Two Belgic cremation burials were found, 8 feet apart, by Mr Self of Eastwood Farm, Fawkham, in November 1963 and June 1964, when trenches were being dug at TQ 5883 6471, for foundations for a new cottage. The site is close to the C1 AD Romano-British farmstead discovered in 1957 (see TQ 56 SE 1). Pottery recovered and retained by Mr Self from the first burial, included a carinated beaker of brown ware containing burnt bones and a bead rimmed pot; from the second burial: fragments of a Patchgrove jar of black ware containing burnt bones, and of another pot of coarse brown ware. Mr B.J. Philp was notified of the discovery, and dated the pottery to 50-80 AD. (1)

The cemetery. Two burials were found altogether. The first burial was removed by machine so only its approximate position could be determined. It contained two vessels, a cinerary urn and a flagon (see illustration card, nos 283,284). The cinerary urn still had traces of calcined bone stuck to its inner side. Its form shows it to be a native product of a type common in west Kent in the second half of the1st century AD. The flagon is a distinctly Roman type, either imported or a good native copy. Although fragmentary it too can be dated to the second half of the 1st century and it seems that this burial group was deposited sometime between AD 50-100. The second burial, partly disturbed, contained parts of a beaker and a cooking pot (see illustration card, nos 285-286). The cremated bones had been placed in the beaker originally standing in an upright position. Only fragments of the other vessel survived. Both vessels had been placed in a sub- rectangular pit. The bottom of the pit was found to be covered with a 2 inch layer of carbon, perhaps collected from a nearby funeral pyre. The impression of an upright stake, 1 inch in diameter and with a tapered point was also observed. This may have been a marker, projecting above ground level. The cooking pot is very common type in west Kent and can be dated to the second half of the 1st century, as can the carinated beaker. (2)

Additional info. (3-4)

<1> F1 ASP 24-Aug-64 (OS Card Reference). SKE42258.

<2> Excavations in W Kent 1960-1970 1973 108-111 illus (B Philp) (OS Card Reference). SKE41692.

<3> Field report for monument TQ 56 SE 12 - August, 1964 (Bibliographic reference). SKE2954.

<4> Wessex Archaeology, 1995, Environmental Statement: West Kingsdown MSA (Unpublished document). SKE7080.