[TQ 7467 7806]. Cliffe marshes, Bush Wick. Evidence of salt panning was visible on the cleared banks of the north and south drain (1). Additional site photographs (2-5).

Satlings in the Cliffe and Cooling Marshes area were identified. The north Kent "Thameside" marshes, like at Cliffe and Cooling, are linked with salterns and potteries associated with salt industry. A distinctive type of shell-empered storage jar arose from this vicinity and it may have well been a storage jar fro salt to transport it. The production of the jars seem to have barely outlasted the 2nd century AD, possible related with the decline of the salt industry in this region. Similar sat works can be found at Harty Marshes on the Isle of Sheppy. (6)

<1> Arch Cant 96 1980 380 (P Thornhill and P Payne) (OS Card Reference). SKE36255.

<2> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9443.

<3> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9632.

<4> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9633.

<5> 1947, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9780.

<6> RCHME, 1995, Thames Gateway: Recording Historic Buildings And Landscapes On The Thames Estuary (Unpublished document). SKE17329.