In 2009 Canterbury Archaeological Trust carried out a watching brief. Evidence was found of a Late Iron Age-early Roman farmstead in the form of possible traces of structures or activity and its associated field system. Twenty ditches were found, six of which dated to the Late Iron Age-early Roman period. Some of these ditches extended beyond the cable trench monitored and correspond with known cropmarks in the area. The ditches probably represent more than one phase of activity. Plough marks were found within the probable fields of this system. Other features found included possible wheel ruts indicating a trackway. 14 pits were found, of which seven could be dated to this period. A possible building was indicated by a shallow cut (a sunken floor?) and three post holes. A concentration of charred malted spelt wheat was found suggesting the building was used in the storage or production of malted grains. A number of post holes and stake holes were also found but could not be related to any function given the narrow trench in which they were observed. The farmstead appears to have gone out of use by the mid 2nd century when colluvium buried the features. A 3rd century coin was found during metal detecting along the route. (1)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2009, Archaeological watching and recording brief at Mill Cottage, Coldblow, Nonington (Unpublished document). SKE24778.