In 2004 the Trust for Thanet Archaeology carried out an evaluation. A number of undated features were found. (1)

In 2004/ 2005 the Trust for Thanet Archaeology carried out an open area excavation at Drapers Mills Primary School following the earlier evaluation of the site and ahead of the development of the playgrounds. Part of an enclosure ditch that may date to the later Iron age period was revealed in area 1 and area 3 and is assumed to be continuous. The profile of the ditch was consistent along its whole length in each area at approximately 0.6-0.7m maximum width and shallow sloping sides breaking to a slightly rounded base. A right angle turn towards the south west was located close to the south west limit of excavation in area 3. A rounded terminal marks the extent of the ditch at the south east end within area 1. The size of the ditch suggests that it was more likely to represent a field boundary of light stock enclosure rather than a significant defensive feature. A small fragment of amber, possibly a much-eroded bead was found in the fill of the ditch and animal bone was found throughout the segments excavated though much of it was fragmentary and undiagnostic though much of it seems to derive from cattle. Charred cereal grains and chaff were also found in the ditch fills. The enclosure had been subdivided, probably in the Late Iron Age. A number of small pits and gullies/small linear features within the area enclosed by the ditch produced some dating evidence sufficient to suggest that they were contemporary with the enclosure. the features offer no ready interpretation or grouping but are indicative of settlement activity. There was limited evidence of early Roman occupation on the site but it is possible that activity continued into the post conquest period. (2-3)

<1> Trust for Thanet Archaeology, 2004, Drapers Mill County Primary School, St Peters Footpath, Margate, Kent: Archaeological Evaluation Report (Unpublished document). SKE17640.

<2> Trust for Thanet Archaeology, 2005, Drapers Mills County Primary School, St Peter's Footpath, Margate, Kent: Archaeological Assessment Report (Unpublished document). SKE17776.

<3> Trust for Thanet Archaeology, 2006, Excavations at Drapers Mills County Primary School, Margate, Kent: Archaeological Report (Unpublished document). SKE24337.