During an archaeological excavation on the site in 2014, two large sub-circular pits containing early Neolithic pottery and contemporary flintwork were uncovered adjacent to one another. The site is to form an extention to the existing extraction area of Charing Quarry. The pits were similar in form, and measured c.1m in diameter and only c.350mm deep. Both pits contained a similar distribution of material, with similarities suggesting they contemporaneous creation.

Flint finds:
The site yielded 287 pieces of struck flint, and 246 pieces (85.42%) came from the two Neolithic pits. Overall the flint is fine grained, with a fresh edge condition.

Based on the presence of typological tools and technological traits, both assemblages are likely to be contemporary with the pottery. These were found alongside Neolithic pottery sherds. Pit 442 contained larger flint and pottery assemblages compared with Pit 450. Both features contained burnt and recorticated flint. Although the concentration of flint differs between Pit 442 and Pit 450 (162 and 84 pieces respectively) the composition is similar. Both pits were dominated by debitage, with only a few retouched pieces. Both hammer modes were recorded but soft hammer use was more common. Only three cores in total were present, two unclassified, and a multiplatform core. Retouched pieces were two leaf arrowheads, a scraper, a piercer and a minimally retouched piece. Both pits contained a core and a leaf arrowhead. Pit 450 contained a more finely retouched leaf arrowhead, however it was broken. A small number of flakes had polished surfaces, perhaps indicative of recycling of polished tools for use as cores. The flint assemblage is indicative of knapping, and general everyday life.

Pottery Finds:
A fairly large group of Neolithic pottery was recovered from Pit 442 (190 sherds, 972g) with a smaller group from Pit 450 (17 sherds, 66g). Both pits contained multiple sherds from a relatively small number of vessels, with similarities in firing and finish indicating that sherds from the same vessels are represented in both pits. As is typical in the Early Neolithic, the vast majority of sherds were flint tempered. The sherds were simple, and the majority of the rim sherds were simple also. Only one vessel with a beaded rim was recorded, and there was one carinated shoulder sherd from Pit 442 was also recovered.

Environmental Finds:
Environmental samples from the pits contained very few wood charcoal fragments with the exception of a few charred macrofossils. No other environmental remains were evident.

<1> Archaeology South-East, 2015, Post-excavation assessment and updated project design report, Charing Quarry, Hook Lane, Charing, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE31583.