A watching brief on trenches for a major new water pipeline for Dover. This is the first phase of works (there were three in total). This phase consists of the Pier District, once an important area of the early post medieval town. Largely following the line of old Strond Street, whose course is now essentially lost amongst the modern dock installations, the pipe trench allowed a series of useful observations to be made. Running roughly parallel to the cliffs Strond Street follows a gently curving course that may well reflect the line of a naturally formed beach ridge running along the western edge of the Dour estuary. Situated to the east of the old paradise harbour, the general evolution of the area can be traced through early maps. The street first seems to have come into existence towards the end of the 16th century. The pipe trench ranged in depth from 1.20m to 1.60m. For much of the route natural beach shingle was revealed in the lower part of the trench. Traces of former road metalling’s were noted above this in several places. The walls of later post medieval cellars were seen towards the north western end of the road and these clearly relate to houses which once fronted Strond Street. No finds were recovered to confirm occupation in the area much before the 18th century.(1)

The watching brief by CAT was recorded in their annual review 1995-1996.(2)

<1> Swale and Thames Archaeological Survey Company, 2011, Archaeological watching brief of land at Monkton Court Farm, Monkton Street, Monkton, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE31888.

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1995-1996, Canterbury’s Archaeology 1995–1996, Fieldwork: III Kent Sites (Article in serial). SKE32047.