During excavations associated with the East Kent Access Route (2009-2011) in Zone 7 extensive archaeological remains were found dating from the Middle Bronze Age through to the Roman period.

The middle to late bronze age period was represented by enclosures defined by parallel ditches oriented north-west to south-east. These were truncated in the late bronze age when a number of pits were excavated which may possibly included a fire-pit, a rake-out pit and a central flue with charcoal and daub, all suggesting an oven.

In the late bronze age a new field system was established consisting of double-ditched enclosures that may represent droveways. Shorter ditches divided the area into fields and paddocks. Pottery finds in the area dated the site to the late bronze age to the early iron age.

During the iron age the main focus was in the north of the area. Post-built structures and a cremation burial were found within an area bounded by two trackways. Pottery dated mostly to the middle to late iron age periods. A number of iron age cremation burials and inhumation burials were also found as well as one Roman inhumation. Pottery was found from throughout the middle iron age to the Roman period with a small amount of early iron age pottery also present. During the late iron age a round-house was constructed and a series of enclosures.

With the exception of a few pits, a possible well and a single inhumation burial, the majority of Roman activity was in the south of the area. Two phases of activity were observed, mostly agricultural in nature. Roman pottery and animal bone were recovered.(1)


(1)

<1> Oxford Wessex Archaeology Joint Venture, 2011, East Kent Access (Phase II), Thanet, Kent: Post-Excavation Assessment Volume 1 (Unpublished document). SKE29279.