The Sandwich Bay wastewater treatment scheme archaeological project, 1992-94
THE SANDWICH BAY WAS TEWATER TREATMENT
SCHEME ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJEC T, 1992-1994*
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS and PHIL ANDREWS
SUMMARY
Between 1992 and 1994 Wessex Archaeology, in conjunction with the Trust for
Thanet Archaeology, implemented a programme of archaeological works in
response to the development of the Sandwich Bay Wastewater Treatment
Scheme (WTS), by Southern Water Services Ltd. This report details the results
from all the various areas of investigation. The development areas provide a
north to south transect across the local landscape, encompassing the south side
of the Isle of Thanet (including the Ebbsfleet peninsula), the former Wantsum
Channel (including the Stonar Bank), and finally the Lydden Valley and Deal
Spit. The sequence of geomorphological change in the area is intimately linked
with the history of human occupation and the project has provided important
archaeological data for this part of north-east Kent. The excavated evidence,
observations and finds are integrated with an important pollen and diatom
sequence through deposits infilling the Wantsum Channel.
INTRODUCTION
The development of the Sandwich Bay WTS, part of Southern Water
Services Ltd. 'Operation Seaclean', involved construction of a new waste
water treatment works near Ebbsfleet Farm (Weatherlees Hill WTW),
pipelines from it to pumping stations at Ramsgate, Sandwich and Deal,
and finally modifications to the pumping stations themselves (Fig. 1).
The scheme was accompanied by a programme of archaeological work
which was developed as part of the Environmental Assessment for the
scheme and in accordance with Southern Water Services' Policy on
Archaeology (SWS 1992). The preliminary evaluation work was
undertaken during 1992 and the main phase of field-work took place
during construction of the scheme between 1993 and 1994.
* Published with a grant from Southern Water Services Ltd. (Kent Division)
239
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
Minster Marshes
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Pumping Stn.
Chalk Hill
Cliffsend
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The Monks' Wall
Stonar
Guilford Road
0 1 2
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34
Lydden
Valley
62
60
SANDWICH
BAY
58
56
36
Fig. 1. The development areas and the main archaeological sites
240
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
The scheme lies within an area which has witnessed complex
geological and geomorphological developments since the Devensian.
Since many of these developments, including the 'joining' of the Isle of
Thanet to the mainland, have occurred in relatively recent times (that
is, during the last two thousand years or so) they are closely interwoven
with the history of human occupation in the area and development of
the local archaeological landscape. As a result, the geomorphological
and the archaeological landscapes cannot be viewed in isolation; both
are of national importance and interest and have been the subject of
much debate and study.
Geomorphological background and human impacts (Fig. 2)
It is beyond the scope of this report to address the geological
background in detail, but the later part of the sequence may be outlined.
The Isle of Thanet was formed as a true island by the recovery of
higher sea-levels in the post-glacial period: the syncline separating
Thanet from the North Downs was inundated to create a channel of
water - the Wantsum Channel. The evidence suggests that up to and
during the Roman period the Wantsum was an open, navigable,
channel. Its strategic importance as a route between the Continent and
the Thames Estuary is reflected in the construction of the forts of
Richborough and Reculver ( on the mainland side of the channel)
defending the eastern and western ends of the channel, respectively.
Opposite Richborough significant features of the coastline on the
south side of Thanet are today marked by the three 'hills' of Cottington
(15 m. O.D.), Ebbsfleet (8 m. O.D.) and Weatherlees (9 m. O.D.) which
now rise out of a flat plain of alluvium. These 'hills' represent upfolds
of the Tertiary Thanet Beds which directly overlie the Upper Chalk. At
the time the Wantsum was open water, Cottington and Ebbsfleet would
have formed a peninsula jutting south into the sea channel; Weatherlees
was a small island to the west. The Ebbsfleet peninsula would,
therefore, have afforded two natural havens, that to the east giving
protection from the prevailing south-westerlies, while that to the west
was sheltered from the easterly gales of mid-winter. The advantages of
this situation are clear and no doubt related to the evidence for
prolonged occupation of the peninsula. Tradition also cites Ebbsfleet as
the landing place of Hengist and Horsa in A.D. 449, and St. Augustine
inA.D. 597.
The silting up of the Wantsum Channel was partly caused and
exacerbated by the development of a shingle spit - the Stonar Bank -
which developed across the eastern mouth of the Wantsum Channel,
blocking it to an increasing extent as it 'grew'. The origin and
development of the Stonar Bank have been the subject of much debate,
241
Key:
0) Ebbsfleet Peninsula
® Weatherlees Hill
@ Stonar Bank
© Richborough
@ Stonar
@ Deal Spit
(J) Lydden Valley
ml S. I hmg e
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OF THANET
Fig. 2. Geomorphological background to the development area
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but it is now generally accepted that the spit developed northwards,
formed by material transported by longshore currents (Gallois 1965,
65) and augmented by the deposition of erosion products (from the Isle
of Thanet) behind it. Archaeological evidence indicates Roman
occupation of the Stonar Bank, but it was most intensively occupied in
the medieval period when the town and port of Stonar was founded at
the south end in the late eleventh century. The port (in commercial
competition with Sandwich opposite) flourished during the later twelfth
and thirteenth centuries but thereafter declined as its river approaches
(the Stour/Sandwich Haven) silted up. The town's fate was sealed when
it was destroyed by fire during the French raid of 1385.
Eventually, the Stonar Bank completely closed the mouth of the
Wantsum Channel, blocking the former seaward exit of the River
Stour and leading to increased alluviation of the river valley. The
local topography was irrevocably altered and the River Stour was
forced to wind a sinuous route to the south of the Stonar Bank,
exiting via the Sandwich Haven - see Fig. 1 (Cloet and Robinson
1953; Cloet 1961). Human agency also capitalised upon the natural
process of the alluviation of the Wantsum. Large scale reclamation
was undertaken during the medieval period by the Monks of St.
Augustine's, Canterbury who were major riparian landowners. The
monks constructed a series of sea-defence banks, probably begun in
the twelfth or thirteenth century. Stretches of these linear earthworks
are still preserved, notably The Monks' Wall (to the east of the Stour,
between the River and Stonar) and, further north, the Boarded Groin
(see Fig. 1). The final draining and management of the alluvial plain
were brought about by emigre expertise during the seventeenth
century, by which time trading vessels could no longer take the
Wantsum 'short-cut' from the English Channel to the Thames
Estuary.
In addition, similar deposits and processes caused the development
of a shingle spit north from Deal which eventually grew to a length of
about 9 km. Present evidence suggests the Deal Spit had begun to
develop in the pre-Roman period (Halliwell and Parfitt 1985, 42). The
spit was extended dramatically during the late thirteenth century by the
formation of a series of storm beach deposits following a major storm
in 1287. This blocked the most recently created seaward exit of the
River Stour and forced it to make a loop northwards to exit close to
Ebbsfleet once again (see Fig. 1). Further silting of the River Stour
followed, and this virtually ended the commercial importance of the
ports of Stonar and Sandwich which now lay several kilometres by boat
from the sea up a narrow and tortuous channel. As the spit extended it
enclosed a large area of former open water to the south of Sandwich,
which in turn became alluviated and was subsequently reclaimed. This
243
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
area, now known as the Lydden Valley, forms an important landscape
zone in its own right.
From this summary and as illustrated on Fig. 2, it will be seen that
the various installations of the wastewater treatment scheme coincide
with the full range of geomorphological zones found in the area. The
Weatherlees Hill WTW itself straddles the Ebbsfleet peninsula and the
former Wants um Channel, a crucial 'interface' zone from a
geomorphological and archaeological point of view (see Fig.3).
Overall, the configuration of the development areas provide an
extremely useful north to south transect across the landscape. The chart
below summarises the three main landscape zones:
LANDSCAPE ZONE GEOLOGY DEV ELOPMENT ARENS
South side of the Isle of Upper Chalk and Thanet -Ramsgate Main
Thanet, including the Beds -Weatherlees Hill WTW:
Ebbsfleet peninsula east half
Wantsum Channel Alluvium/Shingle -Weatherlees Hill WTW:
(infilled), including west half
the Stonar Bank -Sandwich Main
Lydden Valley and Deal Alluvium/Shingle/ -Deal Main
Spit windblown sands
Archaeological background to the scheme
Some of the main archaeological sites and themes for the area have
already been indicated in the preceding discussion from which it will
be clear that the richness and complexity of the local archaeological
landscape are beyond dispute. The following is a brief summary of the
pre-existing archaeological information directly relevant to the
development areas (ordered from north to south) to provide an
introduction to the observations provided by the project, and to the
discussion at the end of this report.
Much of the evidence for archaeological activity on the undeveloped
land between Chilton and Cliffs End derives from aerial photographs.
Chalk Hill in particular appears to contain a concentration of cropmarks
including enclosures and groups of ring ditches (see Fig. 8).
Although the majority of the ring ditches may be assumed to represent
earlier Bronze Age burials the small size of some of them has been
suggested to indicate an early medieval (Jutish) date. Despite the
suspected wealth of archaeological remains on Chalk Hill there have
been limited opportunities for systematic invasive fieldwork (fieldwalking
surveys have been undertaken by TTA) so that the nature and
sequence of activity is largely unknown. Similarly, at Cliffs End,
244
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Key Contours and spot heights in metres O.D.
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CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
Roman finds have been recovered, but the actual nature and extent of
occupation is unknown.
The Ebbsfleet peninsula has been the subject of much recent field
survey (Jay 1990; Perkins 1990a; 1990b; 1992). Its archaeology and
history have recently been detailed by Perkins (1992, 270-7, fig. 1) and
are not repeated here. In summary, the various casual finds, field
surveys and excavations on the peninsula to date suggest prolonged
occupation from at least the later prehistoric period. The peninsula is
most well known as the find-spot for the Ebbsfleet Hoard, consisting of
at least 190 Late Bronze Age objects and weighing over 60 lbs., which
was discovered on the farm in 1893, its exact location unknown (Hills
1895). A smaller hoard (Ebbsfleet II) was also recovered in 1991
(Perkins 1992, 303-304).
The Stonar Bank and the site of the medieval town and port (a
Scheduled Ancient Monument) have been the subject of various
observations throughout the twentieth century (see Perkins 1993 for a
recent summary). Most of the early records arose from the extraction of
shingle (now marked by the North Lake) but systematic excavations on
the site were carried out between 1969 and 1972. The report on these
excavations is eagerly awaited (Macpherson-Grant in prep.).
The southern part of the scheme, from Sandwich to the northern limits
of Deal, across the silted and reclaimed Lydden Valley is an area of great
interest which has been the subject of study and survey by the Dover
Archaeological Group (see Halliwell and Parfitt 1985). It has been
demonstrated that the Lydden Valley preserves a prehistoric land surface,
producing later Neolithic and earlier Bronze Age material, sealed under
alluvium. Inundation of the area is thought to have occurred after the
Middle Bronze Age and well before the later medieval period (ibid., 42).
This part of the so-called East Kent Fens has also been the subject of a
recent study on coastal sedimentation and sea level change (Long 1992).
Archaeological strategy
Following the desk-based assessment, the archaeological strategy
included a field evaluation prior to construction at Weatherlees Hill
WTW, by means of a two per cent sample, machine trenching survey
(WA 1992a; Fig. 3, trenches 1-7). As a result of the discovery of Iron
Age and probable Roman settlement remains on the periphery of the
proposed development area (as described below) the proposals were
modified to ensure the continued preservation of these deposits. A
programme of work was developed in response to other deposits
identified on the site (WA 1992b). As noted above, the western half of
the WTW site coincides with the former Wantsum Channel. Here, the
evaluation took the form of an auger survey forming a north-east to
246
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJEC T
south-west transect, 500 m. long, between the Ebbsfleet peninsula and
Weatherlees Hill (Fig. 3, augers A-F). The results were used to
formulate a mitigation strategy for this important area (WA 1993).
During construction itself (August 1993 to August 1994) a strategy
of advance investigation and advance topsoil stripping under
supervision was implemented in all archaeological sensitive areas
which had been identified in the Environmental Assessment. These
areas were denoted Special Archaeological Sections and included the
whole of Weatherlees Hill WTW and various sections of the pipelines
(e.g. Chalk Hill, The Monks' Wall crossing). The aim of this strategy
was to allow an uninterrupted period for archaeological excavation and
recording prior to further ground works or pipe stringing and trenching.
In the remaining areas topsoil stripping and trenching were monitored,
the former was accompanied by a controlled metal detector scan of the
pipeline easement (generally 15 m. wide). All finds recovered during
the metal detector scan were archaeologically recorded and added to
the overall project archive. The pipe trench itself was about 2 m. wide
and was generally excavated to between 2 m. and 2 .50 m. below
ground surface.
The field and post-excavation records for the project comprise three
subdivisions and these are referred to in some sections of the report,
notably the finds reports: W516 is the reference code for all records
relating to Weatherlees Hill WTW; W619 the code for the Ramsgate
Main; W646 that for the Sandwich and Deal mains. These three
components have been accommodated within a single, integrated
project archive. The archive has been deposited at the Powell-Cotton
Museum (Quex Park), Birchington, Thanet. A full list of the archive
contents is available from Wessex Archaeology on request.
WEATHERLEES HILL W TW
D. Perkins and C. Hearne
Although, as described above, the archaeological works at WTW
comprised a series of different phases, when the archaeological features
recorded from each are collated they can be seen to fall into distinct
chronological groups, each focused on a different topographical zone.
Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age features (Fig. 4)
With the exception of a small Late Bronze Age hoard, features of this
period were confined to an area coinciding with the junction of
Ebbsfleet Lane and the new access road for the site (see Fig. 3). This
247
Key: --- Former alignment, Ebbsfleet Lane
Re-alignment and new access road to WTW
1077
I
1074 1073• •
1075 8• 1066'.
--W61
0 10 20 m
Fig. 4. Weatherlees Hill WTW - Plan of Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age features
1072a
1072b
1076a
1071
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SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
zone represents the low-lying ground, which once formed the eastern
shore line of the Ebbsfleet peninsula. The artefactual evidence also
suggests that pre-Bronze Age activity may be represented. This part of
the development site had not been identified as of particular
archaeological potential from the preceding phases of work and was
therefore subjected to a watching brief. A group of subsoil features was
recorded during and after topsoil stripping, all clearly defined by their
dark grey brown sandy silt fills against the light surface of the Thanet
Beds sand. In most cases the subsoil features became evident in plan
during the penultimate or final machine scrapes to the required
construction level, so that whatever their depth may be, they remain
preserved more or less intact beneath the new access road. The features
comprised a series of linear and curvilinear features, pits and postholes;
summary descriptions are provided, by type, below. Where
features produced pottery they were almost wholly of Late Bronze
Age/Early Iron Age date and, given that this area clearly represents a
focus of activity, the remaining features which produced no finds have
been assigned a similar date.
Linear Features
A total of nine linear or curvilinear features was recorded. Feature
1064 was a length of ditch aligned north-west to south-east with a
rounded end extending for 8 m. adjacent to Ebbsfleet Lane. Of the eight
sherds recovered from its surface, four have tentatively been identified
as Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age, c. 2500-1800 B.C. (see
Macpherson-Grant, below). Feature 1070 was a shorter length of ditch
(4 m.), parallel to 1064 and some 2 m. to the south-west. It was about
0.40 m. wide and did not produce any finds. Feature 1065 was located
nearby. It was curvilinear, 0.30 m. wide and evidently continued
beyond the limit of the road cutting ( 4 m. length observed). It may
represent a section of 'drip trench' under the eaves of a hut. Feature
1075 was very similar in nature to 1065 and lay some 12 m. to the
north-west of it. A 5 m. length of this curvilinear feature was observed.
It was 0.60 m. wide and produced one sherd of Late Bronze Age/ Early
Iron Age pottery.
Immediately to the north of these features a group of three parallel
and evenly spaced (c. 6 m. apart) features was observed, aligned eastwest:
features 1071, 1072a and 107 6a. Feature 1071 was the
southernmost feature. It was about 0.90 m. wide and was seen to
terminate within the excavation area. Feature 1072a was the
northernmost feature and was about 1.50 m. wide. Immediately
adjacent on its south side an insubstantial Feature 1072b was observed,
only 0.20 to 0.30 m. wide. The central feature, Feature 1076a was
1.70 m. wide. One sherd of Early-Middle Iron Age pottery was picked
249
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
from the fill surface. At the western end of the observed length of this
ditch the remnants of an earlier linear, or curvilinear, feature were
recorded - Feature 1076b, 0.60 m. wide. There was sufficient
difference in the colour of the fills to demonstrate that 1076b had been
cut by 107 6a.
The remaining linear features in this area was a group of three (1077,
1078, 1079) which lay some 40 m. to the west of the concentration
represented by the features described above (see Fig. 4). Feature 1077
was a length of ditch with rounded ends, aligned east-west over a
length of 12 m. At the eastern end it turned north at right angles for
2 m. The width of this feature, perhaps the corner of an enclosure, ranged
between 0.80 and 1.10 m. Feature 1078 was a length of ditch with a
rounded end aligned north-south and observed over a distance of 4 m. It
was about 0.50 m. wide. The most interesting and enigmatic feature,
1079 was the westernmost of the features observed in this part of the site.
