Monument record TR 04 SW 454 - Possible medieval Occupation Site, Sevington West

Summary

During archaeological evaluation trenching on the site in 2012, 101 trenches were excavated across the site. 10 of these trenches revealed archaeological remains. Trench 145 contained the densest number of archaeological features, as well as a number of small finds. In total 3 probable walls were uncovered (one robbed out) possibly representing a structure. 4 small ditches/gullies were also found; all of which produced a small amount of medieval pottery and animal bone. The ceramics suggest a tentative 12th-14th Century date. A silver coin found in the topsoil dates to the late 12th or 13th Century, supporting the dating of the features. The other finds from the trench included a possible iron spear head and a single piece of Romano-British box flue tile.

Location

Grid reference TR 0361 4058 (point)
Map sheet TR04SW
County KENT
District ASHFORD, KENT
Civil Parish SEVINGTON, ASHFORD, KENT

Map

Type and Period (4)

Full Description

During archaeological evaluation trenching in 2012, 101 trenches were excavated across the site. 10 of these trenches revealed archaeological remains. Trench 145 contained the densest number of archaeological features, as well as a number of small finds.

The archaeological features include one mortared Ragstone wall, two possible walls and four small ditches or gullies. The gullies all measured between 0.4m and 0.7m wide, and between 0.06 and 0.45m deep. The gullies produced finds of medieval pottery, bone, and metallic objects. From the topsoil of the trench half a silver coin dating to the late 12th Century or 13th Century was recovered. Other finds include medieval pottery, Romano-British building materials. The majority of material dates from Medieval or later, suggesting a tentative date of 12th to 14th Century.

The presence of a possible structure on the site is inferred from the mortared Ragstone wall and the two possible walls. Of the two possible walls one is a stone structure, however, the stones are not bonded and the true extent of this feature was not investigated as only a small portion lay within the confines of the trench. The other feature appeared to be a robbed out wall, based on the right-angle present in the cut. The mortared Ragstone wall intersected with this earlier feature. It is inferred by the authors that this may represent part of an occupation site, dating to 12th-14th Century AD.

A number of medieval pottery fragments were found (27 sherds weighing 410g), and fragments of medieval roof tile. A number of sherds pre-date the medieval period, perhaps falling within the 11th-12th Centuries, with a single piece of Romano-British tubulus (box flue tile) with surface combing also present. 12 animal bone fragments were also recovered. The silver coin discovered in the topsoil was half a silver short cross penny, of late 12th century to 13th century date. Some unspecified metallic objects were also discovered (3 copper, 10 iron - 1 iron object speculated as being a spear head by the report’s author).

It should be noted that the archaeological finds come from varying contexts within the trench. Some associated with features, others, such as the coin, merely related to a soil context. (1)


<1> Wessex Archaeology, 2012, Sevington West, Sevington, Ashford, Kent: Archaeological Walkover Survey, Metal Detecting Survey and Evaluation Trenching (Unpublished document). SKE31455.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> Unpublished document: Wessex Archaeology. 2012. Sevington West, Sevington, Ashford, Kent: Archaeological Walkover Survey, Metal Detecting Survey and Evaluation Trenching.

Finds (4)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

  • Intrusive Event: SEVINGTON WEST: Evaluation Trenching, 2012 (Ref: Project Title: Sevington) (EKE14899)

Record last edited

Jul 30 2024 10:51AM