In 2004 the Trust for Thanet Archaeology carried out an evaluation on land to the rear of 103 Stone Road. At one end of the evaluation trench two intersecting walls were found, built of cobbles and standing on a cobble foundation. Pottery and tile found associated dated to the 1st and 2nd century AD. (1)

The animal bones from the site were assessed along with those found on the adjacent site to the north. 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)

Later in 2004 the Trust for Thanet Archaeology subsequently carried out a small excavation and a watching brief on the site. The rammed chalk and mortar foundations of a later Roman building were uncovered. This building had a cellar and measured 4.6m x 5m. A possible entrance lay on the south side but was beyond the limits of excavation. The walls of the cellar were formed of large flint cobbles whilst the floor was of rammed chalk. A quern was found placed in this floor, perhaps reused as a pivot for a door. A sequence of five kilns was found within the cellar. It appears that no more than two were in simultaneous use at any time and that the floors were repaired prior to each kiln being replaced. The kilns were possibly for parching grain prior to milling. Pottery from the kilns dated to the late 2nd century to the late 3rd century. The fourth kiln was distinct for having been built of reused roof tiles and box flue tiles. Many small metal finds iron nails, rings and fittings, copper alloy fragments and a Roman openwork military belt buckle and a copper alloy spoon were recovered from the kiln. The metal finds of structural fittings and dress fittings suggest the burning of structural timbers and even clothing within the kiln. The final kiln contained fragments of painted wall plaster in its structure.

During the watching brief, a second building was found 10m to the west of the first. The building was not well preserved. Two walls were also found, nearly parallel with each other and potentially forming part of a third structure on the site, though they could also represent elements of the first building or retaining walls for terraces. (3-4)

<1> Trust for Thanet Archaeology, 2004, Land to the rear of 103 Stone Road, Broadstairs: Archaeological Evaluation (Unpublished document). SKE17629.

<2> Trust for Thanet Archaeology, 2005, Hamilton Lodge, Bishops Avenue, Broadstairs: Archaeological Report (Unpublished document). SKE18200.

<3> Trust for Thanet Archaeology, 2005, Land to the rear of 103 Stone Road, Broadstairs, Kent: Archaeological Assessment Report (Unpublished document). SKE18203.

<4> Trust for Thanet Archaeology, 2005, Land to the rear of 103 Stone Road, Broadstairs, Kent: Archaeological Report (Unpublished document). SKE18204.