It took the form of a ring ditch with a clearly defined dark fill. It was
about 4 m. in diameter, about 0.25 m. wide. It was so nearly perfectly
circular in plan that it was at first interpreted as a modern machine cut
feature. A small sector of the feature was excavated revealing it to be
0.20 m. deep with a V-shaped section. This very limited investigation
yielded a small polished axe which appeared to have been laid along the
base of the gully (Fig. 14, see Harding, below). The only other find was a
single sherd of probable Late Bronze Age - Early Iron Age pottery from
the surface of the fill. The feature was first observed at the close of a
winter afternoon with neither photography or further investigation
possible in the gathering dusk. Arrangements were made with the subcontractor
to allow further investigation early the following morning.
Unfortunately, when the archaeological team arrived the feature had
already been buried under the road make-up. It, therefore, remains for
archaeologists of some future generation to establish whether or not the
finding of the polished axe was coincidental.
Pits and post-holes
A group of six pits and/or post-holes was recorded (1066, 1067, 1068,
1069, 1073, 1074). These all lay within the main area of activity
adjacent to Ebbsfleet Lane and were spread between the curvilinear
features 1065 and 1075 (see Fig. 4). The two larger features, probable
pits, were 1066 and 1074, 1.50 m. and 1.20 m. in diameter,
respectively. They both produced single sherds of pottery. Feature 1068
was of oval plan, 0.30 X 0.40 m. in dimension. The remaining three
discrete features were all of small size: Feature 1067 (0.25 m.
diameter); Feature 1069 (0.43 m. diameter); Feature 1073 (0.45 m.
diameter). The last of these produced four sherds of Late Bronze
Age/Early Iron Age pottery.
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SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
Late Bronze Age Hoard
Approximately 200 m. north-west of the cluster of features described
above, two other important subsoil features were recorded during the
topsoil strip: features 1088 and 1089. The latter produced a small Late
Bronze Age hoard which has been termed 'Ebbsfleet ill'. Feature 1088
was a pit showing as a darker fill of sandy silt in the yellow brown
stripped surface of Thanet Beds sand. Its plan, section and dimensions
could only be estimated approximately because of worm action, but a
diameter of about 0.80 m. and a depth of 0.30 m. seemed indicated. The
fill contained calcined flints, two flint flakes, and one sherd of probably
Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age date.
Deposit 1089 represents a Late Bronze Age hoard, or possibly
plough-disturbed components from a larger hoard, found at N.G.R. TR
33206300 during the metal detector survey (location shown on Fig. 3).
No stratigraphy could be distinguished, the objects being distributed
over an area of about one square metre in a uniform matrix of Thanet
Beds sand. The objects were at roughly the same level, at about 0.80 m.
below the original (pre-stripped) ground surface. After excavation and
when no further metal detector signals were registered, an area of about
4 X 12 m. centred on the hoard find-spot was excavated by machine to
a depth of 1 m. The subsoil was removed under close scrutiny in
0.05 m. scrapes, with a detector scan every 0.10 m. As spoil was
removed it was spread thinly on a cleared surface and searched by
detector. No cultural material was found during this process. Because
of the proximity of the bronzes to one another, and the negative result
of the subsequent search, it is considered most likely that these bronzes
form a specific, deliberate deposition. It remains possible, however,
that they are a remnant of the Ebbsfleet I hoard (Hills 1895). A full
report on the five objects is contained below (Lawson, Fig. 13, 1-5).
Early-Middle Iron Age features (Fig. 5)
Early-Middle Iron Age features were confined to the higher ground in
the northern part of the development area. The bulk of the evidence
was recorded from evaluation trench 2, a 100 m. long trench, aligned
south-west to north-east, adjacent to Ebbsfleet Farm (see Fig. 3). This
trench was deliberately targeted to test that part of the (then proposed)
development area closest to the previously recorded archaeological
evidence north of the Farm. Trench 3 (50 m. long) to the north-east,
close to Ebbsfleet Lane, also produced Iron Age material. These
features lay within the peripheries of the development area and in light
of the evaluation results Southern Water Services modified their
construction proposals to ensure the continued preservation of these
deposits. The evaluation data are, therefore, the only evidence for these
features (Wessex Archaeology 1922a) and this is summarised below.
251
N I N
lrench 2
----------✓----
Spread 1008 --------------- Gully 1009
Pit 1008a
Plan ? -
s
,nlu'Ji'i!,1'1:'i1;1;1;1;1;1;1;1;1;1;1;1;1;1:1:1:1;,1:1:',1:i:1:11,:1:.1::l:'t1:,1:u:J!l!J1J:r.i1.1i'.1:,ij ----
Pit 1008a
Sections 0 1
Key to sections:
Plough so11 li!!HHsandy silt llllllfllsllty sand Ashy soil
NE end of trench
-1!!!.. l' l Ditch 1010
Pit 1011
lf._,
NW
11111111111111111111111111111111111111 A :J
1
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Pit 1011 Ditch 1010
2m
Marine
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Fig. 5. Weatherlees Hill wrw - Evaluation trench 2 (Early-Mid Iron Age features)
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Spread 1008, Pit 1008a and Gully 1009 comprised a group of
deposits in the central area of the trench (Fig. 5 - plan and sections).
This area was initially defined as a spread of material (context 113)
containing large amounts of pottery and other occupation debris.
Excavation revealed that this spread (1008) was cut by a large pit
(1008a) and was associated with a curvilinear gully (1009) immediately
to the east. The stratigraphic relationship between spread 1008 and
gully 1009 was not established, but the finds from this area indicate
that this group is contemporaneous, dated Early - Middle Iron Age. A
small component (five sherds) of earlier pottery (Late Bronze
Age/Early Iron Age) was also recorded and these may be assumed to be
residual. Other categories of finds from spread 1008 included calcined
flint nodules, shells, animal bones, and fragments of daub, some
bearing wattle impressions.
Pit 1011 and Ditch 1010 were recorded in the north-eastern end of
the trench (Fig. 5 - plan and section). Ditch 1010 was a partiallyexposed
length of ditch which intersected pit 1011, the latter
approximately 0.90 m. in diameter. Both features were shallow:
probably a reflection of topsoil loss and truncation through ploughing.
Although the stratigraphic relationship between the two features was
not clearly defined during excavation, analysis of the ceramic contents
of the features suggests that ditch 1010 is probably the later feature
since the pit contained Iron Age sherds, while the ditch produced a
single sherd of medieval date.
Other features recorded in Trench 2 took the form of a ditch or
elongated pit (116) and a pit (1012) - both only partly exposed in the
trench, and two animal burials - a sheep and a horse. A small section
was excavated across the feature 116 and a single sherd of postmedieval
pottery was recovered. Feature 1012 appeared to be a pit of
estimated diameter 0.75 m. Its depth could not be established, as it had
been disturbed by a modern drainage trench. It contained one sherd of
medieval pottery, dated to the later thirteenth/earlier fourteenth century.
Cleaning around the sheep burial produced three sherds of EarlyMiddle
Iron Age pottery (context 115). However, the burial had been
heavily disturbed by plough damage and the bones were not seen to be
an obvious cut feature. The horse skeleton was ascertained to be of
modem date and was not pursued further.
Romano-British features
Roman activity was perhaps least coherently defined at Ebbsfleet, both
in terms of securely dated features and quantities of datable finds.
Structural remains were recorded in evaluation trench 3, adjacent to
Ebbsfleet Lane (see Fig. 3). On the basis of the form of this structure,
in particular its similarity to a securely-dated structure excavated on
253
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
Cottington Hill (Perkins 1992, site 9a) it has been assigned a RomanoBritish
date. As with Trench 2, the area was taken out of the
development to ensure the continued preservation of the features.
Structural remains (features 1004-1006) were recorded in the central
area of the trench (Fig. 6 - plan). These features survived as two
probable wall foundations, aligned east to west and 3.50 m. apart (1004
and 1005). They were composed of water-worn flint nodules. No traces
of mortar were observed. Between the walls was a floor of compact
chalk-flecked earth (1003). Abutting the southern wall (1004) was an
area of flint cobbles (1006) which may represent some form of external
yard surface. The structural elements revealed in this part of the trench
were cleaned by hand and recorded in plan but not further examined
(i.e. all walling and floor levels remain in situ). Cleaning directly above
the components of this group of features ( context 103) produced a
multiperiod assemblage comprising Iron Age, Roman and medieval
material. A possible later feature associated with this group was a small
pit (1007), which had been cut through wall 1004 and may represent a
robber pit of some kind.
Pit 1002 some 5 m. north of Wall 1005, was a flat based pit,
approximately 0.85 x 0.75 m. in diameter and only 0.20 m. deep (as
surviving). The feature contained a small group of medieval pottery.
Features 105 and 106 (not illustrated). These survived as very shallow
parallel, linear soil marks to the south-east of the structural remains
described above. Both soil marks were approximately 1 m. wide and
aligned north-east to south-west. The features probably represent the
basal remains of ditches, severely truncated by plough attrition.
Abraded sherds of Late Iron Age and Romano-British pottery were
recovered from feature 105.
Medieval features
Medieval features and finds were located across most parts of the site
but were principally concentrated in an area to the north of the new
access road on the western part of the site. This coincides with the low
ground parallel to the Wantsum Channel shore line on the west side of
Ebbsfleet peninsula. These features were identified both in the
evaluation phase (trench 4, see Fig. 3) and during topsoil stripping for
the creation of reed beds. Summary information on these features is
contained below, more detailed descriptions and plans are held in the
project archive.
Ditch 1015 was revealed at the western end of evaluation trench 4
(Fig. 6 - plan and section). Excavation revealed the ditch to be 2 m.
wide and 0.50 m. deep, with a shallow U-shaped profile and a slight dip
at the base. The ditch contained a lens of midden-like fill containing a
small number of sherds of varying date. The ditch also produced a
254
Trench 3
NW end of trench
Trench 4
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CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
ceramic spindle whorl and a whetstone, both possibly of medieval date.
The likely continuation and terminal of this feature were recorded
during the topsoil stripping (Feature 1085). Ditch 1016 lay 8 m. to the
south-west of Ditch 1015 and was similar in nature (Fig. 6 - plan and
section). The ditch was initially defined by a small midden of marine
molluscs. A sequence of fills was evident including layers of ashy soil
containing further oyster shells, bones and daub. Only one sherd of
pottery, of medieval date, was found within this feature (later
thirteenth/early fourteenth century). Feature 1013 was partially
exposed in the north-eastern end of the trench (not illustrated) and
appears to represent a pit of diameter c. 1.80 m. Excavation revealed a
flat-bottomed feature only 0.03 m. deep. Two sherds of abraded pottery
were recovered from the fill: one of Iron Age date and one Roman.
Posthole 121 lay 6 m. south-west of pit 1013 (not illustrated). It was
exposed in the trench as a sub-circular area of burnt soil, approximately
c. 0.50 m. in diameter. The feature was not excavated but probably
represented a post-hole. Post-hole 1014 (not illustrated) was 0.40 m. in
diameter. Excavation produced sherds of Iron Age, Romano-British and
medieval pottery, along with charcoal, calcined bone and daub.
During and after topsoil stripping a further two ditches (1082, 1084)
and five pits (1080, 1081, 1083, 1086, 1087) were recorded to the north
of evaluation trench 4. Feature 1082 was a length of ditch (8 m.
observed), including a terminal, aligned north-west to south-east. It was
of maximum depth 0.40 m. with a V-shaped section, 1.75 m. wide. The
fill was of yellow brown layers of sandy silt alternating with layers of
grey black material containing oyster shells, bones and pottery. Of the
eleven sherds, one was of Iron Age date (presumed to be residual) and
the other 13 early medieval - medieval (c. A.D. 1150-1225). Feature
1084 was a length of ditch (or an elongated pit) running east to west for
3.40 m., some 30 m. south-west of 1082. It was about 0.80 m. wide and
of maximum 0.30 m. depth. The fill was of layers of grey-brown sandy
silt alternating with black ashy layers containing very many oyster
shells and a few early medieval sherds (c. A.D. 1125).
Features 1080 and 1081 were adjoining dark patches of silty sand
with ashes and midden material recorded to the south-west of ditch
1082. Each about 0.80 m. in diameter and 0.05 m. deep, they are
presumed to be the vestigial remains of ploughed out pits. They
contained early medieval sherds c. A.D. 1150-1175. Feature 1083 was
a pit of circular plan, 1.10 m. in diameter and 0.47 m. deep with sloping
sides and a flat base. It lay to the north-east of ditch 1084. The fill was
of sandy silt a little darker than the surrounding subsoil. It contained a
flint boulder, small fragments of bone and iron, and 11 sherds, mostly
of early medieval date. Feature 1086 was an oval, bowl-shaped, pit
about 1.50 m. in diameter and 0.30 m. deep. The fill of slightly ash-
256
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
darkened sandy silt contained sandstone slabs, shells, bones, and 21
sherds of which 17 were Iron Age in date. Feature 1087 was another
round, bowl-shaped, pit of 2.50 m. diameter and maximum depth 0.60
m. The fill was grey brown sandy silt with black patches. It contained
shells, bones, calcined flints and seven sherds, mostly early medieval in
date. Finally, Feature 1060 was of unknown dimensions and form. It
was destroyed by drainage trenching work beside the access road cut.
Pot-sherds from the disturbed fill were in late medieval and postmedieval
fabrics.
Limited evidence for medieval activity was also recorded further east
in the form of a small cluster of pits located some 50 m. north of the
Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age features adjacent to Ebbsfleet Lane.
Feature 1061 was a semicircular feature, partly exposed and of
projected diameter c. 2 m. Pottery recovered from the scraped surface
between this feature and Feature 1063 were late medieval, c. A.D.
1375. Feature 1062 was of elongated oval plan, its long axis running
east to west. A line of building debris composed of large flints,
sandstone slabs, and fragments of peg-tile coincided with the centre of
the feature and a small number of medieval/late medieval sherds were
recovered from the surface of the feature. Feature 1063 was a round pit
of diameter 1.30 m. The surface held shells, bones and fragments of
peg-tile.
Palaeostratigraphic deposits
Towards the south-western end of Trench 4 and in Trench 5 (that is, in
the zone of interface between the Thanet Beds and the Wantsum
Channel, see Fig. 3) palaeostratigraphic deposits were recorded. In this
zone the surface of the Thanet Beds dropped away gradually and was
covered by grey-brown alluvial clay. At a point 7 m. from the western
edge of trench 4 the Thanet Beds was truncated and the alluvial clay
was seen to overlay a layer of grey-green clay representing alluvial
channel deposits or possibly estuarine clay. The interface between these
two horizons was about 1 m. below ground level in the south-eastern
baulk section. At this interface was evidence of a former surface of
some sort, presumably of an intertidal nature, on which was found a
variety of marine shells including the sand gaper (cf. Scrobicularia
plana, D. Perkins dett.), apparently in situ, and rounded chalk nodules
bored through by molluscs such as piddocks (e.g. Pholas dactylus). It
should be noted that these species are not edible and that, in contrast to
the medieval midden deposit recorded further to the east in Trench 4
(see above), they are unlikely to represent human domestic debris.
Short lengths of wood were visible in the north-east facing section of
the trench within the alluvial deposits. These did not prove to be of a
structural origin but were merely a series of tree roots.
257
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
In Trench 5 the surface of the Thanet Beds was sealed by a deposit of
grey-brown alluvial clay and was cut by three channels filled with
grey-green deposits similar to those recorded at the south-western end
of Trench 4 (see above). Of these three features, one (1051) was about
1.5 m. wide and was not excavated. Within 1052 and 1055, the fill was
machine-excavated to a depth of 1.20 m. from ground surface. At a
depth of 0.80 m. below ground level several sherds of pottery were
recovered, comprising parts of two separate vessels of medieval date
(later twelfth/earlier thirteenth century) along with a single worn sherd
of early Roman date (first century A.D.). At the lowest depth reached,
the grey-green clay contained marine shells, mostly oyster. Worked
flint and burnt flint was also present at this point. A sample of this
grey-green channel fill was taken for sedimentological analysis and
was shown to be a stone-free silty clay/clay with localised gleying
represented by common ferruginous mottles. The clay was massive and
structureless with 0.5 per cent micropores, and rare acrorpores (roots).
These are typical alluvial silts and probably represent either in situ
fluvial deposits or overbank (flood) deposits which have accumulated
in ditches/channels.
The full configuration of these features in plan is not known. They
may represent ancient stream channels cut into the Thanet Beds (along
a terrace) or man-made ditches. Some of the channels appear to be
orientated north-south and they thus drain along the 'terrace' rather
than from it. It is, therefore, considered more likely that the channels
are of natural rather than human origin. The channels are undated, but
several sherds of medieval pottery (late twelfth/early thirteenth
century) were recovered from the upper profile (at 0.80 m. below
ground surface) within the alluvial clay of channel 1052. This only
indicates, however, that the channel was extant at this date.
The Wantsum Channel (Fig. 7)
The whole of the western part of the development area comprises part
of an alluvial 'plain', the eastern extremity of the Minster Marshes
(Fig. 3). This zone is characteristically open and flat. It lies at c. 2 m.
above O.D., is about 0.50 m. below the sea level of spring tides and is
crossed by a series of streams and drains. This area represents the
infilled former Wantsum Channel.
