In 2000/1 the Oxford Archaeological Unit carried out a targeted watching brief (a strip, map and sample excavation) ahead of CTRL works. Two pits and two post holes were found to the north of the two Late Iron Age/early Roman ironworking enclosures. One of the pits was adjacent to the northern terminal of a possible spring. The pit contained three pieces of cremated human rib, metalworking debris, fired clay fragments and the largest quantity of carbonised grain recovered from the site, along with late Iron Age and early Roman pottery. The second pit had a similar fill including a small amount of re-deposited cremated human bone. Between the two pits there were two post holes, possibly markers for the two pits. (1-2)

This activity could be the source of the cremated remains found in the metalworking enclosures, or a disposal site for remains disturbed elsewhere. The location adjacent to a spring could indicate a special function for the pits, beyond simply rubbish disposal, an idea strengthened by the possible marker posts.

<1> Oxford Archaeological Unit, 2003, Beechbrook Wood: Post Excavation Assessment Report (Unpublished document). SKE16484.

<2> Oxford Wessex Archaeology Joint Venture, 2006, The Prehistoric and Roman landscape at Beechbrook Wood, Westwell, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE25196.