Archaeological excavations relating to the construction of the Thanet Supply Line were carried out by Archaeology South-East, Canterbury Archaeological Trust and Wessex Archaeology between 2006 and 2008. (1)

A series of prehistoric features was uncovered in the North Eastern Section of the study area, in particular in trenches 10 and 8. These features were dated roughly to the late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age and included a flat bottomed ditch, a ditch and a pit. (1)

Struck flints and a ceramic pedestal base were found in and in association with these features. (1)

An assemblage of 23 prehistoric pot sherds were recovered from the site, mostly Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age. (1)

The report concludes on the findings of these excavations as follows:
"Development on this spur of land began in late prehistory with linear features of
various orientations being laid out. Evidence for other periods, most notably late prehistory,
has also been encountered during this work and together with the palaeogeographic
element; a greater understanding of the historic landscape of this
important part of north-east Kent has been increased.
Significant findings were made, particularly in the trenches to the south where it is
clear that the Roman settlement surrounding the fort identified by geophysics and
aerial photography (English Heritage 2002) stretches beyond the surveyed area.
More work along the length of the road identified in ASE Trench 2 is needed to clarify
the nature and extent of this settlement. Peripheral areas of the island have been
shown to have wider links with other sites in the contemporary landscape (e.g. Each
End, Ash) as well as providing more intimate knowledge of the island and its
inhabitants themselves. As would have been expected, late Roman military evidence
in the form of finds has also been obtained as well as evidence for local industry.
Pottery production and other industrial processes were probably carried out in some
proximity, and much re-use of earlier building materials adds to a picture of the
replacement of grand Roman buildings with more utilitarian and functional structures.
Are we also seeing an expansion of activity on the island during this time due to a
‘Romanised’ population seeking to be close to a site that allows not only security and
defence, but also a link to the continent and a route out of a troubled Britain?" (1)

<1> Archaeology South-East, Canterbury Archaeological Trust, and Wessex Archaeology., 2008, Archaeological Investigations Relating to the Thanet Supply Line, Richborough, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE31154.