Monument record TR 02 SW 164 - Medieval field system, Lydd Quarry

During 18 successive phases of excavation at Lydd Quarry, extensive remains of Medieval to early Post-Medieval ditches, trackways and field systems were found spread across a large area. 14 existing momument records have been combined to link these features and enable them to be represented by one large polygon on the HER, illustrating the full extent of the features found and allowing other features more prominence.

In 1997 a watching brief carried out by Archaeology South-East on topsoil stripping for gravel extraction at Lydd 7, Lydd Quarry found ditches relating to a medieval field system. The field system was altered with ditches being filled in over three phases. The earliest infilling occurred in the 13th to early 14th century, the second in the 15th to early 16th century and the last phase in the 18th to 19th century. A 13th century pit and a 14th to 15th century gully were also found. (10)

Description from record TR 02 SW 53:
In 1995 South Eastern Archaeological Services carried out a watching brief and subsequent excavation at Lydd Quarry Stage 2. A Medieval occupation site, a trackway and ditch system dating from the 12th-13th centuries were found. By the late 12th/early 13th century a seasonal route had probably already been established through the site, running NE-SW along a shingle ridge. The subsequent addition of a double ditch in the later 12th/early 13th century may have extended the use of the route, and it may have become more permanent. It is possible that the earliest elements of the ditch system were put in place during this period, probably radiating downslope from the trackway ditch and perhaps linking it with natural or modified creeks or channels. In the early 13th century the track was re-aligned to slightly higher ground in the south and protected by at least one ditch and a series of straight ditches were cut at right angles to the trackway ditch, forming a small field system. In the early-mid 13th century a small enclosure was formed and a small farmstead established. Environmental information points to a mixed farming economy of arable cultivation and animal husbandry, supplemented by fishing and the collection of shellfish. Although no building plan has been established it seems likely that a dwelling house would have stood within the enclosure and sandstone blocks may represent post pads. The lack of Rye pottery suggests that the site lay within the sphere of New Romney. (2, 15, 17)

Description from record TR 02 SW 60:
Following a further element of the continuing watching brief maintained during topsoil stripping in advance of gravel extraction at Brett's quarry near Lydd, excavations have revealed an arrangement of medieval ditches forming a partial enclosure measuring c. 50m by 50m. Within the enclosure the site of a building was identified, represented by a c.8.5m by 5.5m rectangular alignment of fifteen post-holes and probably dating from the early 13th century. The comparative paucity of domestic material from the site perhaps suggests that the function of the building may have been agricultural, perhaps a shelter for stock or a small barn. (4, 13, 17)

Description from record TR 02 SW 61:
In 1999 Archaeology South-East carried out a watching brief and excavated features found during this at Lydd 11, Lydd Quarry. Medieval or Post Medieval ditches and a gully were found. In total there were thirteen ditches, one of which was on the same alignment as ditch 19 from Lydd 1. Another (53) was aligned closely to ditch 35 which at one time had linked Jury's Gut Sewer with Lydd Petty Sewer. (8)

Description from record TR 02 SW 63:
A watching brief carried out in 2006 at the site of Lydd Quarry (16) discovered five ditches. No dating evidence was discovered but the alignment suggests that it is a continuation of the field system discovered in previous Lydd Quarry archaeological work. (6)

Description from record TR 01 NW 20:
Between 2000 and 2004 Archaeology South-East carried out a watching brief at Lydd Quarry. Ditches relating to a medieval field system were found across the various areas investigated.

Description from record TR 02 SW 152:
In 1995 South Eastern Archaeological Services carried out a watching brief and a subsequent excavation at Lydd Quarry on Areas A, B and C (later Lydd 1). A series of medieval ditches were found. The earliest phase of activity relates to initial drainage efforts dating to the 12th century. This appeared to have made use of existing channels supplemented by further ditch digging to drain the area. These were succeeded by a more regular system of ditches dug in the 13th century. This system consisted of straight ditches arranged to form square or rectangular enclosures with an associated trackway. They appear to have continued in use until as late the 15th or early 16th century when they were inflilled.

