Between 2009 and 2011 Archaeology South-East carried out a programme of works on land north of Leysdown Road, Warden Bay, on the site now occupied by Warden Bay Primary School and land to the east of it. The earliest Anglo-Saxon activity detected on the site was a single sherd of possibly Early to Middle Anglo-Saxon pottery found in a ditch on the edge of the excavated area. More substantial occupation dated from the Middle Anglo-Saxon period onwards and consisted of a possible sunken feature building, a ditch and a gully. Material from these features dated from AD 700-900 and included a loomweight fragment.

The Late Anglo-Saxon period was evidenced by rubbish pits and a possible d-shaped enclosure. Numerous post holes were found within the enclosed area. Pottery from these features dated to the period AD 800-1050 and was found alongside three iron fire steels or purse mounts, a barrel lock, part of a sword or spear and an iron knife. The Saxo-Norman phase of the site saw continuing occupation with further pits, post holes and ditches; one contained an iron cow bell. The post holes of this phase probably relate to fencelines rather than structures.

Occupation on the site appears to have declined into the medieval period with a greatly reduced number of pits dating to later centuries. It seems likely that use of the site for domestic purposes had largely ended by the 13th century, though the area was still utilised with field ditches crossing the site. (1)

<1> Archaeology South-East, 2012, Post-excavation assessment and updated project design report: land at Leysdown Road, Warden Bay in Leysdown, Isle of Sheppey (Unpublished document). SKE17605.