In 1994 Oxford Archaeological Unit conducted fieldwalking over the route of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. Pottery from Prehistory right through to the Saxon period was observed at the Thurnham Villa site. Seven sherds of flint-gritted ware and one dense shelly sherd were recovered. Five of these conincided with the north end of the main villa building. These prehistoric sherds are probably Iron Age in date. 109 sherd of Roman pottery were discovered, including Black-burished ware, Canterbury type sandy ware. 2nd century Samian and one 3rd century Oxfordshire type mortarium. These indicate a 1st to 2nd century assemblage, with limited activity for 3rd centry and later. No other Roman aretfacts were found during the fieldwalking. One micaeous dark grey sherd of Saxon pottery was found south-east of the main villa. This is a known fabric type from Canterbury dating to the 6th-7th century. (1)

<1> Oxford Archaeological Unit, 1994, Union Railways Limited Channel Tunnel Rail Link: 1994 Surface Collection Survey Part 1 of 2, August 1995 (Unpublished document). SKE17270.