In 2003 and 2004 Canterbury Archaeological Trust carried out a programme of works at Westwood Cross, Broadstairs. The majority of features found at the site related to Bronze Age occupation. This started in the Middle Bronze Age with pottery predominantly of flint-tempered ware of Deverel-Rimbury type. The first phase of activity consisted of rectilinear enclosed fields and a possible drove way. There may have been pre-existing small-scale domestic activity on the site. A pit was found cut by a ditch of the field system containing a large quantity of mussel shell fragments, along with smaller amounts of cockle, winkles, grey top-shell and tellin. There were also several charred barley grains. This assemblage indicates use of estuarine and coastal locations and agriculture, perhaps in the Early or Middle Bronze Age.

The second phase of Bronze Age activity saw the laying out of an enclosure with substantial ditches and pits. The enclosure was modified on possibly two occasions, though there is a suggestion that the enclosure fell out of use between these renovations as the ditches had been allowed to silt up. Mussel shells were found in many features, indicating a continuation of the agricultural and gathering strategy. Spelt wheat was found, being an unusually early discovery of this crop. Animal remains from the site included cattle and sheep/goat bones but also bones from possibly two species of snake. These may have been incidental inclusions or could have been due to human action. Whether the snakes were killed for meat, skin, as vermin or possibly for ritual purposes cannot be determined. There is some possible suggestion of seasonal occupation of the site. This activity was mostly concentrated in the Middle Bronze Age but did extend into the Late Bronze Age.

The third phase of activity on the site occurred in the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age and consisted of scattered pits across the site. Two large cess pits were found and a number of smaller refuse pits. Again there was use being made of shellfish resources, cattle and sheep/goat. A few pig bones were also found, suggesting domesticated pig being exploited. These traces all indicate domestic occupation though the remains of this were not directly encountered.

The site appears to have been completely abandoned after the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age phase of activity. A brickearth-like deposit built up across the site. (1,2)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2004, Westwood Cross, Broadstairs: Detailed Archaeological Investigations on land at Westwood Cross, Broadstairs, Thanet. Integrated Site Report (draft) (Unpublished document). SKE17614.

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2004, Archaeological Excavation of land at Westwood Cross, Broadstairs, Thanet, Kent: Interim Report (Unpublished document). SKE17613.