The results of the evaluation auger survey across the infilled, former
Wantsum Channel are presented diagrammatically in Fig. 7 (see Fig. 3
for location of auger transect). Overall, the angering revealed that the
alluvial plain between the Ebbsfleet peninsula and Weatherlees Hill
was infilled by two main sedimentary units below the current topsoil.
With the exception of Auger C in the central part of the plain, all the
augers reached the top of the Thanet Beds. In augers A, B, D and E the
258
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ml Topsoil D Alluvial clay I Estuarine/Marine clay .-( Organic horizon I Thanet Beds
Fig. 7. Wantsum Channel - Auger transect showing location of pollen core and pollen zones (1-5)
EBBS FLEET
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CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
Thanet Beds were directly overlain by a distinct but thin organic
horizon (generally only 50 mm. thick) of very dark grey, moist, stonefree
and fine humic clay with vague humic/fibrous laminations. This
horizon was noted to contain waterlogged wood and shells.
Above the organic horizon the main basal sedimentary deposit
recorded was a stone-free blue-grey to grey-green clay up to 1.80 m.
thick. This horizon was wholly confined to the level below 0.0 m. O.D.
Occasional flecks of charcoal and fragments of the sand gaper or 'soft
shelled clam' (cf. Scrobicularia plana - D. Perkins dett.) were
identified at the top of this deposit in Auger B. The clay is interpreted
as of estuarine/marine origin and the presence of marine shells support
this hypothesis. The junction of the estuarine deposits and the overlying
clays/silty clays (described below) was also possibly that recorded in
the extreme south-western end of evaluation Trench 4 (see above)
which appears to mark the interface of the alluvial plain and the higher
ground to the east. The upper sedimentary unit was a grey-brown
clay/silty clay, up to 2.50 m. thick with occasional fine sand lenses up
to 0.05 m. thick. The greater part of this horizon lies above 0.0 m. O.D.
This upper horizon is interpreted as being of alluvial origin and is the
same deposit as that which overlies the channels in Trench 5 and the
basal layer at the south-west end of Trench 4.
As a result of the archaeological, palaeostratigraphical and
palaeoenvironmental potential of the deposits infilling the Wantsum
Channel, as identified by the evaluation auger survey, a mitigation
strategy was formulated. This involved the extraction of a continuous
core between auger holes D and E (see Fig. 3, Fig. 7 for location) for
the purposes of detailed pollen and diatom analyses. It was also hoped
that a further sample of the basal organic horizon would be obtained,
suitable for scientific dating. The results of the analyses are presented
below (Scaife, Cameron). Full reports on the methodology of the Stage
2 sampling and laboratory descriptions of the stratigraphic sequence are
held in the project archive.
RAMSGATE MAIN
D. Perkins and C. Hearne
The total length of the Ramsgate Main was 5.8 km. of which the
western section from the Weatherlees Hill WTW to Pegwell had
archaeological potential, some 3.6 km. in total (Fig. 1). From the
WTW the pipeline ran a north-east course to join the A256
Ramsgate-Sandwich Road close to the Boarded Groin (which was
unaffected by the pipeline). From here the pipeline ran south of and
260
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
parallel to the A256 through Cliffsend to Chalk Hill. From the first
rise from near sea-level just east of the Sportsman Inn to the junction
with Chalk Hill almost the whole course of the pipeline ran through
deep deposits of the Thanet Sands capped with brickearth. The only
feature of interest in this section was a WWII underground fire
control bunker and magazine which was intercepted by the pipe
trench. The above geology was interrupted in only one place,
immediately south-west of the approach road to the former hoverport
at Cliffsend. Here, an upfold of the Upper Chalk was exposed for
about 40 m. and archaeological features were encountered in an area
of known archaeological potential.
From Cliffsend to Chilton the pipeline ran parallel to and south of
the road across Chalk Hill (Fig. 8). The road passes along the crest of a
downland promontory separating the Hollins Bottom and Nethercourt
Chilton valleys as they run south east to the present cliff line. At the
base of the hill the Upper Chalk is deeply masked by colluvium
associated with the Hollins Bottom valley, but this quickly gives way to
an overburden no more than 0.40 m. in depth, most of this being
modem agricultural topsoil. The line of the road is quite level at about
30 m. O.D. until the sudden dip down to Chilton.
Two main areas of archaeological interest were defined along the
route of the Ramsgate Main, along with other, seemingly more isolated
features. The evidence is summarised below.
Multiperiod occupation on Chalk Hill (centred on N.G.R. TR
36006460)
A group of nine subsoil features was recorded over a distance of some
200 m. on Chalk Hill (Fig. 8). The associated ceramic assemblage
suggests multiperiod occupation, including Neolithic, Late Bronze
Age/Early Iron Age and Late Iron Age/Early Roman. The features were
all contained within two major north-south ditches (4 and 113) and for
convenience are described as a group here, ordered chronologically
where the dating is certain or reasonably certain.
Neolithic Pit 12 (Fig. 9, S.1)
A bowl-shaped pit 0.80 m. in diameter, and of maximum depth 0.30 m.
The homogeneous fill (context 13) was of dark grey brown sandy silt,
with a few flint nodules. The pit contained a group of 35 Neolithic
sherds, mostly later Neolithic, and a small collection of struck flint (15
pieces). It seems likely that the pit was cut down through a brickearth
overburden, now eroded, perhaps originally to exploit the flint band
exposed in the surface of the Upper Chalk at this point. The pit was cut
on its north eastern edge by ditch 7.
261
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feature recorded:
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Fig. 8. Ramsgate Main - Archaeological features at Chalk Hill and Cliffsend
c··
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SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age Ditch 7 (Fig. 9, S. 1)
This shallow ditch was revealed running obliquely across the easement
for some 20 m., aligned north-west to south-east. There were
indications that it turned north-east to form a corner, presumably of an
enclosure of some sort. The average width of the ditch was 1.30 m. It
was 0.30 m. deep with a V-shaped section, presumably truncated. The
fill of red brown sandy loam contained flints and small boulders of
local sandstone. Three sections were cut (fill contexts 14, 17, 18) each
yielding sherds of Late Bronze/Early Iron Age pottery, 51 sherds in
total.
Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age Pits 5, 6, 107, 108
Four pits of varying sizes were recorded within the concentration of
features on Chalk Hill. The ceramic contents suggest they are broadly
contemporaneous, dated Later Bronze Age/Early Iron Age, c. 900-550
B.C. Pit 5 was a small bowl-shaped pit which could not be fully
investigated. Its dimensions are estimated as diameter 1. 10 m., depth
0.20 m. The fill of sandy loam (context 10) was discoloured black and
pink by burning. The pit contained calcined flints and animal bones,
and a single sherd dated Late Bronze Age to Late Iron Age. Pit 6 was a
shallow bowl-shaped pit showing as a darker red brown fill (context
19) in a lighter matrix. It was of irregular plan, 1.40 m. long, 0.60 m.
wide and of maximum depth 0.20 m. It contained large flint nodules,
slabs of local sandstone, a fairly large collection of animal bones (78
fragments). The pit also contained two Late Bronze/Early Iron Age
sherds and two intrusive sherds of early medieval date. Pit 107 was
another bowl-shaped pit. It was first observed when it was sectioned by
the pipe trench over a length of 3.50 m. Its plan is unknown. The fill of
grey brown sandy loam (context 109) contained many flint nodules,
slabs of local sandstone, shells. Eleven sherds of Late Bronze
Age/Early Iron Age date were recovered. Pit 108 was revealed in
section by the pipe trench and, like 107, was of unknown plan. It was
the deepest of the pits exposed on Chalk Hill being 1 .40 m. wide and
1.90 m. deep. It had vertical sides and a flat base. The fill (context 110)
was of dark grey brown loam containing flints and sandstone nodules,
bones and shells, and two small pot-sherds, again dated Late Bronze
Age/Early Iron Age, c. 700-400 B.C.
Late Iron Age/Early Roman ditches 4, 113
As noted above, the group of features on Chalk Hill were delimited by
apparently major north-south ditches: ditch sequence 4a/b/c to the
west, and ditch 113 to the east. The ceramic contents of these ditches
indicate contemporaneity (see Macpherson-Grant, below).
Ditch sequence 4a/b/c (Fig. 9, S.2) appears to represent the
263
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
S.1 s
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Fig. 9. Chalk Hill, sections (S.1-S.4) and plan of features
264
106
w
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
establishment and re-use of a ditch alignment over a period of time.
The stratigraphical relationship of elements 4b and 4c could not be
determined because of their homogeneous fills but 4a was clearly
defined as a later element in the sequence, cutting through 4b. Ditch 4a
was of V-shaped profile, 1 m. wide and 0.80 m. deep. Its fill (context 8)
was of dark brown sandy loam and contained 30 pot-sherds in the date
range: Early Iron Age to Roman, c. 400 B.C.-c. A.D. 150/175. The
ditch also produced two metal objects: a probable bracelet fragment of
copper alloy and an iron fibula brooch (see Fitzpatrick below).
Feature 4b had an ill-defined profile. The fill (context 15) was similar
to that of Ditch 4a. The 40 sherds obtained from this feature had a similar
date range to 4a but an earlier quantitative bias. The form of Feature 4c
could not be established with certainty since it (and its neighbour 4b)
were partly cut through the fill of a periglacial feature. The fill ( context
16) was similar to 4b and sherds recovered were generally dated Early
Iron Age to 'Belgic', c. 550 B.C.-c. A.D. 25/75. This might indicate that
4c is the earliest of the three ditches in this sequence.
Ditch 113 (Fig. 9, S.3), also aligned north-south 2.55 m. wide and
1.20 m. deep. The fill (context 114) was light brown loam with flint
nodules and slabs of local sandstone. A distinct stratigraphy was
revealed with tip lines of fragmented chalk evident in the lower part of
the fill. The tip lines were partly sealed by a layer composed of very
many land mollusc shells. A sequence of mollusc samples were taken
through the ditch fills and these are reported below (Allen). Above
these horizons the upper two-thirds of fill were without apparent strata.
The section yielded 24 sherds, including Late Bronze Age/Early Iron
Age and later material of Belgic/Early Roman date.
Other features - 20
Feature 20 was a well cut, apparently sub-rectangular, feature with a
very flat floor and vertical sides. It was situated 0.20 m. east of the
eastern side of Ditch 4a. Its overall length could not be determined
since it was seen to continue beyond the extent of the stripped area for
the easement. The feature was 1.15 m. wide and 0.25 m. deep. It had
been back-filled with a sandy loam darkened by ashes (context 21).
This fill contained flint flakes, bones, and many mussel shells (Mytilus
edulis). Among this was a mass of large pot-sherds probably
representing two vessels, 'Belgic', c. A.D. 25/75.
Roman features at Cliffsend (Fig. 8; N.G.R. TR 35306450)
Three features were recorded during monitoring of pipe trenching. This
group of features was not evident in plan after topsoil stripping being
sealed by a substantial depth of overburden. The features were only
265
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
apparent as the lowest part of the pipe trench was being excavated by
which time they had already been heavily disturbed by the machining.
Salvage recovery of finds and recording was undertaken.
Grave JOO A rectangular (apparently) cut into the chalk with steep,
near vertical sides. As exposed in the pipe trench it was 1.2 m. wide
and 2 m. deep from the upper surface of the chalk. The long axis of the
grave was aligned north-west to south-east. The skeletal material
recovered (context 101) was in good condition and is that of an
older/mature adult (McKinley, below). Other finds from the lower
levels of the grave were an iron nail and a fresh, basal sherd from a
Belgic/Early Roman vessel, possibly representing a grave good. The
feature is interpreted as a Romano-British inhumation.
Pit I 02 This feature cut grave 100 on its north-east side. Its plan and
width could not be established, but as exposed by the pipe trench it was
3.60 m. long with a maximum depth of 0.90 m. and a bowl-shaped
profile. The fill (103) was a fine sandy loam with patches discoloured
grey black with ashes. The pit contained a 'Belgic' sherd, slabs of local
sandstone, animal bones and shells. Roughly central in the pit at a
depth of about 0.40 m. within a layer of ash-darkened soil and midden
material were fragments of human lower limb. These bones could
represent remains disturbed from the adjacent burial (100), or perhaps a
disturbed second burial.
Feature 104 This cut was sectioned by the pipe trench over a
distance of 4.50m., its plan and width could not be determined. It was
of maximum depth 0.60 m. with a flat base and sloping sides. The fill
(105) was of grey brown sandy silt similar to the surrounding Thanet
Beds sand with patches discoloured black with ashes or organic
material. It contained slabs of local sandstone, two flint flakes and
Roman sherds. The pottery includes a mixture of fabric types of general
second century A.D. date.
Chalk Hill, other features
Outside the main focus of activity identified on Chalk Hill, several
other features were recorded, the most important being a grave of
possible Saxon date (N.G.R. TR 35686478). These features are briefly
summarised below and their location is shown on Fig. 8; further details
are contained in the archive.
Grave 106 (Fig. 9, plan; S.4). This grave cut into the chalk was
1.70 m. long, of maximum width 0.70 m. and maximum depth 0.40 m. It
was sub-rectangular in plan with vertical sides and sloping ends, and it
was orientated east-west. The grave appeared to have been disturbed in
antiquity since the long bones of the legs and many small bone fragments
were scattered through a fill of blackish sandy loam (context 112). The
266
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
only other finds were struck flint flakes and an end scraper. Analysis of
the human bone indicates that two individuals may be represented
(McKinley, below) and this may account for the disturbed nature of the
grave, that is a secondary insertion into an earlier grave. The burial(s) are
essentially undated but the form of the grave, its orientation and the fact
of its disturbance, combine to suggest that it is Anglo-Saxon (Jutish).
Feature 2 90 m. east of grave 106 a pit, 0.70 m. long, 0.50 m. wide
and with a maximum depth of 0.35 m. was recorded cut into the chalk.
The sides of the pit were nearly vertical and the floor bowl-shaped. In
plan it was a waisted oval; this could be accidental, or could suggest
that it constitutes two pits or large post-holes cutting. The fill of sandy
loam ( context 9) contained a single broken flint flake.
Feature 3 lay some 120 m. east of Feature 2. It was a chalk-cut linear
feature of bowl-shaped sectional profile running north-south across the
easement. In width it varied between 0.40 and 0.70 m., with a
maximum depth of only 0.20 m. It may be presumed that this feature
represents the last vestiges of a ditch truncated by a major loss of
overburden through plough attrition and erosion.
Feature 115 This feature was encountered on the crest of the descent
into the Nethercourt Chilton valley. When sectioned by the pipe trench
it was apparent that the chalk had here been terraced to a depth of 2 m.
and over a distance of 12 m. The surface created had been cobbled with
flints over rammed chalk. Fragments of brick and tile of
seventeenth/eighteenth century type and fabric were recovered from the
surface. Chilton Farmhouse (seventeenth century) is situated 90 m. to
the north-east, and these remains are probably associated with the farm.
SANDWICH AND DEAL MAINS
P. Andrews
The route of the two mains from Weatherlees Hill WTW to Sandwich
Pumping Station and from there on to Deal Pumping Station is shown
on Fig. 1. The pipeline to Sandwich crosses the complex sequence of
deposits associated with the infilling of the Wantsum Channel and the
development of the Stonar Bank. The Deal pipeline was for the most
part across the infilled Lydden Valley and the spit of shingle, with its
overlying windblown sands, north of Deal. Topsoil stripping of the
pipeline easement only entailed the removal of topsoil down to
superficial deposits of windblown sand or alluvium which generally
sealed any horizons of archaeological interest. Ten sections were
defined along the length of the two mains. Descriptions on the soil
profiles observed within each section, and interpretations relating to
267
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
their formation are held in the project archive. The three main areas of
archaeological discoveries (The Monks' Wall, Stonar, Guilford Road)
along with other minor observations of interest are summarised below,
ordered north to south. Again, more detailed reports on each are held in
the project archive.
The Monks' Wall (Fig. 10; N.G.R. TR 32685953)
The Monks' Wall is the most conspicuous of a series of medieval and
later sea-defence banks lying to the east of the River Stour between the
river and the medieval port of Stonar (see Fig. 1). Construction of these
banks was probably begun in the twelfth-thirteenth century by monks
from nearby Sandwich as part of a large-scale reclamation scheme in
the Wantsum Channel during a period of extensive silting. This
probably followed closure of the northern entrance to the Wantsum
between the north end of the Stonar Bank and Ebbsfleet, possibly
during the twelfth century.
The pipeline crossed the line of the Monks' Wall in three places but in
two of these the bank had already been levelled or removed by the A256
Sandwich by-pass and by a recent extension to a modern compound
fence-line (Fig. 10, plan). Where the bank was still extant and was
crossed by the pipeline it survived to a height of approximately 1.20 m.
and is almost 6 m. wide. An open ditch 2 m. wide runs parallel to the
bank on its east side. As a pre-defined Special Archaeological Section the
easement was stripped in advance to allow a section through the extant
Monks' Wall to be cut back, cleared and recorded, and a small trench to
be dug into the deposits sealed by the bank.
