complex (in which was an inhumation burial in a lead coffin), there were also four roads and a number of workshops.

Location

Grid reference TQ 7928 6865 (point)
Map sheet TQ76NE
County KENT
Civil Parish GILLINGHAM, MEDWAY, KENT
Unitary Authority MEDWAY

Map

Type and Period (8)

Full Description

A large complex Roman site was excavated in 2005/6. Over 20 structures and buildings were excavated amongst which was a temple/mausoleum complex (in which was an inhumation burial in a lead coffin), there were also four roads and a number of workshops. (1)

The first phase of Roman activity on the site consisted of boundary ditches and a road dating from the 1st century to early 2nd century. The Late Iron Age field system may have continued in use at this time and even been expanded. A large number of pits date to this phase of activity, along with several hearths. Some of the pits contained possibly ritual deposits, in the form of complete but broken pots. A rectangular post-built structure was also dated to this phase. This has been interpreted as a granary, possibly holding a very large quantity of grain, and perhaps representing surplus production for trade.

The middle Roman period, AD 120-250, saw a continuation of activity with further ditches dug across the site. Revetment walls were constructed and a number of floors were associated with these. Two structures were identified and a number of post holes were also found.

In the second half of the 3rd century some of the boundary ditches were replaced with walls. At this point, a tomb was built. This consisted of square masonry structure that had been heavily robbed in the medieval period. Within the structure a woman had been buried in a lidless lead coffin within a wooden coffin. No grave goods were associated with the burial. Tessera found above the burial indicate that a mosaic had been laid within the tomb building. Two gold chains were found in the accumulated soil over the floor, likely to represent the demolition of the building. One chain had beads of the green stone variscite (found in Germany) whilst the other had garnets and emeralds. The tomb structure probably held other burials as indicated by the presence of human bones within the robbing deposits. One robbing cut may indicate the position of an altar. Also dating to this period was a large barn structure which replaced the timber granary. Finds from this phase of activity indicated smithing and horn and antler working.

The late Roman occupation of the site was evidenced by numerous pits and evidence of the demolition of some structures. Post holes were found but no structures were identified from these apart from one possible four post structure. Evidence of metal working was found in the form of dumped iron slag and lead working waste. Some of this activity may have extended into the early Saxon period. (2)


<1> CgMs Consulting, 2006, 2nd Summary Interim Report on the Archaeological Investigations: Land at Grange Farm Gillingham (Unpublished document). SKE15913.

<2> Pre-Construct Archaeology, 2008, Grange Farm, Gillingham, Kent: Assessment Of An Archaeological Excavation (Unpublished document). SKE17791.

Sources/Archives (2)

  • <1> Unpublished document: CgMs Consulting. 2006. 2nd Summary Interim Report on the Archaeological Investigations: Land at Grange Farm Gillingham.
  • <2> Unpublished document: Pre-Construct Archaeology. 2008. Grange Farm, Gillingham, Kent: Assessment Of An Archaeological Excavation.

Finds (31)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

  • Intrusive Event: Investigation at Grange Farm Gillingham (Ref: KKGF 03) (EKE10251)

Record last edited

Sep 13 2012 2:40PM