In 2004 the Trust for Thanet Archaeology carried out an evaluation on Bishops Avenue, on the site now known as Hamilton Close. Roman ditches, one containing parts of a truncated juvenile pig skeleton, were found. (1)

The site was subsequently excavated by the Trust for Thanet Archaeology in 2004. Two phases of Roman activity were found on the site. The earliest was evidenced by pits and ditches with pottery of the first and second century AD. The second century occupation of the site was also evidenced by pits and ditches. Grains of spelt wheat were found in one of the pits, along with hulled barley. A sample from one of the later pits contained emmer wheat.

The animal bones from the site were assessed along with those found on the adjacent site at 103 Stone Road, to the south. Cattle, sheep, pig, horse and dog were represented. Meat appears to have been the primary purpose of the animal husbandry, with early slaughter common. The horses were older and probably draft animals. Dog scavenging was evident. Two partial sheep and two partial pig skeletons may represent deliberate burial of parts of sacrificial victims. Wild animals were less well represented. Bird bones were dominated by domestic fowl but goose and kittiwake were also found. (2-3)

<1> Trust for Thanet Archaeology, 2004, Hamilton Lodge, Bishops Avenue, Broadstairs: Archaeological Evaluation Report (Unpublished document). SKE13634.

<2> Trust for Thanet Archaeology, 2004, Hamilton Lodge, Bishops Avenue, Broadstairs: Archaeological Assessment Report (Unpublished document). SKE18199.

<3> Trust for Thanet Archaeology, 2005, Hamilton Lodge, Bishops Avenue, Broadstairs: Archaeological Report (Unpublished document). SKE18200.