[TR 3011 6565] A number of graves, possibly of Anglo-Saxon date, were discovered during the construction of the Monkton gas pipeline in 1984. The first grave (at TR 2995 6565) measured 2.50m in length, 0.65m in width and 0.40m in depth, orientated NNE. The grave had two slots cut into the corners at the southern end. A characteristic 'finding' cut in the western edge, plus mounds of hard chalk silt on the floor of the grave were evidence of disturbance. Only a small fragment of long bone and what appears to be two gall stones were found. A further grave was uncovered (at TR 3011 6565). This was cut by the pipe trench and only the N end and about 60cms survived. Orientation was roughly NE-SW, and appeared to be the remains of a child. The outline of a pelvis and femurs were observed in powdered bone. The third grave (found at TR 3020 6566) was orientated WSW it had been disturbed in antiquity and partly destroyed by the pipe trench and only fragmentary long bones of both legs remained. There was evidnce of packing between the walls of the grave and a coffin, and a possible post hole. The grave seems to have been disturbed at the N end at a time when the bones of the legs were still articulated. Construction of the grave was precise with well-cut vertical walls. These three graves can be considered as likely to belong to a single cemetery. A further five graves were discovered during the 1971 pipe- line excavation (at TR 3032 6567) which may also form part of this cemetery. They were described as hurried burials without grave goods on N-S orientation (a). Although no grave goods were found, orientation, grave structures and disturbance in antiquity all give weight to the belief that this is of Anglo-Saxon date, and may be associated with a settlement at Hoo approximately 800m S of the graves. (1,2)

The cropmark traces of five linear cuts aligned NNE-SSW thought to be graves associated with the above record are visible on aerial photographs: Next Perspectives APGB Imagery 21-APR-2007 and mapped as part of the Historic England Thanet Landscape Mapping Project 2024. Two linear ditches to the west and south-west on the same alignment, also visible on aerial photographs may be associated with the cemetery site. (4)

<1> N Macpherson Grant Unpub notes (OS Card Reference). SKE47502.

<2> Arch Cant 102 1985 44 45-7 58 60 illus (DRJ Perkins) (OS Card Reference). SKE34633.

<3> KAR 78 1984 180 (D Perkins) (OS Card Reference). SKE45429.

<4> Next Perspectives, 2003-2021, Next Perspectives APGB orthophotography, Next Perspectives APGB Imagery 21-APR-2007 (Archive). SKE57110.