Monument record TQ 75 NW 405 - Roman (?) ditch, Maidstone, Kent

Summary

A 3.3m wide, V-shaped, ditch dated to 1st Centruy AD based on pottery sherds and fired clay. The ditch contained two cuts, one interpretted as a later recut. Dating evidence was recovered from both cuts. The ditch was uncovered during an archaeological evaluation undertaken in March 2015 prior to the proposed extension of an existing staff carpark at Maidstone Hospital, Kent.

Location

Grid reference Centred TQ 7321 5603 (2m by 4m)
Map sheet TQ75NW
County KENT
District MAIDSTONE, KENT
Civil Parish MAIDSTONE, MAIDSTONE, KENT

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

A 3.3m wide, V-shaped, ditch dated to 1st Centruy AD based on pottery sherds and fired clay. The ditch contained two cuts, one interpretted as a later recut. Dating evidence was recovered from both cuts. It was interpreted as probably being a boundary ditch of a large area. The pottery found within both ditch cuts was domestic pottery, suggesting the possibility of a nearby settlement. A total of 76 sherds (1128g) of 1st Century domestic pottery, dominated by grog-tempered ware was found. Smaller quantities of flint-tempered fabircs and sandy-wares were also uncovered. Forms include a facetted jar, necked cordoned jars, and bead rimmed jars. 5.7kg of Fired clay was also recovered, domestic in naturem as well as two undiagnostic flint flakes.

The ditch was uncovered during an archaeological evaluation undertaken in March 2015 prior to the proposed extension of an existing staff carpark at Maidstone Hospital, Kent. (1)


<1> Wessex Archaeology, 2015, Archaeological Evaluation Report: Maidstone Hospital Car Park Extension, Maidstone, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE30918.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> Unpublished document: Wessex Archaeology. 2015. Archaeological Evaluation Report: Maidstone Hospital Car Park Extension, Maidstone, Kent.

Finds (1)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

  • Intrusive Event: Archaeological Evaluation: Maidstone Hospital Car Park Extension, Maidstone, Kent (Ref: 105080.01) (EKE14306)

Record last edited

Apr 20 2016 12:21PM