In 2004 Oxford Archaeology carried out an evaluation at East Hall Farm, Sittingbourne. Across the gravel ridge considerable evidence was encountered of occupation and utilisation of the area. The earliest material recovered were a small number of abraded sherds of Early Bronze Age pottery. The features in which these occurred could date to the period or the material may be residual. The majority of features and deposits on the site were of Late Bronze/Early Iron Age date. These probably relate to a small enclosed settlement or farmstead on the gravel ridge. There was an associated field system with trackways to the east. (1)

The area was excavated in 2005 by Oxford Archaeology. The field system was dated to the Late Bronze Age. A trackway was found running across the site and a post hole associated with an entrance across a ditch may have been for a gateway. A number of pits of the same date were also found, two with hearths cut into their upper fills. (2)

The two areas either side of the 2005 excavation were excavated by Oxford Archaeology in 2007. Elements of the field system were first laid out in the Middle to Late Bronze Age, culminating in a third phase when rectilinear enclosures were constructed across the area. A group of four post structures and one five post structure were built within one enclosure. Two unurned cremations were also buried in this space. Pits and post holes were also found. The field system went out of use and the site remained unoccupied until the Late Iron Age. (3)

<1> Oxford Archaeology, 2004, East Hall Farm, Sittingbourne, Kent: Archaeological Evaluation Report (Unpublished document). SKE17670.

<2> Oxford Archaeology, 2006, East Hall Farm, Sittingbourne, Kent: Post-Excavation Assessment and Updated Project Design (Unpublished document). SKE17945.

<3> Oxford Archaeology, 2008, East Hall Farm, Sittingbourne, Kent: Post-Excavation Assessment and Updated Project Design (Unpublished document). SKE17946.