The section through the bank (Fig. 10, section) revealed two slightly
differing layers of silty clay (contexts 57 and 58) overlain by
approximately 0.20 m. of humic topsoil (context 56). Individual 'clods'
were evident within 57 after the section had been allowed to weather
for a week. The clods measured approximately 0.15 to 0.20 m. square,
0.20 to 0.30 m. long and were arranged vertically. An indistinct pale
white deposit sometimes defined these clods, particularly towards the
centre of the bank. There was no evidence for any buried soil beneath
the bank: layer 58 directly overlying undisturbed 'natural', finely
laminated alluvial deposits (context 59). The base of the bank was at
approximately 0.50 m. O.D. No post-bank deposits survived overlaying
either its north-west or south-east side. The ditch to the south-east of
the bank is approximately 1 m. deep, but because of the method of
pipe-laying it was not possible to examine the section closely for any
evidence of recutting. The condition of the ditch indicates that it has
been fairly regularly cleaned-out and kept clear of undergrowth up to
the present day.
268
TR 327
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
328
J'HE MONKS' WALL
-=----, __ - - - --- ditch /d . . -.. ___ -- -- , ' rain
Key:
Hllllllll Earthwork extant "'" ""'
598
597
::::::::::::::::: Earthwork removed
t!tttr Machine disturbance
596
0 50
i:::::::::i--===:.-==:::::im
Fig. 10. Sandwich Main -The Monks' Wall
269
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
During pipe-laying 20 m. to the south-east of the cutting through the
Monks' Wall a substantial, squared timber was recorded in the alluvial
deposits at a depth of 0.80 m. below the ground surface (not retrieved).
A 0.50 m. length of 0.16 m. square timber was exposed lying upright at
an angle of approximately 45°. The top had rotted, but there was an
80 mm. projection at the end on one face. A further small fragment of
squared timber (object 105, identified as alder) lying adjacent to the
larger piece was retained.
Stonar (Fig. 11; N.G.R. TR 33365855 to 33575821)
The Stonar section of the Sandwich main ran immediately to the south of
the site of the medieval port. This section extends north from the River
Stoor/Sandwich Haven ( opposite the north-east corner of the medieval
defensive circuit of Sandwich) to a point close to the presumed southern
edge of Stonar, and then west to the Sandwich-Ramsgate road (Fig. 11,
plan). It was anticipated that the north-south section of the pipeline from
the Stour would cut through alluvial deposits associated with the
extensive silting-up of this part of the Wantsum Channel. As the pipeline
ran east-west adjacent to the known limit of the medieval port there was
a possibility that evidence for quays or quayside structures along the
Stonar shoreline might be uncovered.
Results
A fairly simple sequence of deposits was recorded across the
north-south section. A thin layer of topsoil overlay some 2 m. of
virtually undifferentiated pale brown silty clays - no banding was
visible in the latter deposits. At a depth of 2.30 m. there was an abrupt
change to a dark greenish grey silty clay, presumably reflecting the
extent of water-logging to a height just above sea-level. Further to the
north the texture of the deposits gradually changed from silty clays to
slightly clayey sandy silts. The upper clays changed imperceptibly from
pale brown to grey and the lower clays from dark greenish grey to dark
grey, with the upper surface of the latter rising to 0.50 m. above sealevel,
and many thin bands of varying hue apparent. Occasional oyster
and other marine shells were present, but no other finds were noted.
The east-west section was similar to that described above but there
was a slightly greater depth of overburden. The lower, dark grey layer
continued to rise to 0.70 m. above sea-level. Twelve timber stakes were
recorded (four retained, objects 101-104) from this layer, over a
distance of some 50 m. (see Fig. 11 for location). Some of the stakes
were not observed in situ and several were damaged during machining,
but the complete examples ranged from 0.88 to 1.39 m. in length, and
were circular with diameters from 50-70 mm. The bottoms had been
270
SANDWI CHBAYAR CHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
336
North Lake
fnJ:Fi! Scheduled
Monument
* .Location of
stakes
?landscaped -
p· ig. 11. Sandw' 1 ;:;;::-:--------- 1c l Main - Stan ( ar edge of St onar Bank "h'
1993)
igh ground" f a ter Perkins
271
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
Fig. 12. Deal Main - Guilford Road crossing
trimmed to points which had been driven probably between 0.30 and
0.60 m. into the ground. They survived up to the top of the dark grey
sandy silt, with one example having a possible sawn end; the tops of
the others had rotted away. One larger, sub-rectangular timber was
recovered, but not from a secure context. No pattern was discernible in
the layout of stakes, and no other finds were recovered. Samples from
two stakes, submitted for radio-carbon dating, Object nos. 101 and 103,
produced calibrated dates of A.D. 1650-1950 and A.D. 1670-1955
(GU-4360), respectively (see Appendix 1).
Guilford Road, near Newcut Bridge (Fig. 12; N.G.R. TR 34725763)
This location was known to be of archaeological interest. In 1936
'whilst digging a trench for a sewer, a dug-out canoe was found in
estuarine deposits on the bank of a small stream. The boat was made
from an oak-tree trunk, with clear tool marks. It has since been lost and
is undated' (SMR TR35NW44). The recorded find-spot coincides with
Vigo Sprong (the old course of the North Stream), close to its
convergence with The New Cut - a diversion of the North Stream.
272
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROIBCT
Guilford Road (c. 2.40 m. O.D.) has been raised above the
surrounding ground surface to the north and south by up to 1 m. During
the excavation of the pipe trench across the Guilford Road four
substantial timber posts or stakes were encountered in situ (Fig. 12,
plan). Close archaeological examination of these was not possible for
health and safety reasons and because the central section of the road
crossing was tunnelled. The stakes appeared to lie in a line below the
centre of the road, parallel to it. They were approximately 0.25 m. in
diameter and spaced at roughly 1 m. intervals. All were sealed beneath
some 0.75 m. of modern make-up, lying within a deposit of alluvial
silty clay in which two distinct horizons were evident (Fig. 12, section
- layers 66, 67). The stakes appear to have been driven into the lower
layer (67), though from what level was uncertain. One of the stakes was
removed during pipe-laying (object 131). This was 2.35 m. long and up
to 0.27 m. in diameter, and had been trimmed at the bottom to a point.
The top had probably rotted, but there was clear evidence of several
side branches having been removed with an axe or adze (see Mepham,
below).
Five other timber fragments (objects 132-136) were recovered from
approximately the same location as the stakes. Their exact location and
relationship to each other could not be ascertained (for the reasons
outlined above). However, they probably came from the south side of
the line of stakes, at around 0.20 m. O.D. (2.20 m. below the present
ground surface) within layer 67. The depth of the fragments in relation
to the stakes suggests that the former are earlier. All of the fragments
appeared to come from a hollowed out tree-trunk of beech, though no
clear tool-marks were apparent. Conclusive interpretation of the
fragments is not possible, but they may derive from a logboat (see
Mepham, below for further discussion). A sample, submitted for radiocarbon
dating, produced a calibrated date of A.D. 970-1160 (GU-4361;
see Appendix 1).
Other archaeological observations on the Sandwich and Deal Mains
Apart from the three main areas of interest a series of minor deposits,
features and finds were recorded. These are summarised below, ordered
north to south; more detailed accounts are held in the project archive.
The Green Wall, Sandwich (N.G.R. TR 33425808)
The Green Wall, part of the medieval and later sea-defences of
Sandwich was crossed by the pipeline. The cutting revealed a bank of
clay loam 1.20 m. or more high, 10 m. wide. The earthwork runs due
east of Sandwich on the north side of the Vigo Sprong and probably
pre-dates the New Cut.
273
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
Worked flints, near Dicksons Corner (N.G.R. TR 35635700)
A small collection of undiagnostic worked flint flakes was recovered
from a location some 750 m. west of Dicksons Corner. These were
retrieved by Mr Halliwell of the Dover Archaeological Group from the
pipeline spoil dump after trenching. The finds probably indicate
prehistoric activity along the eastern edge of the Lydden Valley and it
may be noted that other worked flints have been found in the vicinity,
some 500 m. to the south (SMR TR35NE8).
Blackhorse Wall (N.G.R. TR 37025520)
A shallow east-west ditch was recorded in the pipe trench, sealed
below 0.80 m. of wind-blown sand. This feature is on the line of the
Blackhorse Wall, a dyke running east-west and is likely to represent
an earlier continuation of the 'wall' to the east.
Buried soils, Golf Road, Deal (N.G.R. TR 37125473 to 36775571)
South of Mary Bax's Stone and North of Walnut Tree Farm three
discrete lengths of buried soils, comprising brown loamy sands up to
0.30 m. thick were encountered. Each lay at a depth of 0.80 m. below
the current ground surface and extended over distances of between
100 m. and 300 m. The northern two lengths are considered to be of
medieval date, perhaps related to manuring of the fields around the
medieval settlement (DMV ) of Sprukelham. A few fragments of animal
bone and sherds of pottery, probably of medieval date, might support
this contention. The southernmost of the buried soils did not produce
any dating evidence but is conceivably of Roman date since Roman
finds are reported less than 100 m to the south-west near Walnut Tree
Farm (SMR TR35SE63).
A hollow way was also recorded directly below the topsoil at the
north end of this section of the pipeline, along the line now followed by
the so-called Ancient Highway between Sandwich and Deal. It was
4 m. wide and 0.75 m. deep, and perhaps represents continued use of
this route over several hundred years following the higher ground of
the shingle spit extending northwards from Deal.
BRONZE AGE METALWORK (Ebbsfleet III Hoard, N.G.R. TR 33206300)
A.J. Lawson
The circumstances of the discovery of this small group of objects,
found near Ebbsfleet Farm, are reported above. The objects are
illustrated in Fig. 13 (1-5). All five objects are apparently of copper
alloy and although they have not been analysed metallographically,
274
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
2
c?=::i---===----==55,m
'
:I•
-1--
--
4
SEJ
Fig. 13. Ebbsfleet III hoard (1-5), object of copper alloy (6), object of iron (7)
275
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
are assumed to be of cast bronze. They are in a similar condition.
The surfaces have an incoherent, but smooth, green patina with areas
of pale green copper carbonate corrosion and some patches of
reddish copper oxide. The pieces all have a solid metal core and have
now been stabilised and lacquered by Salisbury Conservation
Laboratory.
Fig. 13, 1 - Sword fragment (85 mm. long; 42 mm. max. width;
25 mm. max. width of blade; 75 gm weight) comprising the lower part
of the cast hilt with concave sides and eroded 'beak-like' shoulders.
The ricasso notch beneath is so eroded as to be indefinable. Within the
raised flanges which border the hilt are the shanks of two small
(3.3 mm. diam.) lateral rivets which lack heads. The upper part of the
blade is parallel-sided with a rounded mid-rib flanked by a groove on
each side which continues onto the hilt, curving in an arc beneath the
rivet. On one side a short groove runs parallel to the flange between the
end of the curving mid-rib groove and the rivet. On the reverse a short
straight groove crosses the end of the shoulder, beneath the curving
mid-rib groove. The mid-rib continues through the surviving part of the
hilt plate. The blade edges are too eroded to preserve any bevel.
(W516, context 1089, Obj. No. 3).
Fig. 13, 2 - Socketed hammer (58 mm. long; 26 mm. max. width;
133 gm weight). The rounded cross-section of the body has flat sides,
one of which bears a distinct, slightly oblique casting flash. The other
side is heavily corroded. The expanded mouth bears traces of single
indistinct moulding. The striking face is rounded, slightly
asymmetrically. (W516, context 1089, Obj. No. 4).
Fig. 13, 3 - Cylindrical band (13 mm. by 11 mm. diam.: 12 mm.
high; 6 gm weight) with thin walls, apparently filled with granular
corrosion products. Two opposing faces have been flattened, possibly
by hammering. Possibly a fragment of the socket of a small tool or
weapon. (W516, context 1089, Obj. No. 5).
Fig. 13, 4 - Flat ingot fragment (47 mm. long; 16 mm. wide; 7 mm.
thick; 27 gm weight) with unshaped rounded edges, and pointed at one
end. (W516, context 1089, Obj. No. 6).
Fig. 13, 5 - Bun ingot fragment (78 mm. x 83 mm; 29 mm. thick;
567 gm weight) with plano-convex section and containing many
vesicles and larger horizontal voids. (W516, context 1089, Obj. No. 2).
Discussion
Although these five objects were not discovered in a discrete feature,
their distribution is within a confined space, beneath ground which has
been subject to a rigorous and erosive ploughing regime. Because none
of the objects would be out of place in a Late Bronze Age context, it
would seem reasonable to assume that they were probably deposited
276
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
simultaneously as a hoard (context category la, Needham 1985, vi) and
possibly later disturbed by agricultural sub-soiling. No other objects
were found in the immediate area, despite thorough metal detection
and, therefore, it is probable that the hoard was no larger than the
recovered items.
The most distinctive component of the hoard is the sword fragment
(Fig. 13, 1) which, by virtue of its broad shoulders, groove-defined
rounded mid-rib and parallel sided blade, is of the distinctive Carp's
Tongue type (Needham 1986, 47; Colquhoun and Burgess 1988, 108).
The socketed hammer (Fig. 13, 2) also finds parallels in the hoards of
south-east England which belong to the Ewart Park tradition with
Carp's Tongue affinities. Such hammers may have elaborate mouth
mouldings, such as those from Hatfield Broad Oak, Essex (Davies
1979, 156, No. 38) or Thorndon, Suffolk (Inv. Arch. GBll, No. 4), but
others may be relatively simple, such as one of the pair from the Isle of
Harty, Kent hoard (Inv. Arch. GB 18, No. 23), while that from the
Minnis Bay, Kent hoard (Worsfold 1943, Pl Xl, No. 18) is similarly
without a strong mouth moulding. A simple socketed hammer also
accompanies a rod-like ingot amongst the finds from Burgess's
Meadow, Oxford (Inv. Arch. GB 6, Nos. 6 and 7) and it may be possible
that the small ingot from Ebbsfleet is related to the latter, especially if
the association of these two Oxfordshire items with Middle Bronze Age
metalwork is insecure.
Bun ingot fragments, such as Fig. 13, 5 are commonplace in Late
Bronze Age hoards (for example, Shuart: Perkins 1988). The
typology of the Ebbsfleet finds would, hence, suggest a date in the
ninth or eighth century B.C. (O'Connor 1980, 188; Colquhoun and
Burgess 1988, 111 ). The discovery adds further to the marked
concentration of Carp's Tongue hoards already recorded on the shores
of the Isle of Thanet and the former Wantsum Channel, which
includes Minnis Bay, Shuart, Monkton and Minster, summarised by
Perkins (1991, 259-61). At Ebbsfleet itself two other hoards are
known: that found in 1893 but not precisely located (Hills 1895), and
that found on Cottington Hill, referred to as Ebbsfleet II (Perkins
1991a, 260, no. 6; Perkins 1992, 303) only 500 m. north of the latest
find. The former contained, amongst other pieces, fragments of
Carp's Tongue swords, a socketed hammer and bun ingots, as does
the latest find (British Museum 1920, Pl. III). These hoards form part
of the evidence of an efficient industry on the north Kent coastal plain
and on either side of the Thames estuary which produced prolific
quantities of weapons and tools, but which also incorporated a system
for the collection and recycling of scrap metal probably both from
England and the Continent (Coombs and Bradshaw 1979, 188;
Champion 1982, 37, fig. 14).
277
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
LATE IRON AGE METALWORK FROM CHALK HILL
A.P. Fitzpatrick
These two objects were both stratified, derived from the same context
filling Ditch 4a on Chalk Hill (context 8).
Copper Alloy object (Fig. 13, 6)
A fragment of a pennanular wide bracelet or anklet, one terminal of
which survives. The simplicity of the form makes dating difficult,
and bracelets of copper alloy rather than iron are not particularly
common on British Iron Age sites (Stead 1979, 75-7). However,
examples are known throughout the Iron Age (e.g. Jope and Cunliffe
1984, 343-5, fig. 7 .6, 1.33) and there is no reason why the bracelet
should not be contemporary with the associated iron brooch. The
wire is round 2 mm. in diameter and in its current state the bracelet
measures c. 65 mm. x 40 mm. externally (W619, Context 8, Obj.
No. 2.).
Iron brooch (Fig. 13, 7)
A complete La Tene II brooch which appears to be made in one piece.
The spring has seven coils and an external chord, while the return of
the open catch-plate is held to the bow by a thin clasp which also
serves as a decorative collar. The upper surface of the bow has a central
groove and what may be the remains of tool marks, perhaps from a
chisel or punch. The presence of an axial rod or hinge within the spring
suggests that the brooch may have a mock spring disguised within the
spring.
The brooch falls within Hull's Type 3B group of La Tene II
brooches and is unusual in being of iron rather than copper alloy
(Hull and Hawkes 1987, 171, 173-8, Pl. S1). Hawkes was minded to
seek a north-eastern French source for the introduction of this type
to Britain, but found difficulties in r econciling this with the
predominantly south-western distribution then known. Although the
Chalk Hill find now complements a piece from Maidstone (ibid., no.
2251) the number, and distribution, of British finds is too small to
place much emphasis on. The clasp on the bow of the Chalk Hill
find also occurs on the type which succeeded it, Hull's type 3C,
suggesting that this brooch belongs relatively late in the
manufacture of the type, perhaps in the later second or early first
century B.C. Length 63 mm., width of spring 23 mm. (W619,
Context 8, Obj. No. 1.).
278
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
ROMAN SILVER COIN FROM EBBSFLEET
John Davies
A single Roman coin was recovered from the project, an unstratified
find discovered after topsoil stripping at Weatherlees Hill WTW near
Ebbsfleet Lane. The coin is a silver Roman denarius of the Republican
period: C. Marcius Censorinus (88 B.C.). Type Crawford 346/1. Rome
mint. The coin is very worn on both faces. (W516, context 2000, Obj.
