Between 24th and 29th September 2015 an archaeological evaluation was carried out on land to the east of Quarry Wood Industrial Estate. A total of 10 trenches were excavated, with 7 yielding archaeological materials. Trench 7 revealed an early Medieval pit, approximately 0.35m in diameter and 0.23m deep. The pit contained an almost complete, fragmented, in situ early Medieval shell-tempered cooking-pot (c.1050-1225).

The pot appeared to have been sunk into the ground. Sunken pots have been linked to settlements, indicating ritual practice. This pot seems to have been used as a cooking pot, with the base to the shoulder exhibiting a sooted appearance, indicating use over or on a fire. Fracturing meant that the exact dimensions of the vessel can only be estimated. Estimated height is 25-30cm, with a maximum diameter of 34cm. Aspects of the upper portion of the pot indicate it perhaps dates more specifically from 1100/1150-1225, as early pots exhibited tall flaring necks whereas this vessel has a short upright neck beneath a flattened bead rim. (1)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2015, Archaeological Evaluation: Quarry Wood Industrial Estate, Rear of Hermitage Lane, Aylesford, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE31553.