The work comprised a series of 9 continuous watching briefs during successive phases of topsoil stripping and subsoil removal prior to gravel extraction in an area to the west of and contiguous with Lydd 17.

18B:

"Roman remains included three large artefact-rich spreads perhaps representing buried soil and/or dispersed middens, approximately thirty discrete features (pits and post-holes) and several short gullies. Finds of briquetage suggested that many of the Roman features were probably associated with salt-working." (1)

"Three extensive spreads ([108], [110] and [111]) of Roman material, predominantly pottery dating from between AD40-160 but also including bone, lead fishing weights and coins, lay on the eastern edge of the site. Spreads [110] and [108] lay on the surface of the shingle with no associated features and perhaps represented the sites of middens. Spread [111] was associated with a number of very truncated features including small pits, shallow depressions and gullies." (1)

"Container briquetage was recovered from one context, ditch fill [81]. The fragments are possibly the remains of a single, thin walled vessel. No information on the shape of vessel(s) could be elucidated due to the lack of diagnostic rim or base sherds." (1)

"Supports recovered consist of two main forms; pedestals and props" (1)

"Three biconical lead weights, RFs <1>, <2> and <11> are likely to have functioned as hook and line fishing sinkers or perhaps plumb bobs. These were found in Roman (Period 2) layers [110] and [111] and, although not closely dateable are consistent with a Roman date." (1)

"A total of 28 rolled lead net sinkers were recovered from five separate contexts, the largest group of 17 from Roman (Period 2) layer [111]." (1)

"Roman (Period 2) layers [110] and [111] contained several lead waste pieces including cut sheet pieces and a possible token flan." (1)

"A moderate sized assemblage of 914 sherds, weighing 11.01kg (8.4 EVE; 856 ENV) was recovered during this phase of work at Lydd. Most of this total was found in contemporary Period 2 features. It is likely that most of the material was produced in the late 1st to early 2nd century AD, although much of the assemblage derives from two occupation layers probably deposited slightly later (c.mid to late 2nd century)." (1)

"Around two thirds of the assemblage is grog-tempered… These fabrics are overwhelmingly associated with simple necked jar forms." (1)

"Also of note in terms of regionally traded wares, are a small group of fine fabrics originating in the North Kent/Thameside industry, together making up c. 5% of the assemblage. This includes Upchurch fine reduced ware, associated with a poppyhead beaker and a tall flask like form (2R), as well North Kent fine grey and oxidised fabrics, associated with fine necked beaker/jar forms and samian derived bowls and dishes. A single sherd of North Kent shelly storage jar fabric was also recorded. Samian ware is also present in relatively high proportions in comparison to most rural settlements" (1)

"Four 1st-2nd century coins were recovered from Roman (Period 2) layers [110] and [190]. All are highly corroded and illegible. RFs <13> and <44> are Ases or Dupoduii. RFs <14> and <15> are Sesterti. RF <15> has been tentatively attributed to Antoninus Pius, AD138-92, based on the x-radiograph. This date range would be in keeping with the dating of the pottery from this layer." (1)

<1> Archaeology South-East, 2013, LYDD QUARRY, LYDD, KENT (PART 18) ARCHAEOLOGICAL POST-EXCAVATION ASSESSMENT AND UPDATED PROJECT DESIGN (Unpublished document). SKE31695.