No. 7).
Obv.: Jugate heads of Numa Pompilius, bearded, and Ancus Marcius,
not bearded, right.
Rev.: Desultor right; C CENSO below.
OTHER METAL OBJECTS
R. Montague (coin identifications by Nicholas A. Wells)
In addition to the various objects described above, a total of 41 other
metal objects was recovered during the course of the project: ten from
Weatherlees Hill WTW (W516), six from the Ramsgate Main (W619)
and 25 from the Sandwich and Deal Main (W646). Of these 41 objects,
two are of silver, 24 are of copper alloy, five are of lead and ten are of
iron. Only nine of these objects were from stratified contexts, most of
the remainder being recovered during the controlled metal detector
scan. Brief notes on the objects are provided here; details on the
provenance of each find, reference nos. and full catalogue descriptions
are held in the project archive.
The stratified material consists of nine iron objects; seven from
Weatherlees Hill WTW and two from the Ramsgate Main. These
objects are all nails or nail fragments and none are closely datable. The
nails from Weatherlees Hill WTW were derived from four contexts,
mostly medieval pits and ditches (feature nos. 121 - 2 objects; 1080 - 1
object; 1082 - 1 object; 1087 - 3 objects). The two other stratified
objects consist of a single nail each from Roman grave 100 (context
101) and Late Iron Age ditch 4c on Chalk Hill (context 16). The nail
from the grave 100 can be compared with coffin nails from the
Romano-British cemetery at Poundbury in Dorset, of Mills' Type l a,
small flat-headed nails with a circular head less than 20 mm. in
diameter. This was the commonest nail type from the cemetery (Mills
1993, 115, fig. 79.1). The occurrence of a single nail does not preclude
the presence of a coffin in the grave, for as mentioned by Mills, coffins
may have been built using a jointed construction which rendered nails
279
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
largely redundant (ibid., 114). The nail from ditch 4c cannot be closely
dated, as hand-made nails of this type are common right up to the
nineteenth century.
The unstratified objects from Weatherlees Hill WTW comprise two of
copper alloy and one of lead. The former consist of a Scottish twopence
of Charles I and a small fragment of casting waste. The lead object, a
large, perforate, tapering object of sub-square section is probably a
weight or net sinker of post-medieval date. Unstratified objects from the
Ramsgate Main comprise three of copper alloy and one of lead. The
copper alloy objects include a cast vessel rim fragment, which may be
compared with an example from St. Peter's Street, Northampton, from a
context dating to the years around 1500 (Oakley and Webster 1979, 258,
fig. 111.95). Such vessels, probably cooking-pots, became common only
in late medieval times. The other two objects are a gilded, riveted fitting
and a bell fragment neither of which can be dated more closely than postmedieval
to modern. The lead object is in the form of a perforated
circular disc decorated with a raised cross and possible raised rim. It can
be compared with two examples from Sandal Castle from contexts dating
from c. 1485-1600 (Goodall 1983, 235, fig. 2.107-8) and an example
from Battle Abbey from a context dating to the sixteenth to seventeenth
century (Geddes 1985, 156, fig. 48.6). Such objects were possibly used
as weights or tokens.
Of the 25 objects from the Sandwich and Deal Mains, 24 were metaldetector
finds from the windblown sand below the topsoil ( contexts 3 and
8) at the Royal Cinque Ports Golf Course. Two of the objects are of
silver, 19 are of copper alloy, two are of lead and one is of iron. The bulk
of the objects probably represents casual losses by visitors to the seaside,
and all those that are datable belong to the post-medieval and/or modem
periods, with one exception: a star rowel (spur disc) which could be of
earlier date since this type was used on spurs throughout the medieval
and post-medieval periods (Ellis 1993, 223). The other objects include
coins (seventeenth to nineteenth century), buckles and mounts, a copper
alloy wedding ring with an inscription on the inner surface and a candle
snuffer. A lead disc, similar to that from the Ramsgate Main (above),
may be similarly dated. Two spoons, one silver and one copper alloy
were also found. The silver spoon has a decorated bowl and a drop where
the handle is affixed to the bowl. Drops were first introduced around
1715 (Moore 1987, 16), although as the hallmark is incomplete it is not
possible to date this piece accurately. A lead disc was recovered from
alluvial deposit 64, near Richborough power station. This piece cannot
be more closely dated than to the post-medieval to modern periods.
Finally, four small fragments ( 49 g) of iron slag were recovered from
medieval Ditch 1085 at Ebbsfleet and may possibly be derived from
smithing hearth fragments.
280
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
WORKED FLINT
P. Harding
The project produced a small worked flint assemblage - 98 pieces in
total. The majority of this collection comprises flakes and broken flakes
(89 pieces). The remainder consists of a small number of cores/broken
cores (two), retouched flakes (two), scrapers (three) and other tools
(two). The material is summarised below; full details and quantification
by context are held in the project archive.
Ebbsfleet (W516) produced 31 pieces of unpatinated worked flint,
plus a ground axe (see below). About two-thirds (21 items) of the
material was from stratified contexts in features of varying date (Late
Bronze Age/Early Iron Age to medieval) and the majority may be
assumed to be residual. The raw material includes nodules of heavily
abraded flint possibly from a gravel source. Retouched tools comprise a
semi-discoidal scraper made on a flake with irregular, semi abrupt,
direct retouch from spread 1008, and an end scraper made on a broken
flake of Bullhead flint (this distinctive flint is found locally where
chalk is overlain by Thanet sand and is characterised by a green cortex
above an orange rind). The latter, well-made implement derives from
the same context as the Late Bronze Age hoard (context 1089). It has
direct, semi-abrupt retouch at the distal end forming a convex scraping
edge. There was no other flint from this context.
The flint axe from the base of ring ditch 1079 measures 106 mm.
long, 46 mm. wide and 21 mm. thick (Fig. 14). It has a slightly convex
blade and irregular straight edges which taper to a narrow butt. One
side has grinding which extends to the edges and truncates most of the
original flaking; however, the other side has flake scars which are fresh
indicating that the axe has been reworked from a larger implement. The
main body of the axe has a matt surface from grinding on a coarse
abrasive grind-stone. The blade by contrast has been honed to a fine
polish. Ground axes are diagnostic implements of the Neolithic period
and formed the basic wood working tool of the period. It is probable
that the implement was made locally. The occurrence of the axe does
little to date the ring ditch. The use of ground flint axes extends
throughout the Neolithic period. However, it is not inconceivable that
this implement was recognised and collected and/or curated by Bronze
Age occupants of the area. The small group of five worked flints from
the same context as the axe are all flakes: two are unbroken, two are
broken and one is burnt.
Chalk Hill (W619) produced nearly all of the worked flint from the
Ramsgate Main (53 of the 55 stratified pieces). The material is
unpatinated, except for the small group from context 112 and individual
281
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
Fig. 14. Flint axe from Ebbsfleet peninsula
pieces from three other contexts. Raw material was principally black
flint with a grey cherty interior below off-white chalky cortex. Two
flakes of Bullhead flint were also present. None of the material from
the Ramsgate Main shows diagnostic technological features.
A group of 15 pieces comprising a broken core and 14 hard
hammer-struck flakes was recovered in direct association with the
Neolithic pottery from Pit 12 (context 13). Their condition and the
fact that two pieces refit suggest that they are not derived. The
quantity is, however, insufficient to allow further conclusions. The
disturbed grave 106 produced 12 patinated pieces (contexts 111, 112)
including a single undiagnostic end scraper made on a flake with
irregular, semi-abrupt, continuous retouch. The rest of the flints from
these contexts were flakes. The remainder of the flint from Chalk
Hill was generally recovered as small groups of flakes from Late
Bronze Age/Early Iron Age and Late Iron Age features. Two,
presumably residual, flakes were recovered in a Romano-British pit
at Cliff send.
The only material from the Sandwich and Deal main (W646) was a
small group of flakes and broken flakes (nine pieces in total) of
undiagnostic flint, including four of Bullhead flint. These were
retrieved from the easement spoil dump after pipe trenching some
750 m. west of Dicksons Corner.
282
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
WORKED STONE
M. Laidlaw
A small quantity of worked stone was recovered from Ebbsfleet,
consisting of one whetstone and five very small, possible quern-stone
fragments. The whetstone is in a characteristically fine grained stone
with smooth, rounded edges and worn surfaces, sub-rectangular in
shape. It was recovered from medieval Ditch 1016 (context 124) along
with a ceramic spindle-whorl (see below). Mr D. Perkins has
commented that the whetstone is comparable to other examples found
at Thanet, in particular from Grave 8 in the Ozengell cemetery, which
has been described as having a Scandinavian origin (A. Oddy, British
Museum, pers. comm. DRP). The five coarse sandstone fragments, two
of which are conjoining, may be derived from a quern-stone, as one
surface is smooth and worn. The fragments were recovered from spread
1008, and are therefore likely to be of Early/Middle Iron Age date.
NEOLITHIC POTTERY FROM CHALK HILL
R.M.J. Cleal
Thirty-five sherds, weighing a total of 305 g, are identifiable as earlier
prehistoric. All were recovered from Pit 12 on Chalk Hill (W619,
Context 13). Of these thirty-five sherds, six (59 g), probably belonging
to a single vessel, are identifiable as earlier Neolithic; the remaining
twenty-nine belong to the Peterborough tradition of the middle to late
Neolithic. The sherds were examined using a binocular microscope at
X20 magnification, following standard Wessex Archaeology
procedures. Frequency of inclusions is given as a percentage of surface
area, estimated by eye using comparative charts, and the measurement
given is of maximum dimension. Four other very small sherds from
Ebbsfleet are of possible later Neolithic date; these are reported below
(Macpherson-Grant).
Earlier Neolithic (not illustrated)
The earlier Neolithic vessel is in a slightly micaceous fabric with sparse
to moderate (10-15 per cent), angular flint (2 mm.), and sparse (c. 5 per
cent) quartz sand (<1.0 mm., most <0.5 mm.). There are some dark
reddish to black grains present (sparse, <1.0 mm., most 0.5 mm.); these
are likely to represent either iron oxides, or glauconite, or both, and are
likely to be naturally occurring inclusions in the clay, as are the mica
fragments (which are too small to measure at x20 magnification).
283
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
The rim and plain body sherds are likely to belong to a single vessel,
although there are no conjoins along ancient breaks. The rim is simple,
and probably everted, although the angle of lie is not certain. All the
sherds are worn, both on the surfaces and on the edges. The vessel is
fired to shades of pale orange and pale brown on the surfaces, an
indication of partial oxidisation, and the core is dark grey.
Peterborough Ware (Fig. 15. 1-3)
All three vessels assignable to this tradition are in a flint-tempered
fabric with moderate flint (c. 10 per cent), well-calcined, angular, and
ill-sorted (<5 mm.). The distribution of fragments is uneven. There is
some glauconite or iron oxides, rare fine quartz sand and some fine
mica, all of which are almost certainly natural inclusions in the clay.
The form, decoration and condition of the sherds/vessels are given in
the descriptions to accompany the illustrations below.
Fig. 15, 1 Six decorated body sherds and one plain body sherd (not
all illustrated) belonging to a vessel with horizontal rows of non-plastic
single oblique fingernail impressions, at least two of which are
arranged in opposing directions to form a chevron pattern. The exterior
surfaces are orange-brown, the interior grey-brown, and the core black,
with the appearance of a carbonised deposit within the core, caused
presumably by the clay having a high carbonaceous content, or of the
vessel wall having absorbed some organic material which then
carbonised during firing or use of the vessel. The sherds are all worn.
Fig. 15, 2 Four body sherds, all decorated, two of which are conjoining
along an ancient break, and one basal sherd. The sherds are from the lower
body of a round-bottomed bowl covered with rows of twisted cord
impression. Two lengths of twisted cord were used to form the impressions,
a finer length for the upper part, and a coarser one for the lower. The two
sets of impressions are separated by an incised line. The exterior is pale
brown, the core dark grey to black, and the interior pale brown to pale greybrown.
The sherds are in a worn condition. Two coil breaks are visible, one
on the upper part of the decorated body, and one above the rounded base.
Fig. 15, 3 One decorated body sherd and one decorated sherd from the
neck of a vessel with a well-defined shoulder angle and a deeply concave
neck. The decoration is of twisted cord impressions, with one deep
finger-nail pit in the neck, and a hole in the body sherd, probably made
before firing but when the vessel was already quite dry. The hole lacks
the characteristic hour-glass form of post-firing drilled holes, but is very
clean at the edges, with no lip visible such as is often the case with holes
made when the clay is still plastic. The hole lies within one of the cord
impressions. The exterior is dark grey, the core black, and the interior
black to pale orange. The condition of the sherds is fair, that is, with no
marked wear on the surfaces, although the edges show some abrasion.
284
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
\
--'--
- ,--:;-
\'
,
, 3
Fig. 15. Later Neolithic pottery from Chalk Hill (Pit 12)
285
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
Discussion
The earlier Neolithic rim is plain, and it is not possible to identify the
form of the vessel to which it belonged. The earlier Neolithic pottery of
eastern Kent has been summarised by Dunning (1966) and includes
both plain and decorated vessels. Pottery of this type is not more
closely datable than to the fourth, or possibly even the early third,
millennium cal B.C.
The three Peterborough Ware vessels represented are in such similar
fabrics that it seems justifiable to regard them as a single assemblage,
probably made and used within a short time-span. They could belong to
either the Ebbsfleet or Mortlake sub-styles, as these two sub-styles are
separable mainly on their rim morphology, and no rims are present in
the assemblage. The fairly thin wall of Fig. 15, 2 is slightly more likely
to belong to an Ebbsfleet than to a Mortlake bowl, but the deeply
concave neck of Fig. 15, 3, with its finger-nail pit decoration and thick
body wall would be typical of the latter style. As there are very few
reliable radiocarbon dates for the tradition, and certainly not enough to
support a developmental sequence, the attribution to Ebbsfleet or
Mortlake has no bearing on likely date, which in any case can only be
ascribed to the late fourth or early third millennium cal B.C.
(c. 3500-2500 B.C.).
There are few notable collections of Peterborough Ware from the
county, apart from the well-known collection of Ebbsfleet Ware from
the eponymous site at Northfleet, which is the type site for that substyle
(Burchell and Piggott 1939), and there is little ceramic evidence
for pre-Beaker activity on the Isle of Thanet (see report discussion
below). This renders the present find of some importance, despite its
small and limited nature.
LATER PREHISTORIC, ROMAN AND LATER POTTERY
N. Macpherson-Grant
An overall total of 926 sherds (11.762 kg.) was recovered from
Ebbsfleet (W 516) and the Ramsgate Main (W 619). Both areas
produced evidence of multi-period activity: fairly intensely localised at
Ebbsfleet, more topographically spread, between Cliffsend and Chilton
on the Ramsgate Main. The material from each area is summarised and
assessed separately below. One small Early-Mid Iron Age ceramic
group from Ebbsfleet has been isolated for more detailed discussion
and illustration and this is appended to the area summaries. The overall
dating and quantification of the material is summarised in Table 1,
more detailed descriptions and quantification of the pottery from each
286
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
context are held in the archive. Detailed comment on fabric types and
trends are not included in this report; these are reserved for future
broader-based inter-regional synthetic research programmes.
Ebbsfleet peninsula
A total of 475 sherds (5.219 kg.) was recovered from the various
phases of work on the WTW, spanning an overall date range of Later
Neolithic to post-medieval (Table 1). The multi-period nature of this
assemblage is self-evident and amplifies the relatively extensive range
of prehistoric and early historic occupation already noted during
previous archaeological evaluations on the former Cottington and
Ebbsfleet peninsulas (Perkins 1992). These earlier surveys indicated
that, with the exception of some assemblages from deeper contexts, few
features of any period were free of intrusive or residual material, a biproduct
of long-term occupation and the highly reductive nature of
recent agricultural practice; these factors resulted in a high proportion
of small and abraded sherds (Macpherson-Grant 1992, 287). The same
general trend is evident amongst the present assemblage and is
particularly reflected in the totals for pre-'Belgic' material where, in
the absence of diagnostic form/fabric characteristics, smaller worn
elements could be placed anywhere between the later phases of the
local Deverel-Rimbury tradition or the native Late Iron Age/'Belgic'
transition (i.e. between c. 1200-50 B.C. and A.D. 50); for this material,
allocations indicate the preferred intuitive/likely period emphasis.
Despite these limitations the present assemblage not only extends the
topographic range of the previously recognised phases of activity, but in
two particular instances has added chronological depth to the occupation
of the Ebbsfleet peninsula. Ditch 1064, in the group of features at the
junction of Ebbsfleet Lane and the new access road, produced
fragmentary but fairly fresh body sherds with fabric characteristics very
similar to some regional later Neolithic Peterborough-type assemblages
(in particular a confirmed Mortlake style group from Castle Hill,
Folkestone; Gibson forthcoming), and atypical of other third-second or
first millennium B.C. ceramic traditions. It is worth noting that Ditch
1064 lay in the same area as ring ditch 1079 which produced the flint
axe; occupation of mid-later Neolithic date in the area is more than a
reasonable likelihood. The present data, coupled with the locations of the
1990 finds of Beaker pottery (Perkins 1992, 274, 277, sites 7 and 9),
indicate that activity of at least Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age date, on
this peninsula, is likely to have been fairly extensive, encouraged perhaps
by the landmark nature of the peninsula (projecting southward at the
eastern entrance to the former Wantsum Channel) with probably
sheltered beaching-points on its western side.
