[TR 1800 4705] An Early Bronze Age flanged bronze axe 3.25 inches long and 1.5 inches wide at the blade was found in March 1966 at the side of the road running from Bladbean Farm crossroads to Dane Farm. When picked up the axe was covered with earth and it appears that at the time of discovery tractor loads of earth excavated from the site of new buildings at Bladbean Farm were being carted to Bladbean Stud. It is likely, therefore, that the axe originally came from the vicinity of Bladbean Farm, somewhere in the north east quadrant of the crossroads. Flanged axes are assignable to the Early Bronze Age II, circa 1550/1500-1400 B.C., and several examples are known from Kent. The axe was presented to Maidstone Museum, Acc. No. 37.1966, by the finder (1)

<1> Kelly, D.B, 1967, Research and Discoveries in Kent 1966, Vol LXXXl pages 247 - 248 (Article in serial). SKE8005.