In 1995 an excavation was carried out by Wessex Archaeology along a pipeline between Deal and Ramsgate, at Sandwich Bay. Two ditches were found, the cermaic evidence recovered from them suggests comtemporaneity. One ditch shows tha establishement and continual use over a considerable time, with several recuts evdient. A pottery sherd dated between c.400 BC - 150/175 AD, Early Iron Age to Roman period. Two metal objects were also recovered; part of a probable copper alloy bracelet and an iron fibula brooch. 24 sherds were yeilded fom the other, the sherds dated between the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age and the Belgic/Early Roman. (1)

The braclet was a fragment of pennuanular wire bracelet or anklet and the surving part was just one terminal. Due to its simplicity, it is hard to date, and bracelts of copper alloy rather then iron are not particularly common on British Iron Age sites, though examples are known. There is no reason why the bracelet and the brooch should not be contemporary. The brooch is La Tene II and is made of iron, which is unually since most are copper alloy. It is perhaps later 2nd or early 1st century. (1)

<1> Wessex Archaeology, 1995, The Sandwich Bay Wastewater Treatment Scheme Archaeological Project 1992-1994 (Unpublished document). SKE17348.