287
N
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Fig. 16. Early-Mid Iron Age pottery from Ebbsfleet peninsula (1-5: Pit 1008a/Spread 1008)
i
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Fig. 17. Early-Mid Iron Age pottery from Ebbsfleet peninsula (6-17: Pit 1008a/Spread 1008); Late Iron Age pottery (16-17)
s
9
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TABLE 1. POTTERY QUAN TIFICATION BY DATE RANGE AND FEATURE
CODE/ Context Feature/Trench FLINT FLINT TEMPERED
AREA
Neolithic LBA/ E-MIA IAEIA
general
W516- 102 Pit 1002 (Tr 3)
w. Hill 103 u/s cleaning (Tr 3) 1 7
105 Ditch 105 (Tr 3)
110 Ditch 1010 (Tr 2)
111 Pit 1011 (Tr 2) 1 2
112 Gully 1009 (Tr 2) 3 1
113 Spr'd 1008 (Tr 2) 201
113A Pit 1008a (Tr 2) 2 66
115 An. burial (Tr 2) 3
116 Feat. 116 (Tr 2)
117 Pit 1012 (Tr 2)
120 Pit 1013 (Tr 4) 1
122 Ph 1014 (Tr 4) 5
123 Ditch 1015 (Tr 4) 2
124 Ditch 1016 (Tr 4)
1062 Pit 1062
1064 Ditch 1064 4 4
1066 Pit 1066 1
1072 Ditch 1072 5
1073 Ph 1073 4
1074 Ph 1074 1
1075 1075 1
1076A Ditch 1076A 1
1079 Ring Ditch 1079 1
1080 Pit 1080
1082 Ditch 1082 1
1083 Pit 1083 2
FLINT/ GROG NON
MIX GROG
LIA/ 'Belgic' Belgic/
Belgic E Roman
11 1
2
MOSTLY
SANDY
Roman Medi
PM
10
2 8
3
1
1
1
1
1
I
4 3
2 1
1
2
7
13
9
i
I
ti
:;o
:--<
I
I
N
\0
,.
W516
TOTAL
W619-
ChalkHill
W619-
Cliffs End
W619
TOTAL
W646
TOTAL
OVERAil
TOTAL
1084
1085
1086
1087
1088
u/s
8
10
13
14/17/18
15
16
19
21
23
109
110
114
101
103
105
u/s
10/51
39
Ditch 1084
Ditch 1085 (=1015)
Pit 1086 1
Pit 1087 2
Pit 1088 1
4 26
Ditch4a
Pit5
Pit 12 35
Ditch 7 51
Ditch4b
Ditch4 c
Pit6 2
Feature 20
Ditch4a/b
Pit 107 11
Pit 108 2
Ditch 113 4
Grave 100
Pit 102
Pit 104
35 70
96 296 71
3
1 3 1
17 3
1 4
2 2 31
294 20 13 0 1 20 97
16 3 7 1 3
1
2 1
2 23 4 10 1
9 1
2
1 173
9 32 1 1
2 16 2
1
1
6
7 8 I
2 51 19 240 5 18 11
2
31 240 8 37 110
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
The 1992 report highlighted the possibility of Late Bronze Age/Early
Iron Age transition occupation north of Ebbsfleet Farm (Perkins 1992,
Site 9, 288-9, fig. 5), but allocation was tentative. The present small
corpus of definite identifications, principally from the northern and
eastern parts of the WTW confirm occupation within the period
c. 850-550 B.C. in the general area of Ebbsfleet Farm. This material
should, in part, be contemporaneous with the three bronze hoards
Ebbsfleet I-III, and Ebbsfleet III (from this project) may have been
deposited within the settlement. There are insufficient ceramic data to
suggest a likely chronological emphasis for this occupation, so that
though the metalwork dating for these hoards centres around c. 800
B.C., it is uncertain whether they represent abandonment hoards or
ones deposited during the occupation of the settlement. This point is
important because the selection of this location, on a low-lying exposed
peninsula easily attainable both from land and sea, indicates
establishment during relatively peaceful conditions, with choice of
position governed more by trade considerations than defence. One of
the key points of the ceramic sequence from the contemporary
Highstead settlement (at the western end of the Wantsum Channel) is
that, though there was a major change in ceramic traditions between
c. 600-500 B.C., it was not apparently associated with a significant
break in occupation (Couldrey forthcoming). The implication there is
that, although the change is represented by the introduction of
specifically Continental ceramic types, the replacement process is
likely to have taken place via essentially gradual adoptive processes
(i.e. trade and immigration) rather than sudden conquest and
impressment. Since the Highstead evidence implies a generally
peaceful social milieu, there is no reason to suspect a radically different
situation only 19 km. further east at Ebbsfleet.
This change in ceramic tradition is epitomised by the Early-Mid Iron Age
assemblage from the 1990 survey at Ebbsfleet (Site 9; Macpherson-Grant
1992, 289-293). In the current assemblage it is represented by the rusticated
coarse ware jar base (Fig. 17, 15). A date of c. 500-400/350 B.C. was
suggested for the 1990 assemblage on the basis of the recovered material,
but the ceramic types that characterise this change (red-finished and
polychrome-decorated fine wares and rusticated coarse wares) could have
arrived earlier, around c. 600/550 B.C., if the Highstead evidence represents
a regional norm. For Ebbsfleet the hard evidence confirming continuity is
lacking, and there may well have been a break in occupation; but the
evidence for much more extensive Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age activity
than previously realized, followed by confirmed Early-Mid Iron Age
occupation in the same area, does imply that settlement on the peninsula
was continuous (as a topographically convenient landing-/trading-point) for
up to 400/450 years, commencing c. 750 B.C., if not before.
292
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROIBCT
The assemblage from Pit 1008a/Spread 1008 adjacent to Ebbsfleet
Farm (summarised below, Fig. 16, 1-5; Fig. 17, 6-15) tends to confirm
the previously suggested c. 350/300 B.C. end-date for the material
recovered from north of Ebbsfleet Farm, but there is still no genuine
evidence for Mid Iron Age activity so that, in this part of the peninsula
at least, there may have been either a genuine third-century B.C. break
in occupation or a significant shift in settlement location.
Confirmation of the fairly extensive nature of Late Iron Age reoccupation
is represented by the two pieces illustrated from evaluation
trench 2 (Fig. 17, 16 and 17). No. 16 is similar to elements from 1990
Site 9 and can be given a similar (but still arguable) date of
c. 125/75-50 B.C. The large coarse ware jar, No. 17, has a diameter
and form closer to traditional 'Belgic'-style material and might be more
specifically of earlier-mid first-century B.C. date. However, compared
with the 1990 locations, the recovered quantities are low, so that the
present material is likely to be on the fringes of the main settlement
area. Previous finds indicated that from this initial pre- 'Belgic' Late
Iron Age ?re-occupation, settlement on the peninsula was maintained
throughout the first century B.C. and up to at least the later fourth
century A.D. The same trend is represented in the current assemblage
from Ebbsfleet, but the significantly lower quantities of material again
imply activity peripheral to the main settlement focus.
As with the previous assemblage there is no evidence for Early to
Late Saxon activity. However, the small quantities of early medieval
pottery from evaluation trench 4 (35 sherds) may be seen alongside
that from Site 2B (a 1977 location), the two locations being less than
one km apart. Both groups have mid-later eleventh-century start dates
and the indications are for fairly widespread occupation during this
period, even if only at humble level. An earlier, late Saxon foundation
for this activity is not an unreasonable expectation (although the
peninsula would have been an exposed shore during the Viking raids
of the later tenth/earlier eleventh century). What is new for this
general period is the evidence in the current assemblage for twelfthcentury
occupation (from c. A.D. 1125/1150), with an increase in
Canterbury sandy and North Kent shell-filled 'kitchen wares'. The
single sherd from an imported Andenne-type pitcher (Feature 1084)
reflects the general period trend noted for Canterbury, with a midlater
twelfth-century rise in North French/Flemish 'kitchen' and
quality wares, but in this instance may only be a chance
acquisition/purchase from a passing vessel rather than an indicator of
relative community wealth.
There is a marked quantity fall-off in the assemblage from
c. 1250/1275, with only a later minor late medieval surge, principally
between c. A.D. 1475-1525/50.
293
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
Early-Mid Iron Age pottery (Fig. 16, 1-5; Fig. 17, 6-15)
Pit 1008a (context 113A) and the directly overlying spread 1008
(context 113) produced a fairly large assemblage: 267 Early-Mid Iron
Age sherds (4.285 kg.), accounting for approximately 90 per cent of the
earlier Iron Age pottery from the whole site. The two contexts
produced conjoining sherds and the material from each context is
identical in character with a mixture of some large, mostly small to
moderate sized flint-tempered sherds with a mixed wear-pattern: some
fresh sherds, a moderate quantity with fairly heavily abraded edges and
a small number with marked unifacial wear. There are no complete
vessels and the bulk of the material comprises body sherds representing
coarse wares. The assemblage should represent a clearance-deposit
drawn from various broadly contemporaneous domestic sources but
with significantly different individual sherd histories. This likelihood is
amplified by the presence of a number of fairly heavily re-fired sherds
(including jar rim Fig. 16, 4) along with a number of large calcined
flints from the pit fill. In addition, a small quantity of sherds are
markedly more worn than the assemblage bulk; these include at least
two pieces with fabric characteristics suggesting the inclusion of
residual Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age material.
Briefly summarising the illustrated material (Figs. 16 and 17): Nos.
la-lb are from the same fine ware bowl with incised decoration
comprising above- and below-shoulder spaced horizontal lines framing
an upper-body panel of incised chevrons (le is the likely reconstruction
of this vessel); No. 2 is a rather coarsely-finished simple carinated fine
ware bowl; No. 3 is probably from a sub-fine ware beaker form but
with a still unexpectedly coarse fabric and rather crude deeply incised
(probably combed) linear decoration. No. 4 is from a very large thickwalled
coarse ware storage-jar with (probably overall) lower-body
impressed finger-tip decoration - a more specifically decorative variant
of the contemporaneous trend for haphazard rusticated finishes on
some coarse ware storage and cooking vessels; there is sufficient of the
decoration to determine that the body area to be decorated was first
outlined by both vertical and horizontal lines of impressions (arrowed
in illustration), the enclosed 'panel' then infilled with further fingertipping.
No. 5 is another essentially storage-jar form, but smaller and
better-finished; nos. 6 to 12 represent coarse ware shouldered jars with
simple closed-form or everted rims (nos. 9 to 11 with impressed cable
or simple finger-tip decoration). No. 13 is a simple bowl with formative
finger-work barely smoothed over. No. 14 is a small-diameter jar base
with rusticated lower-body treatment (and fracture along a weakly
united constructional ring-coil).
There is a distinctly relatively crude feel about this assemblage that
is apparent despite the negative effect of the refired and more
294
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
fragmentary elements, a feeling amplified by the rough finish of bowl
no. 2 and the essentially fine ware beaker no. 3. Ability is certainly
represented by the size of storage-jar no. 4 and the reasonably neat
bowl no. 1, but overall the quality of this assemblage is below par
compared with the broadly contemporaneous material from 1990 Site 9
and other sub-regional assemblages for this period.
On the basis of the dating applied to regional Highstead Period 3Btype
assemblages, the presence of the rusticated jar base no. 15 and
several rusticated coarse ware body sherds guarantee an initial
c. 550/500-400 or 350 B.C. placement for this group. Coarse ware
elements nos. 12 to 14 (and the basal plinth of no. 15 - context 103) are
all formally linked to pieces in the published Site 9 assemblage; these
pieces together with bowl no. 2, the remainder of the coarse ware types
(with the exception of no. 6), together with the finger-fluted finishing
on some body sherds, are all well-paralleled in the Highstead
assemblage itself. Similarly the relatively straight neck of jar no. 5; this
piece was probably also rusticated below the shoulder and as such
would be related to Barham Downs 10 (Macpherson-Grant 1980, 140,
fig. 5). The thickened rim of no. 4 also has a close parallel in a
probable storage jar and a number of other coarse ware forms from
Highstead. All of these elements fall adequately into the date range
indicated above.
Two un-illustrated body sherds from a thin-walled fine ware bowl
have traces of combed rectilinear decoration; body position is
uncertain, but there is at least one horizontal band with one, almost
certainly more, spaced vertical bands drawn above/below the latter.
This type of decoration is normally associated with shouldered coarse
ware jars, cf. Hamilton Road, Deal (Parfitt 1985, fig. 7, no. 36) or
Avion La Republique, Pas-de-Calais (Hurtrelle et al. 1990, 116, fig. 16)
with, in the latter instance a date of c. 400-350 B.C. There is a single
coarse ware example within the Highstead Period 3B assemblage. The
narrow French dating refers to the particular site quoted (not to the
Continental longevity of the style itself) and need not apply here, but
does give an indication of the date range that could be given.
The form of beaker no. 3 and the use of horizontal/diagonal multipleline
decoration is well-paralleled in a fine purely grog-tempered beaker
from Castle Hill, Folkestone (Site CT.F72, 1991; Macpherson-Grant
forthcoming), though on the latter the lines are separately incised, not
group-combed. The fine quality of this piece, together with other
associated good-quality grog (chamotte)-tempered fine wares with
good Pas-de-Calais area parallels, suggested either direct importation
and/or (more probably) production by a local potter with regular close
links across the Channel/production by an immigrant within one
generation of arrival. The dating suggested for the Folkestone beaker
295
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
was c. 450-400 B.C.; though not necessarily so, the quality of the
Ebbsfleet beaker suggests derivation, and a more extended date range
up to c. 350 B.C. might initially be more applicable.
The rounded lip, general profile and fairly weakly shouldered form
of bowl no. 1 is similar to a number of undecorated fine ware bowls
from the Pas-de-Calais area, but most have a much shorter neckshoulder
span. The use of incised horizontal lines as borders to
decorated panels or as form highlighters is a common trend in north
French assemblages but usually in paired or multiple line groups rather
than singly as here. Panels of incised single/multiple-line chevrons are
a feature of Castle Hill, Folkestone, fine wares but, other than these
aspects, there are no close parallels in the available Continental
literature and no close published regional parallels.
Similarly, there are no precise parallels for the large jar no. 4. As
noted, however, its form can be paralleled at Highstead and the trait of
all-over below-shoulder finger-tip rustication is a fairly frequent
occurrence on Continental coarse wares, cf. Houplin-Ancoisne
(c. 450-400/350 B.C.), Avion La Republique (c. 400-350 B.C.),
Hornaing (Hurtrelle et al. 1990, 89, fig. 3; 100, fig. 6; 150, fig. 3) and
in a more ordered and elegant manner, occurs on a local fine ware bowl
from Manston with a c. 450-400 B.C. date (P. Couldrey, pers. comm.;
Clarke and Couldrey forthcoming).
The above points suggest that whilst this assemblage is clearly within
the currency of the same ceramic tradition characterised by Highstead
Period 3B (c. 550/550-400 B.C.), the parallels quoted indicate a rather
later emphasis of c. 450-350 B.C., overlapping the upper limit suggested
for the Ebbsfleet Site 9 material (c. 500-400/350 B.C.). The quality of
the latter assemblage is much closer to the productional norm for the
region and is in marked contrast to the present group. Clearly no great
temporal distance separates these two assemblages, so that the quality
difference is either a reflection of social position, simply just poorerquality
potting, or a genuine chronologically-related downgrade in
traditional standards. Intuition would like to place Pit 1008a nearer to c.
350/300 B.C., but confirmation must await the recovery of stratified and
firmly interlinked assemblages that adequately embrace the period c.
350-250 B.C.
Ramsgate Main
In addition to the Neolithic pottery reported above, a total of 416 sherds
(6,543 kg.) was recovered from Cliffsend and Chalk Hill, the bulk of
the material (94 per cent by number) being recovered from the latter
(see Table 1). As with the assemblage from Ebbsfleet the chronological
range of the material is broad.
296
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
Some comment may be made on the small discrete Neolithic
assemblage from Pit 12 on Chalk Hill (Cleal above, Fig. 15). The
earlier and later elements within it are both welcome additions to a
region still under-represented by ceramic finds of this period, though it
is worth noting the recent (1994) recovery of plain earlier Neolithic
bowls from just south of Hillborough (near Herne Bay) and of later
Neolithic Peterborough-type pottery from near Chislet (Parfitt et al.
forthcoming), and the already mentioned small Peterborough
assemblage from Castle Hill, Folkestone.
Ditch sequence 4a/b/c is an interesting entity in terms of site
longevity with, if the clearly redeposited nature of the recovered
assemblages does represent uninterrupted occupation, usage and refurbishment
spanning c. 600 years. This activity appears to have
commenced in the Early Iron Age (represented by two probably redeposited
rusticated sherds from Ditch 4b), probable continuity
throughout the Mid-Late Iron Age (represented by the base· from a
pedestalled foot-ringed fine ware jar, though some associated coarse
wares suggest this piece may be more specifically placed between
c. 150/125-50 B.C.), and confirmed continuity through to the Conquest
period A.D. (with 'Belgic' -style grogged wares).
