Excavations on the E. approach of the Medway Tunnel revealed 3 main phases of occupation on the cliff-top site. NEO activity during which preparatory flint working took place was terminated by a rise in water levels. Occupation was resumed in the LIA when a circular hut was constructed, dated by ceramic evidence to 75BC-AD50. Settlement continued into the RB period, probably ditch enclosed. The site was again abandoned E-MidC3, due to rising water levels. (1) Excavations in 1995 revealed 4 hearths (1 MBA), worked flint and 2 gullies however, none of this evidence could be assumed to derive from a single period of occupation. Episodic reoccupation of the flood plain margin was indicated by 2 hearths dated to c.100 BC. (2)
Excavations were preceded by site monitoring and evaluation (joint GSF/CAT) which included borehole examination and sampling. Results indicated exceptional preservation of wood, pollen, mollusca and other invertebrates. In-situ archaeological material of probable Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age and Iron Age date was recorded at the Eastern Approaches subsequently elaborated by the excavation.

Additional references and site photograph (3-5).

Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2002, Archaeological Works on the Eastern Approach of the Medway Tunnel (Unpublished document). SKE15912.

<1> CAT Annual Report, 1992-3. (OS Card Reference). SKE38715.

<2> CAT Annual Report, 1994-5. (OS Card Reference). SKE38716.

<3> Anon., 1994, Research and Discoveries in Kent: 1994, p.462-3 (Article in serial). SWX7355.

<4> Geoarchaeological Service Facility, 1994, Assessment Report on Geoarchaeological and Environmental Archaeological Aspects of the Medway Tunnel Engineering Scheme Archaeological Evaluation (Unpublished document). SWX6813.

<5> 1994, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX11124.