Excavations carried out between 1998-2001 at the Saltwood Tunnel and Stone Farm Bridleway sites, by Canterbury Archaeology Trust and Wessex Archaeology, as part of the CTRL works.

Early Saxon cemeteries, in 3 spatially distinct phases, each around a separate Early Bronze Age barrow (see TR 13 NE 214). There is a degree of chronological overlap, with the whole phase covering a period from the late 5th to late 7th centuries. None of the cemeteries have defining boundaries, but there are apparent internal divisions within each cemetery. A total of 217 inhumations, 1 cremation, and 1 horse burial. All bones were in poor condition, though there was an unexplained degree of variability in preservation between graves. A short line of post-holes in the central cemetert is the only other feature from this phase within the cemetery areas.

Eastern Cemetery (late 5th-late 6th century): A cluster of 16 graves in two irregular rows, focused on the SW side of the large, eastern-most, Early Bronze Age barrow, with 2 further graves located on the NE side of the barrow. The burials were aligned roughly W-E, though some were rotated to be perpendicular to the adjacent trackway (TR 13 NE 220). Funerary assemblages included glass and amber beads, brooches, and weaponry. The two isolated graves had evidence of wooden coffins and were richly furnished with funerary goods including weaponry, glass vessels, and a chatelaine.

Western Cemetery (mid 6th-mid 7th century): 58 inhumations and one cremation uncovered, though the full extent of this cemetery has almost certainly not been revealed in the excavation. The majority of graves were situated to the SE of the large western barrow and to the north of the trackway. The majority of the graves were aligned with the trackway, suggesting it was still in use, however a few were cut into the trackway. 9 graves were situated to the SW of the barrow in a single line perpendicular to the trackway. 4 penannular ditches containing graves were located at the east. These appear to be later than the rest of the graves (early - mid 7th century). 4 graves had evidence for wooden coffins, one was lined with greensand blocks, and 4 others had partial stone linings. Funerary assemblages include weaponry, glass vessels, brooches and other jewellery.

Central Cemetery (7th century): focused on and to the south of the central barrow, and to the east of the trackway. The full extent of the cemetery to the north and south may not have been reached. The majority are aligned W-E, which happens to be perpendicular to the trackway. There are numerous penannular-ditched graves. There is a very distinct edge to the west of the cemetery (though no defining ditch or fence line was discovered), though the east side is more disperse, although the trackway does seem to act as a division in terms of the character and layout of graves. 4 well-furnished graves have been identified as founder graves - one in the centre of the barrow, and 3 more evenly spaced in a line south of the barrow. 3 of the 4 are demarcated by either a mound, a ditch, or a post-hole arrangement. Funerary goods include coptic bowls, weaponry, jewellery, and numerous other objects. A horse burial was probably associated with the one on the barrow. The quality of some of the funerary goods and the horse burials demonstrate the presence of high-ststus individuals. Another trend is the Continental influence in the funerary assemblage. Whether this shows trade routes, migration, or cultural admiration is debatable. To the east of these founder burials are two rough N-S lines of burials, with the eastern (i.e. nearer the trackway) being earlier. To the east of the trackway is a disperse N-S line of 12 graves comprising single, paired, tripled, and group graves. To the north is a cluster of six graves curving around a purported ring ditch. To the east is a compact N-S line of 12 graves flanked by a deep ditch on the east and west sides. It is possible that the ditches provided the material for a long mound over the graves. The ditches were extended once, presumably with the addition of further graves to the group.
(1)

Additional bibliography. (2-6)

<1> Wessex Archaeology, 2002, Saltwood Tunnel Post Excavation Assessment Report (Unpublished document). SKE16613.

<2> Oxford Wessex Archaeology Joint Venture, 2006, Radiocarbon dates from Section 1 of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE16490.

<3> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1999, North of Saltwood Tunnel, Kent. Detailed Archaeological Works Interim Report (Unpublished document). SKE6873.

<4> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1999, North of Saltwood Tunnel Kent (Unpublished document). SKE6883.

<5> Lincolnshire County Council, 2002, Archaeology from the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (Unpublished document). SKE16616.

<6> Oxford Wessex Archaeology Joint Venture, 2006, The prehistoric, Roman and Anglo-Saxon funerary landscape at Saltwood Tunnel, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE16617.