One of the more stimulating aspects of the ditch sequence is its
relationship to Ditch 113, approximately 250 m. to the east (see Fig. 8).
There are at least two instances of sherds from the same 'Belgic'-style
comb-finished bead-rim jars (one with a mixed-temper fabric)
distributed between both features; in both cases the sherds from these
vessels are essentially fresh and of moderate-fairly large size. In
addition there are same-vessel sherds between Ditch 4 and Feature 20.
Rather more convincing of overall contemporaneity, one of the above
bead-rim jars is spread between all three features. Much of the grogged
pottery from these contexts consists of fresh and frequently moderateto
large-sized sherds. Collectively these include comb-finished
Thompson C3-type bead-rim jars (Thompson 1982), several Thompson
B2-1/B2-4 jars with corrugated necks, a jar with spaced and inverted
tooled multiple-line chevrons hanging from the shoulder, and a large
rim sherd from a fine Thompson G5-6 butt-beaker copy, with upperbody
panel 'pitch-stained'. The distribution of the latter does not
suggest application as a sealant, rather that the whole panel was
deliberately painted black. The obvious implication of the above
observations is that both ditches are contemporaneous; the overall
assemblage can be placed between c. A.D. 25-50/75 and strongly
indicates farmstead/settlement site-clearance or dismantlement
deposits.
The few sherds (5 in total) of Roman date from Ditch sequence 4 are
all small (one very worn) and of later first to broadly mid second-
297
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
century date. The condition, quantity and size of these pieces is in
marked contrast to the 'Belgic' Conquest-period material, and should
indicate intrusive post-clearance arrivals, either as stray rubbish or via
subsequent agricultural manuring. The presence of Roman material in
Ditch 4, and not in Ditch 113, may indicate different area histories,
with the former perhaps nearer to a shifted occupational focus, the
latter being left as a field-boundary to infill naturally. Overall the
evidence suggests a change in settlement-position/land-management
around c. A.D. 75/100, possibly slightly earlier.
FIRED CLAY AND CERAMIC BUILDING MATERIAL
M. Laidlaw
A total of 172 fragments (1776 g) of fired clay and a small quantity of
ceramic building material (17 fragments/136 g) was recovered from the
project. Nearly all of this material derived from Ebbsfleet: the
remainder comprising a single piece of daub with wattle impressions
from Ditch 4a on Chalk Hill and a tile fragment from Pit 104 at
Cliffsend. Full identification and quantification of the material by
context is held in the project archive.
Three fired clay objects were recovered from Ebbsfleet: one loomweight
fragment; one spindle-whorl and one small fragment of a
perforated object. The loom-weight fragment, recovered from Gully
1009 is in a fine slightly micaceous, sandy fabric. Half of one oblique
perforation, measuring 12 mm. in diameter, and one outer surface
survive; the original form is likely to have been triangular, with
perforations through one, two or all three corners. Triangular loomweights
are found in southern England from the Early Iron Age through
to the Roman period; on the basis of associated pottery this fragment is
assigned an Early-Mid Iron Age date. This part of the site also
produced a small fragment of a perforated object with an unknown
original form and function, found within spread 1008. The fragment is
in a slightly micaceous, sparsely flint-gritted fabric. It has a surviving
finger impressed outer edge, one third of a circular perforation and is
12 mm. thick. Again, the associated pottery would suggest an EarlyMid
Iron Age date.
One complete bun-shaped spindle-whorl was recovered from the
Ditch 1016. It is in a micaceous fine sandy fabric, bun-shaped with
concentric wheel-made grooves around the outer surface, measures
37 mm. in diameter and has a central perforation (10 mm. in diameter).
The ubiquitous spindle-whorl occurs in southern Britain from the Iron
Age period and continues into later Romano-British and medieval
298
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
periods. Although not closely datable on morphological grounds this
example is likely to be of medieval period on the basis of associated
thirteenth/fourteenth-century pottery.
Apart from these objects the bulk of the fired clay assemblage from
Ebbsfleet consisted of small featureless fragments (156 in total;
1279 g). These are probably structural in origin, from wattle-and-daub
structures or from hearth linings. A further twelve pieces (337 g) were
identified as daub fragments with traces of wattle impression surviving.
The largest concentration of fired clay and daub fragments came from
spread 1008, associated with structural remains in this area. The
remaining fragments occurred in small quantities dispersed in various
Iron Age features.
Most of the 16 pieces of ceramic building material from Ebbsfleet
are small tile fragments; five fragments are small and featureless and
cannot be assigned to specific forms. The fragments were dispersed in
small quantities. The bulk of the fragments have been attributed to the
post-medieval period on the basis of fabric type, manufacture and
associated pottery.
TIMBER OBJECTS
Lorraine Mepham
Timber objects were recovered from three locations: stakes from
Stonar; one large stake and worked fragments from Guilford Road; and
one worked fragment from near The Monks' Wall.
Four stakes were recovered from Stonar (Obj. nos. 101, 102, 103,
104), out of an original total of 12 observed during trenching. Most
were observed in situ and have been interpreted as the remains of postmedieval
waterfront piles. All were of similar form, roundwood
timbers ranging in surviving length from 0.88 m. to 1.39 m., with
diameters of 0.05 m. to 0.07 m., and had been worked from between
0.25 m. to 0.40 m. at one end to pencil points, each with four relatively
regular, flat facets giving a square section at the point. Lateral twigs
had been roughly trimmed. All four stakes had suffered some damage,
ranging from slight abrasion to severe abrasion and splitting; the tops
had rotted in each case. All four stakes were identified as oak (see
Gale, below). Radio-carbon dating of two of the stakes produced postmedieval
dates (see Appendix 1 for details). Photographic records,
together with notes and sketches, may be found in the archive, but the
timbers themselves have not been retained.
One very large stake (Obj. no. 131) was recovered from the Guilford
Road/North Stream crossing; this was one of four stakes observed in
299
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
- -----===- ·- ---- - -
-----
-:=:=,-.-
·Oi'::::::>l-=i-==----lic00:::;=====::::520£m
Fig. 18. Timber object from Guilford Road
situ during trenching across the Guilford Road, which may have formed
part of a medieval causeway. This was an oak roundwood timber,
slightly twisted and irregular, with a surviving length of 2.35 m. and a
diameter of 0.27 m. The bottom had been worked to a pencil point,
with three, possibly four flat facets giving a roughly rectangular section
at the point. Lateral branches and twigs had been roughly trimmed and
the top was abraded and rotted. A sample of this timber has been
retained, and photographic records and notes are held in the archive.
From roughly the same location came five fragments of worked
timber (Obj. nos. 132-136; Fig. 18), all of similar form and almost
certainly deriving from the same object, although none could be fitted
together. Each fragment is flattish and roughly rectangular (maximum
surviving dimensions 0.31 m. by 0.20 m.), with one rounded edge.
Thicknesses are fairly constant, ranging from 35 mm. to 50 mm. No
definite tool-marks are visible, but the fragments have obviously been
fairly carefully shaped. In each case, the rays of the wood reveal that
these are transverse sections, the rays running obliquely to the flat
surfaces. One piece (Obj. no. 134) has a shallow notch on the rounded
upper edge, which may be deliberate or may merely represent postdepositional
damage. Another fragment (Obj. no. 135) has a rounded
peg-hole just below the rounded upper edge, with a wooden peg still in
situ - Fig. 18. All timbers have been identified as beech (see Gale,
below).
300
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
The original object from which these worked pieces derived is not
clear and several different interpretations can be put forward. The
proximity of the find to the 'dugout canoe' found in 1936 is notable
and perhaps significant. The pieces from Guilford Road may well
derive from a log-boat; groups of such finds have been recorded
(D. Goodburn, pers. comm.). The timber itself is another attribute to
consider in discussing function. Beech is documented as a timber for
dugouts in Denmark and north Germany but not (yet) in Britain where
98 per cent are of oak, the remaining 2 per cent being of ash and pine
(D. Goodburn, pers comm.). It could, therefore, be argued that the
timber weighs against the argument for the object being a dugout.
Alternative suggestions are that the fragments derive from a culvert,
drain, trough, millshoot or boat (D. Goodbum, pers. comm.). These are
all feasible, although it is considered unlikely that the fragments
represent an in situ culvert or drain of some sort, associated with the
causeway since this would imply a rather elaborate structure. Overall,
the matter is irresolvable. One sample, submitted for radio-carbon
dating (Object no. 135), produced a date-range of A.D. 970-1160 (see
Appendix 1). Some of the fragments have been retained for
conservation.
Finally, two squared timbers were observed in alluvial deposits
during pipe-laying near the Monks' Wall of which one, the smaller of
the two, was retained (Obj. no. 105). The latter object is a short section
of a squared timber with a rectangular section, rather worn all over and
broken at both ends. The wood species has been identified as alder (see
Gale, below). This object has now been discarded, but a photographic
record with notes is held in the project archive.
HUMAN BONE
Jacqueline I. McKinley
Bone from six contexts was analysed: three from the Roman grave 100
(context 101) and associated features (Pit 102, context 103; pit 104,
context 105) at Cliffs end; two from ditch sequence 4 on Chalk Hill
(Ditch 4a, context 8; Ditch 4b, context 15); and one from the undated
grave 106 at Chalk Hill (context 111). Age was assessed from the stage
of tooth development and eruption (Van Beek 1983),
ossification/epiphyseal bone fusion (Gray 1977, McMinn and
Hutchings 1985), tooth wear patterns (Brothwell 1972), and the general
degree of cranial suture fusion and degenerative changes to the bone.
Sex was assessed from the sexually dimorphic traits of the skeleton
(Bass 1987). Platycnemic index was calculated (ibid.). Pathological
301
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
TABLE 2: SUMMARY OF HUMAN BONE
context/feature recovery skeletal age sex pathology
elements
8/15 - Ditch 4a/b <1% axial mature adult ? Schmorl's node -
T; o.a. -costovertebral
101 - Grave 100 c.4% axial older mature/older ? o.a. - costoupper
limb adult vertebral, T;
lower limb fracture - 1.11 th
rib;
o.p. - T, p.ulnae;
exo. -1.d.
humerus; pitting
-p.radius
103 - Pit 102 c.3% lower limb adult ? exo. - tibia shaft
105 - Pit 104 c. 1% skull adult (?s) ?
lower limb
111 - Grave 106 c. 1% skull 1? adult ?
axial ?2) juvenile/subadult
lower limb
KEY TO PATHOLOGY: o.p. - osteophytes; o.a. - osteoarthritis; exo. - exostoses;
p. - proximal; d. - distal; r. - right; 1. -left; T - thoracic.
KEY TO AGE CATEGORIES USED -juvenile 6-12 years; subadult 13-18 years; adult
18 years +; mature adult 26-45 years; older adult 45 years +
lesions and morphological variations/non-metric traits were recorded,
and diagnoses suggested where appropriate. The archive report
includes Skeleton Record Sheets showing skeletal elements recovered,
measurements taken and text descriptions of morphology and
pathological lesions. The results are summarised on Table 2.
Cliffsend
Most of the bone from context 101 (Grave 100) was in good condition,
though there were several fragments of lower limb bone which were
heavily eroded and root marked. The bone from contexts 103 and 105
was slightly worn and root marked, that from 103 showing fresh breaks
with no adjoining fragments suggesting that more bone was present in
the context than was collected. The bone from these three contexts may
all have originated from one burial (i.e. Grave 100). The grave was cut,
apparently at the distal end, by Pit 102. It is probably significant that
the bone from 103 and most of that from 105 represents lower limb
fragments. It may also be significant that the bone from these two
302
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
contexts was worn and root marked, as were the fragments of lower
limb bone from 101, whilst the rest of the bone from 101, presumably
that which remained in situ, was in fairly good condition. The small
fragment of vault from 105 may represent a second individual, the bone
being somewhat too small and gracile to correspond with the rest of the
skeletal elements.
Pathological lesions noted in bone from 101 and 103 were mostly
indicative of degenerative joint disease, the poor level of recovery and
condition of the bone precluding further comment. A well-healed
fracture was noted in the lateral portion of the left 11 th rib shaft in 101.
Such fractures are most commonly the result of a fall against a hard
object or a direct blow (Adams 1987).
Chalk Hill
The bone from context 111 (Grave 106) was in very poor condition,
being heavily root marked, worn and fragmented. The bone represents
the remains of an adult, a second, possibly younger, individual
probably being indicated by an unworn maxillary molar and duplicate
femur fragment.
The bone from the two contexts infilling adjoining Ditches 4a and
4b comprises a vertebra from each. These bones are clearly
redeposited and probably represent the same individual. Pathological
lesions were noted on the vertebrae indicative of degenerative joint
disease.
POLLEN ANALYSIS FROM THE WANTSUM CHANNEL
R.G. Scaife
The evaluation auger survey at Weatherlees Hill WTW and a
preliminary assessment of potential (Scaife 1994) indicated pollen
preservation in the cores obtained from the marine/estuarine sediments
filling the Wantsum Channel. There is a paucity of pollen data available
from Kent as a whole (Sheldon 1982) and particularly from the east
Kent fens, from which vegetation and environmental history could be
constructed. This is somewhat surprising, given the extent of
sedimentation in this region and is unfortunate in terms of our
understanding of the archaeology and environment. The only available
data which exist for the region come from the Little Stour at Wingham,
and Frogholt near Folkestone (Godwin 1962) and more recent work at
Hacklinge, Marsh Lane and Sandfield Farm in the east Kent fens by
Long (1991; 1992). These latter contributions provide useful
information on the vegetation of the middle Holocene and are related to
303
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
changing sea-levels of this period. Other regional data relevant to this
present study are those of Devoy in the Thames estuary (Devoy 1979,
1980), East Sussex (Waller 1993, 1994; Smythe and Jennings 1988;
Scaife and Burrin 1992; Tooley and Switsur 1988; Long and Innes
1993 in press) and at East End Ash on the southern edge of the east
Kent fens (Scaife unpublished). Late-Devensian and early Holocene
material from the Channel Tunnel excavations to the south at
Folkestone give evidence for early Holocene environmental change
(Kerney et al. 1980).
Because of the proximity of occupation remains on the Ebbsfleet
peninsula, and the available sediment archive in the Wantsum Channel
fi:om which an environmental record might be obtained, pollen
examination was undertaken and a pollen sequence produced. This
contribution discusses the data obtained and provides an insight into
the local vegetation of the east Kent fens during the late prehistoric to
early historic period. Radiocarbon dating of the basal organic horizon
has produced dates 4640 ± 60 BP (GU-4363) and 4630 ± 70 BP
(GU-4367) - see Appendix 1. Discussion of the radiocarbon dates and
the implications for relative sea-level movements is provided below
(Long and Scaife). Because of the mineral character of the marine
sediments throughout most of the profile, it was not possible to date,
radiometrically, the upper levels of the pollen profile. The likely date
for the upper part of the profile is attributed, on the basis of ordnance
datum heights, to the Romano-British or early medieval period, prior to
reclamation of this area. The Holocene sea-level record from the later
prehistoric onwards in this region in uncertain.
Methodology and techniques
Samples for pollen and diatom analysis were obtained using a standard
500 mm. chamber, Russian/Jowsey corer. The upper 1.20 m. of dry
sediment (under agricultural pasture) was removed by mechanical
excavator before coring. Although sampled, these upper sediments
(marine) were above the water-table, oxidised and not suitable for
pollen analysis. Two cores were obtained and the one possessing a
basal organic unit was selected for detailed analysis (see Fig. 7). A
sampling interval of 20 mm. in the basal organic deposit, 40 mm. in the
lower profile and 80 mm. for the upper section was adopted (the latter
at this interval because of poorer pollen preservation). Pollen was
extracted using standard procedures (Moore et al. 1991) but because of
the predominantly mineral nature of the sediment, micromesh sieving
(1 Oμ) was also used for removal of the clay fraction. Pollen was
identified at magnifications of X400 and XlO00 in bright field and
phase contrast. A standard pollen sum of 300 total land pollen (TLP)
304
,c::,.:S-{P c, Lithology y {!) "'
'!&-<;;
"'.,
o
,o
,:,<, ,:,C,
.,,.
i§>
"'
.,,.
i§>
"'
<;; -:s,.
"'
-:s,.500 141
CHAFF Glume base indet 1
Secale cereale rachis 1
Hordeum sp. rachis 3
Culm nodes +
OTHER
CULTIGENS Vicai faba 1
Pisum sativum 9 1
cf P. sativum 7
SEEDS Vicia/Lathyrus 25
cfVicia 12
cf. Lathyrus 5
Raphanus raphanistrum 2
Polygonum aviculare 1 1
Rumexsp. 1
Anthemis cotula 181
Poaceae 13
Malva sp. 1
Quercus frag. 1
Corylus avellana frags. 24
MISC. Fungal sclerotia
Chalk Hill
(W619)
Grave 106
(151)
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
records T. spelta to at least the mid-fifth century. This seemingly
illustrates continuity of spelt cultivation between the Romano-British
and Saxon periods. However, its absence in other and later East
Anglian sites suggests that cultivation of the crop had ceased between
this date and the late seventh century. It is possible that spelt/emmer
cultivation may have continued into the medieval period in this region
327
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
of Kent. Secondly, given the long continuity of occupation on the
Ebbsfleet peninsula, it is possible that at least some of the charred grain
may be older, reworked, material. Considering the widespread
dominance of spelt/emmer recorded from many sites of Iron Age and
Romano-British date in the south of England and the unusual nature of
the record from Ebbsfleet, this must be regarded as a strong possibility.
