In 1992 a Phase 2 archaeological evaluation in advance of a new reservoir found evidence of mid to late Saxon (9th to 10th century) and post-conquest (11th to 12th century) settlement and occupation. Ditches, pits and postholes were found that indicated either a timber-framed building or a wattled fence. Finds included pottery, daub, burnt flint, animal bone, mussel shells, a handled bone comb (for personal use rather than weaving), an iron blade and nails, and iron slag.

The site is believed to represent an occupation site from the 9th through to the early 12th century. It is rare in a rural context, particularly as it is located very close to earlier prehistoric and Roman activity and contains items such as the bone comb. (1, 2)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1992, Broad Oak Water Joint Steering Committee: Archaeological Evaluation Survey (Unpublished document). SKE7975.

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1991, Broad Oak Water Project: Initial Archaeological Survey (Unpublished document). SKE11911.