Excavation by Oxford Archaeology in 2010 prior to construction works at the Orbital Park site, Ashford. Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age activity was found.

Initial assessment suggests 3 phases of Iron Age activity were found, from the mid to late Iron Age, mainly showing a shift in ditches over time representing changes in the organisation of the landscape. The first phase consists of straight ditches possibly representing a field system. The second phase consists of irregular, curving linear ditches, which may be contemporary or may reflect a shifting boundary ditch. The third phase sees ditches dug on the same alignment as the first phase, and a ring ditch, around 10m in diameter. There were 40 postholes in and around the ring ditch, probably representing a succession of roundhouses. A second curving ditch and associated postholes may represent a second roundhouse. A four-post, 2.5m square structure is suggested outside the ring ditches. Several pits were located within the ring ditch. Pottery concentrations were more intense in the west of the site, sugesting a settlement focus here. (1)

<1> Oxford Archaeology, 2011, Orbital Park, Ashford, Kent: Archaeological Interim Report (Unpublished document). SKE16766.

<2> Oxford Archaeology, 2011, Orbital Park, Ashford, Kent: post-excavation assessment report (Unpublished document). SKE29664.