In February 2006 an archaeological evaluation was carried out at the former Halstead Place School, Halsted, in advance of a proposed re-development. 13 trenches were excavated within the site. The evaluation confirmed the presence of prehistoric and medieval/post-medieval remains. No domestic structures were found but a group of prehistoric features in the north-east of the site suggested that occupation may be present nearby. A possible medieval/post-medieval wall, garden features and boundary ditches were also revealed, thought to be associated with the manorial complex and school (see nearby records).

Ditch observed at Former Halstead Place School, located north west of Halstead. It was observed in Trench 1 aligned north-south and in which a single fragment of Medieval/Post-medieval roof tile was recovered. Another ditch was observed in Trench 5 and 6, running along a different alignment to the previous, north-east south-west, and wider, but not definite dating recovered from it. Trench 7 also had a ditch within it running along the same alignment as the ditch in Trenches 5 and 6, but again with no dating evidence. Trench 12 too had a ditch running along the north-east south-west alignment. A single flint flake was recovered from this ditch and given its close proximity and similar position it may give a contemporary date for a pit. The dithces would have formed a original boundary for the manorial complex shown on maps from 1769 to 1909. (1)

<1> CgMs Consulting, 2006, An Archeological Evaluation Report: Land at the former Halstead Place School, Church Road, Halstead, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE17055.