A number of other ditches, pits and post holes or stakeholes were found. Possible evidence of occupation in the area was found in the form of a pit with shell and charcoal, suggesting domestic refuse disposal. A dog burial was found in one ditch and a large number of animal bones were also collected from the various pits and ditches. These included cow, sheep/goat, pig, horse, cat, dog and a rabbit bone. (17)

Description from record TR 02 SW 153:
In 1995 a watching brief carried out by Archaeology South-East on topsoil stripping for gravel extraction at Lydd 3, Lydd Quarry found medieval ditches. An excavation in 1996 found these formed four discrete systems and a trackway. One system consisted of an irregular arrangement of narrow ditches along with a soakaway. Pottery dating to the 13th century and large quantities of fish bone were found in these features. The function of this system was not clear. Another system consisted of narrow parallel interrupted ditches, though these contained 14th century pottery, it is thought that they might be of later origin, perhaps even 18th century. Elements of the rectilinear field system found on previous stages of the Lydd Quarry excavations were found crossing the area, including the trackway.

A shallow depression may have represented a floor. It had a brick-built hearth associated with a charcoal rich layer, with pottery of the 14th to 15th centuries. Pits and post holes were also found associated with this feature. There was a group of four post holes to the north of the hearth, perhaps indicating another structure. A third building was found, evidenced by a gravel spread, c. 5.5m x 6.5m across. This had a number of pits and post holes suggesting either a two room structure or a smaller building with a number of smaller structures grouped around it. This again dated to the 14th to 15th centuries.

Well-preserved waterlogged wooden features were found in two areas. One was an oak plank possibly used as shuttering to stabilise a pit dug into gravel. It is possible that this was an open well. Fragments of a lathe-turned wooden bowl were found. The second group of preserved wooden elements was also possibly from a well; stakes and planks lining a pit. Part of a leather shoe was found in this feature and it had been filled in the 15th century. (2, 3, 14, 17)

Description from record TR 02 SW 155:
In 1996 the fourth area of Lydd Quarry was investigated by Archaeology South-East. A combination of watching briefs and excavations found traces of medieval occupation and a field system. A shallow sub-rectangular depression may represent the floor of a small medieval structure. Ditches relating to the field system found crossing the area were also observed, along with the trackway found during earlier stages of the Lydd Quarry excavations. (4, 13, 17)

Description from record TR 02 SW 159:
In 1996 a watching brief carried out by Archaeology South-East on topsoil stripping for gravel extraction at Lydd 5 and 6, Lydd Quarry found an extensive medieval and post-medieval rectilinear ditch system. It was filled in in the late 17th to early 18th century.

A clay-lined pit with the lower section of a barrel was found in situ in the western part of Lydd 6, north of Area B. The barrel was well-preserved. The fill contained the remains of a wooden bowl, leather shoe fragments and late 15th to 16th century pottery. The contents suggest it may have been a cess pit.

A pit c.1m square contained remains of timber lining. It appears to have had reeds growing within it before being backfilled in the late 16th to 17th century. It may have been a well. (1)

Description from record TR 02 SW 160:
In 1997 the fifth and sixth areas of Lydd Quarry were investigated by Archaeology South-East. A combination of watching briefs and excavations found traces of medieval occupation and a field system. Area A was excavated and found to contain a probably late 12th to early 13th century ditch system with associated pits. The pits and ditches contained a large quantity of domestic waste, including sea shells such as cockle, probably associated with settlement in the immediate vicinity. A number of post holes were also found but no clear function could be determined for these features. (1)

Description from record TR 02 SW 161:
In 1997 the fifth and sixth areas of Lydd Quarry were investigated by Archaeology South-East. A combination of watching briefs and excavations found traces of post medieval occupation and a field system. Area B was excavated and found to contain late 15th to early 18th century activity evidenced by pits, ditches and post holes with deposits of domestic rubbish. Beside a possible fence line there were possible traces of structures in this area, though of no clear form. (1)

