In 2002 Canterbury Archaeology Trust carried out an excavation ahead of clay extraction at Shelford Farm Estate. A possibly enclosed settlement of Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age date was found. Domestic features included post-built structures, hearths and storage or refuse pits. Of particular interest were three pits which each contained in situ partially complete vessels, perhaps used as small ovens, basins or food preparation/storage containers. The structures consisted of three square four-post structures and at least six subrectangular and near circular or oval post- and stake-hole structures. The largest of these was evidenced by at least 26 post holes though there are two possible reconstructions of its original form (circular with a porch or rectangular). Industrial or agricultural features included a possible corn-drying oven and a possible furnace. A group of seven cremation burials and other probably ritual deposits were found away from the main centre of activity on the site. One such pit produced several large fragments of pottery, quernstone fragments, hammerstones and considerable quantities of chared cereal grains. (1)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2003, Shelford Farm Estate, Broadoak, Canterbury, Kent: Archaeological excavation of the site of Extraction Area 13 - Stratigraphic and Assessment Report (Unpublished document). SKE17624.