In 2009/10 Archaeology South-East carried out a programme of works on Kemsley Down and Kemsley Marsh. During the Roman period, immediately north of a Bronze Age barrow (TQ 96 NW 125), a small cremation cemetery was established. There were a total of four burials in pits, closely grouped though not intercutting. Two dated to the late 1st century and two from the early 2nd century. The first adult cremation was interred with a platter, a fine-necked jar/beaker, a globular jar/beaker and a straight ring-necked flagon. The vessels were all of local fabrics and dated between AD 40 and AD 100. The second adult cremation was buried with a platter and a beaker, both dating from AD 40-80. A flint flake was also found on the base of the pit. The third adult cremation was interred in a grey ware jar and accompanied by a Samian dish, a flagon and a globular beaker, both in local fabrics. The Samian dish dated from AD 100/120-140. The fourth cremation was interred in a wide-mouth jar. It was accompanied by a lattice decorated beaker, a Samian cup and a Samian dish. The date range of these vessels was AD 90-130. Close to the cremations were seven post holes. These may have been cremation markers though the fills of the holes contained further cremated bone fragments and may therefore represent 'token' burials or some other ritual component of the burial rites practiced at the cemetery. (1)

<1> Archaeology South-East, 2011, A Post-Excavation Assessment and Updated Project Design Report: Excavations at Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road, Kemsley, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE17596.