During June 2002, the Trust for Thanet Archaeology undertook an archaeological evaluation in the grounds of St Mildred’s Priory, Minster-in Thanet ahead of an extension to the existing guesthouse. Two trial trenches were excavated on the site by hand. Trench 1 revealed a linear cut aligned approximately north south and filled by a single deposit containing a single sherd of pottery and fragments of burnt daub with wattle impressions. The profile of the ditch cut was steep sided breaking to a flattish base and may once have been lined by sandstone slabs, fragments of which remained on the edges of the cut (three on the base and one on the western side of the cut). This has been interpreted as a drainage ditch with a possible 13th century date. It is likely that the elevated ground levels of the Monastic Grange necessitated the drainage of water of the raised platform in order that the ground around the boundary remained stable and relatively dry. The possibility that the ditch may once have been lined with stone suggests the drain would have been managed to keep it clear from debris with the stone lining making this task easier. The lack of stone surviving in situ may be as a result of robbing for utilisation elsewhere, the ditch rapidly silted after the lining was removed. (information summarised from source) (1)

<1> Trust for Thanet Archaeology, 2002, St Mildred's Priory, Minster-in-Thanet, Kent: Archaeological Evaluation (Unpublished document). SKE8301.