[TQ 50137082] A Romano-British settlement at the SE corner of Joyden's Wood, excavated 1951-3 by Tester and Caiger. The site (see plan), comprises a complex of 'V'-shaped ditches (possibly drainage) and a small kiln (of. Galley Hill, Arch. Cant. 27, lxxiii). Occupation evidence from the ditches was mainly pottery, but included nails, broken roofing tiles, two coins (sestertius of Commodus and a bronze of Antoninus Pius), and fragments of querns which indicated two phases of settlement, 1st - 2nd cent. (mainly 2nd.) and 4th cent. The kiln contained 2nd cent. pottery and wood ash but no recognisable wasters; it may, alternatively, be a corn-drying oven. The general evidence for both phases of occupation suggests a settlement of open village type.(1) Selection of finds on loan to Dartford Museum.(2) [See Illustration Card.] (1-2) Area now overgrown, but site of kiln indicated by oval depression at TQ 50137082. Finds on display Dartford Museum. (3) Name 'NOVIOMAGVS'? Accepted for 4th edition R.B.Map. (4)

There is no real evidence that the site is the Noviomagus Cantiacorum, a settlement mentioned on the Antonine Itinerary. Various places south-east of London have been suggested as the likely location.

<1> Arch. Cant. 65, 1952, 178-9 (OS Card Reference). SKE37029.

<2> Arch. Cantiana, 68, 1954, 167-83, plan. (P.J.Tester: J.E.L.Caiger). (OS Card Reference). SKE37140.

<3> Corr. 6" (P.J.Tester, Feb. 1957). (OS Card Reference). SKE39297.

<4> F1 AC 02-AUG-60 (OS Card Reference). SKE41743.

<5> OS Map of Roman Britain 4th Ed. (OS Card Reference). SKE48422.

<6> Field report for monument TQ 57 SW 1 - August, 1960 (Bibliographic reference). SKE3110.