Description from record TR 02 SW 168:
In 1998 a watching brief carried out by Archaeology South-East on topsoil stripping for gravel extraction at Lydd 9, Lydd Quarry found a few ditches of medieval date. They did not contain much pottery and so are not thought to have been associated with occupation in the area. They are therefore more likely to relate to a field system known to have covered the quarry area. The pottery dated from the 13th to 15th centuries. A possible enclosure was found in the northwest of the site and the ditches of this feature produced a significant quantity of 14th century pottery. (7)

Description from record TR 02 SW 177:
A watching brief carried out in 2006 at the site of Lydd Quarry (phase 16) discovered two parallel ditches, possibly a medieval or post medieval trackway. There were also some ditches that may be a continuation of the medieval and post medieval field system seen elsewhere at Lydd Quarry. (6)

During the Lydd 17 watching brief, possible medieval/post-medieval remains found comprised two pairs of parallel ditches probably delineating trackways/droveways and further elements of the extensive field systems previously recorded. (18)

Archaeology South-East, 2008, ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AT LYDD QUARRY, LYDD, KENT (PART 17) (Unpublished document). SKE32301.

<1> Archaeology South-East, 1997, Post-Excavation Assessment of Brett's Lydd Quarry, Kent: phases 5 & 6 (Unpublished document). SKE7171.

<2> South Eastern Archaeological Services, 1996, Post-Excavation Assessment of Brett's Lydd Quarry, part 2, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE17351.

<3> Archaeology South-East, 1996, Post-Excavation Assessment of Brett's Lydd Quarry, part 3, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE17352.

<4> Archaeology South-East, 1996, Post-Excavation Assessment of Brett's Lydd Quarry, part 4, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE17353.

<5> Archaeology South-East, 2006, Post-Excavation Assessment & Project Design for Publication, Brett's Lydd Quarry, Kent, parts 12, 13-14 & 15 (Unpublished document). SKE12925.

<6> Archaeology South-East, 2006, Archaeological Investigations at Lydd Quarry, Lydd, Kent (Part 16) (Unpublished document). SKE12924.

<7> Archaeology South-East, 1998, Post-Excavation Assessment of Brett's Lydd Quarry, Kent, part 9 (Unpublished document). SKE7339.

<8> Archaeology South-East, 1999, Post-Excavation Assessment of Brett's Lydd Quarry, Kent, part 11 (Unpublished document). SKE7553.

<9> South Eastern Archaeology, 1995, Draft Report: The Excavation of Medieval Occupation Sites, a Medieval Field System and a pre-Medieval Land Surface at Lydd, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE7077.

<10> Archaeology South-East, 1997, Post-Excavation Assessment of Brett's Lydd Quarry, Kent, part 7 (Unpublished document). SKE7172.

<11> Archaeology South-East, 1999, Post-Excavation Assessment of Brett's Lydd Quarry, Kent, part 10 (Unpublished document). SKE7348.

<12> South Eastern Archaeological Services, 1996, The Excavation of Medieval Occupation Sites, a Medieval Field System and a pre-Medieval Land Surface at Lydd, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE16778.

<13> Archaeology South-East, 1996, The Excavation of Prehistoric, Romano-British and Medieval Remains at Lydd Quarry (Stage 4) (Unpublished document). SKE15802.

<14> Archaeology South-East, 2002, The Excavation of Ditch Systems, Trackways and Settlement Sites at Lydd Quarry (Stage 3) (Unpublished document). SKE17398.

<15> Archaeology South-East, 1999, The Excavation of an Enclosed Medieval Occupation Site, Medieval Ditch System and Trackway at Lydd Quarry (Stage 2) (Unpublished document). SKE6566.

<16> Archaeology South-East, 1998, Post-Excavation Assessment of Brett's Lydd Quarry, part 8 (Unpublished document). SKe7271.

<17> Luke Barber and Greg Priestley-Bell, 2008, Medieval adaptation, settlement and economy of a coastal wetland: The evidence from around Lydd, Romney Marsh, Kent (Monograph). SKE17399.

<18> Archaeology South-East, 2008, ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AT LYDD QUARRY, LYDD, KENT (PART 17) (Unpublished document). SKE32301.