The problem remains unsolved but there is, however, little doubt that
free-threshing hexaploid wheat varieties were in common cultivation
from the late Roman and Saxon periods and subsequently formed the
mainstay of the wheat crop. The occurrence of Hordeum sp., Avena sp.
and a single Secale cereale grain is also typical of medieval contexts
and while the quantity of Hordeum recovered indicates cropping, the
small numbers of Avena and Secale might be viewed as contaminants
of the wheat (or barley) crops.
The taphonomy of the cereal, pea and celtic bean remains and the
extant weed seeds found are questionable but, given the extent of
midden material filling the ditch, this is undoubtedly a dumped waste
deposit. The paucity of crop weed seeds and cereal chaff debris
recovered suggest that the grain had been previously cleaned and had
suffered accidental burning. Since the hexaploid wheats do not require
parching to release the grain as in spelt, it is not possible to surmise the
cause of burning. As peas are also present, it is likely that this is an
assemblage of burned waste. The presence of Vicia (e.g. V. sativa),
although sometimes cultivated for its seeds and its foliage used for
animal fodder, is problematic. Here there is a range of small
indeterminable Vicia/lathyrus to larger types which may represent
specific utilisation; this, however, remains unclear. The likelihood is for
these types and the Anthemis cotula seeds to have been weeds of the
cereal crop or from additional material similarly dumped in this feature.
In summary, the principal crop types recovered are typical of the
medieval period and include grain of bread or club wheat, barley, oats
and rye. The small quantity of emmer and spelt wheat type grain in a
medieval context is problematic and may be derived from an earlier
period of occupation on the site. Since no diagnostic wheat chaff
remains were found, identification to more specific levels was not
possible. Pea and celtic bean are present and, along with hazel, may
have been food debris.
Undated Grave at Chalk Hill
Three grains of Triticum and two of Hordeum sp. were recovered. Only
one grain of Triticum was identifiable to T. aestivum type ( club and
bread wheat), although a second was tentatively assigned to this taxon.
Similarly only a single definite grain of Hordeum sp. was identified. A
single nut fragment of Corylus avellana (hazel) was the only other
328
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
identifiable plant remain found. Because of the few remains recovered,
little interpretation can be made. However, the presence o f freethreshing
bread wheat is comparable with the assemblages recovered
from the medieval ditch midden deposits obtained from the Ebbsfleet
peninsula.
Charcoal and Timber Identification
Rowena Gale
Charcoal
Charcoal samples from three samples were examined and identified:
the undated, possible Saxon, grave at Chalk Hill (context 112, grave
106); a medieval midden ditch fill at Ebbsfleet (context 1082) and ditch
fill (context 1085 = ditch 1015) at Ebbsfleet. The charcoal fragments
were fractured to expose transverse, tangential longitudinal and radial
longitudinal surfaces. These were supported in sand and examined
using an incident-light microscope at magnifications of up to x400. The
anatomical structure was matched to reference material.
The following taxa were identified: Corylus sp., hazel; Fagus sp.,
beech; Fraxinus sp., ash; Quercus sp., oak. A fragment of stem from an
unidentified herbaceous plant was also recorded in the sample from
ditch 1082. The results may be summarised as:
Site/Feature Cory/us Fagus
Chalk Hill - grave 106 (context 112)
Ebbsfleet midden ditch fill 1082 3
Ebbsf!eet ditch fill 1085 12 2
Fraxinus Quercus
4 (heartwood)
1 6
4
These trees identified frequently grow in mixed deciduous woodland in
southern Britain. Hazel is also common as a tall shrub as understorey
(particularly in coppiced woodland) or in more open glades and
clearings. Oak, ash and hazel grow on clay soils or clays overlying
chalk, but beech is more usually associated with calcareous soils.
Waterlogged timbers from the Sandwich and Deal Mains
Timbers from three locations: Stonar (objects nos. 101 to 104),
Guilford Road (object nos. 131 to 136) and near The Monks' Wall
(object no. 105) were examined and identified. The samples were rather
waterlogged and well-preserved. Thin sections were prepared using a
double side razor blade. The sections (from transverse, tangential
longitudinal and radial longitudinal surfaces) were mounted in 70 per
cent glycerol on microscope slides and protected with cover slips. The
anatomical structure was examined using a stereo light transmitting
329
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
microscope at magnifications of up to x400. Diagnostic features were
matched to reference material.
The four slender stakes from Stonar were from lengths of oak
(Quercus) round wood. Oak wood is strong and very durable and
ideally suited to use in quayside structures, as may have been the case
here. The large stake from Guilford Road which may have been a post
from a causeway was also made from oak roundwood. The five worked
fragments of unknown function from Guilford Road were of beech
(Fagus). Beech wood is strong, even grained and easy to work but
rather too perishable for most outdoor purposes (Edlin 1949). It has,
however, been widely used in the manufacture of tools, furniture and
household and boat fittings. The single worked fragment from near The
Monks' Wall was identified as alder (Alnus).
Animal Bone
Sheila Hamilton-Dyer
Animal bones were recovered from the three areas of the scheme:
Weatherlees Hill WTW, Ramsgate Main and Sandwich and Deal Main.
Preservation varies greatly from good to very poor and, while most
fragments could be identified to species or group, very few surface
details could be observed. Identifications were made using the modern
comparative collections of the author. Fragmented bones were joined
and counted as single bones where possible. Undiagnostic fragments
were divided into cattle/horse sized and sheep/pig sized only. The
methodology relating to measurements follows von den Driesch (1976).
Withers heights are based on factors recommended by von den Driesch
and Boessneck (1974). The archive gives full details of anatomy,
butchery, measurements and other details not in text. A total of 264
bones were recorded from the three components of the project. Most of
the bones are of cattle, horse and sheep/goat, together with some pig,
dog, and a single bone of cod. Full quantification of the distribution by
species within each context is held in the project archive.
Weatherlees Hill
The 55 fragments recovered are variable in condition, the most well
preserved material being derived from Iron Age features (notably pit
1008a) which also contained charred bones. Three Early-Mid Iron Age
features produced bone (Spread 1008, Pit 1008a, Gully 1009),
representing 25 fragments in all. Cattle and sheep/goat were
predominant. A single pig bone was also recovered from Spread 1008
and Gully 1009 included a charred dog radius. The latter also contained
a complete cattle tibia which gives an estimated withers height of
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SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
1.042 m., a small animal typical of Iron Age material. Four ditches
(1015, 1016, 1082, 1084) and one pit (1080) of medieval date produced
a small collection of bones (nine pieces), nearly all identifiable as
sheep/goat. Ditch 1016 also contributed the only fish bone from the
total assemblage, a cod vertebra.
Ramsgate Main
Most of the 156 animal bones recovered are badly eroded, but despite
this many could be identified to species. All except two pieces derived
from features of various dates on Chalk Hill. Three Late Bronze
Age/Early Iron Age features (Ditch 7 and Pits 5 and 6) produced a total
of 34 pieces and these are almost entirely of horse, a single fragment of
pig being the only other species. Pit 6 contained the badly eroded and
fragmented remains of an adult horse. The withers heights estimated
from the reconstructed metacarpus and metatarsus are 1.295 m. and
1.263 m. respectively. Bone from later features comprised that from
Ditch sequence 4, Ditch 113 and feature 20. Most of this group derived
from Ditch sequence 4 (mostly 4a and 4b) and largely comprised cattle
and sheep with small numbers of horse and canine. The horse remains
are of jaw and teeth including an animal under four years at death. One
of the two canid bones is a fragment of maxilla from a large animal,
though comparable with dog rather than wolf. Two cattle bones were
recovered from the Roman Pit 102 at Cliffsend.
Sandwich and Deal Main
Nearly all of the 53 bones from this area derived from a single context,
64, found at a depth of c. 1 m., sealed within the alluvial clays near
Richborough power station. The 40 fragments of at least ten ribs are
probably of cattle and are likely to represent the carcass of an animal
which died and was subsequently buried under the build up of alluvial
deposits. Two other contexts produced horse and cattle bones, both
buried soils of probable medieval or later date at Golf Road, Deal. A
complete horse radius from one of these contexts gives an estimated
withers height of 1.267 m.
Discussion
These are very small assemblages, insufficient for detailed analysis. A
number of general observations can be made, however, Fish remains
are rarely recovered from Iron Age material but are common in later
material, cod is frequent in medieval pits and other features. The
general lack of fish at these coastal locations is likely to be due to the
soil conditions, which are not conducive to the preservation of small
and fragile bones, indeed even the usually resistant mammal teeth are
eroded in these assemblages. There is a bias in the remains in favour of
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CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
the most robust and largest elements, teeth are frequent and phalanges
few. The relative proportions of the main domestic animals are,
therefore, likely to be unbalanced with the smaller species, sheep and
pig, under-represented (Maltby 1985). Similarly the absence of bird
bones may be largely taphonomic. The few measurements are of
typically small animals, other than the dog from the Iron Age ditch on
Chalk Hill. Dogs from Late Iron Age and Roman deposits are variable
in size (Harcourt 197 4) and this animal would have been a useful
hunting or guard dog.
Marine Mollusca
S.F. Wyles
Small quantities of marine shells were recovered from Weatherlees Hill
WTW and from the Ramsgate Main: 128 fragments were recovered in
total. The shells were predominately oyster (88 per cent by count). Four
other species were represented in much smaller quantities: cockle (6
per cent); periwinkle (5 per cent); mussel ( <1 per cent); whelk ( <1 per
cent). Over half of the marine shells (64 per cent) were derived from
the midden-like filling of medieval ditch 1015 at Ebbsfleet, although it
may be noted that the contents were entirely oyster. The other main
feature producing shells was the contemporaneous, and nearby, ditch
1082. One feature on the Rams gate Main produced shells in small
quantities: pit 104 at Cliffsend. Full identification and quantification of
the shells by context is held in the project archive.
DISCUSSION
As already noted in the introduction, the Sandwich Bay WTS has
provided an extremely useful transect across the local landscape
encompassing the main zones associated with the former Wantsum
Channel, its infilling and the land on its margins. The discussion below
attempts to collate and review the newly-obtained data in the light of
pre-existing information by reference to the main landscape zones:
1. The south side of the Isle of Thanet, including the Ebbsfleet
peninsula. The latter, as a topographically distinct unit and
important landmark on the coastline has witnessed particularly
intensive occupation. The nature and chronology of its settlement
and use is therefore addressed in more detail;
2. Wantsum Channel and deposits associated with its infilling,
including the Stonar Bank;
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3. The Lydden Valley and Deal spit. The Lydden valley may be
considered alongside the evidence from the preceding zone since it
forms an extension to it.
South side of the Isle ofThanet, including the Ebbsfleet peninsula
Early, prolonged and intensive occupation and settlement of the south
side of the island was suspected from the wealth of crop-mark data and
the range of investigated features and finds. The project has made a
very significant contribution to Thanet's archaeology by demonstrating
this beyond doubt, by allowing important insights into the date and
nature of occupation (which both reaffirm and extend the pre-existing
data), and by providing very important new evidence for Neolithic
activity.
Neolithic/Earlier Bronze Age
The distribution of Neolithic ceramic finds in that part of south-east
England now encompassed by Kent is sparse. There has been notable
progress since Dunning's collation, 30 years ago, of only 13 sites in the
county yielding Windmill Hill pottery (Dunning 1966). In his review
some 16 years later A.F. Clarke's distribution map of finds and sites in
Kent totalled about 130 'sites'. Clarke himself was aware of the neglect
the period had received and urged research into the Neolithic as a
priority for Kent archaeologists (Clarke 1982).
The Neolithic ceramic assemblage from Pit 12 on Chalk Hill,
comprising a single vessel of earlier Neolithic morphology and three
Peterborough Ware vessels (Fig. 15), with its associated worked flint,
is, therefore, an important contribution to the current very limited
overview of Neolithic settlement in Thanet and east Kent, and is also
significant on a regional basis. Previously, Thanet's Neolithic ceramic
evidence was limited to only four finds:
1. A fragmented round-bottomed bowl associated with a crouched
burial in a large chalk cut pit at Grummock Avenue, Nethercourt,
Ramsgate (Dunning 1966). This site is located about 900 m. northeast
from Pit 12 with a valley intervening;
2. Remains of two round-bottomed bowls from a site in the intertidal
zone at Minnis Bay, Birchington (Macpherson-Grant 1969);
3. Sherds from a small midden pit found during excavation of the Jutish
cemetery at St. Peter's, Broadstairs, in 1969. These are described as
Peterborough ware type, sub-type Mortlake (Hogarth 1973);
4. A single sherd from a midden pit at Hoo, Minster (Perkins 1985).
Flint tools as single finds and assemblages are now much more
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CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
widely recorded than when Clarke's review was published (1982). In
the immediate and near vicinity of the Ramsgate Main are two areas
yielding quantities of lithic evidence indicative of occupation. Some
200 m. east of Pit 12 on the crest and western slope of the
Nethercourt/Chilton valley very limited trenching, along with finds
from gardening, at Chilton Farm, has produced an assemblage of
hundreds of waste and worked flakes, along with scrapers and other
tools. This site is conceivably the origin for the source of the Neolithic
flakes found in alluvium in the Pegwell Bay cliff line. (Weir et al.
1971). Further away, about 1200 m. north-west of Pit 12, on the
western rise of Hollins Bottom, similar material has been recorded over
an area of about six hectares.
The material evidence for later Neolithic/earlier Bronze Age activity on
the Ebbsfleet peninsula is slight, consisting of a small group of flinttempered
sherds and a ground axe (Fig. 14) from features close to
Ebbsfleet Lane. It is, nevertheless, important in that it further supports the
previous indications for occupation of the peninsula during this period.
Scatters of worked flint have been identified all over Cottington Hill and
the Ebbsfleet peninsula, with in addition the Beaker flat grave and Beaker
sherds found north of Ebbsfleet Farm (Perkins 1992, Sites 9a, 9b).
Overall, the evidence from Chalk Hill in particular, and its
immediate environs, is that it suggests a far higher level of Neolithic
occupation than previously indicated or suspected, perhaps a level more
in keeping with the later Beaker and Early Bronze Age barrows densely
scattered through the area, including the Ozengell Chilton barrow
cemetery (Perkins and Macpherson-Grant in prep.).
The pollen evidence from the basal organic horizon in the Wantsum
Channel sequence (EBS:1) provides an insight into the local environment
around this time, prior to inundation of the channel and the creation of
extensive areas of saltmarsh. The evidence indicates a diversely wooded
landscape dominated by oak and hazel, but also including lime, ash and
elm. Lower trees and shrubs include buckthorn and birch.
Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age
Clusters of Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age features were recorded on
both Chalk Hill and the Ebbsfleet peninsula. The ceramic evidence
suggests that occupation in the two areas, some 3 km. apart, was
broadly contemporaneous, that is c. 850-550 B.C. At each location the
features themselves and the associated finds are indicative of settlement
remains, suggesting at least a farmstead, or perhaps larger settlements.
The site on Chalk Hill, manifested by an apparent enclosure ditch
and associated pits, is not known from crop-marks. This is no doubt
due to the shallowness of the preserved features (generally only 0.20 m.
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SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROIBCT
to 0.30 m.) with the exception of one larger pit. It may be noted that the
site lies very close to the find-spot (in 1990, by metal detecting) of a
remarkably well preserved Late Bronze Age spearhead (Perkins in
press). The exact nature and range of activities carried out on the site
cannot really be gauged from the evidence from the pipeline. The
relatively large amount of pottery from one shallow ditch may be
noted. Horse and pig bones provide the only other economic indicator.
The contemporaneous features on the Ebbsfleet peninsula may be
considered in association with previous finds to the north of Ebbsfleet
Farm, some 200 m. away, including a small Late Bronze Age hoard
(Ebbsfleet II - Perkins 1992, site 9). Previously, ceramic evidence for
the occupation at Ebbsfleet was slight (ibid., 288-9) and the
identification of securely-dated features, including structural remains,
is, therefore, an important addition in furthering an understanding of
the sequence and duration of occupation of the peninsula. The small
metalwork hoard recovered (Ebbsfleet III, Fig. 13, 1-5) lies some
200 m. to the north-west of the occupation remains and appears to have
been deposited beyond the peripheries of the settlement.
Remarkably, 11 Late Bronze Age hoards have now been discovered
in Thanet with at least as many more single finds datable to the period.
Most of the hoards have 'Carp's Tongue' elements and socketed axes
with decorational motifs of northern French style as well as those of the
Ewart Park tradition. Occupational evidence has been found at four of
the hoard sites, Ebbsfleet, Minnis Bay, Manston and Monkton, the last
being a settlement of major proportions (Perkins in press). Excavations
at another site, St. Mildred's Bay, Westgate, have identified Late
Bronze Age settlement although the hoard from the site is of Middle
Bronze Age date (Perkins 1988). The consistent location of these
settlements either on the shoreline or on the edge of the downland
escarpment above it may also be noted (only Manston is inland). The
evidence from Chalk Hill also conforms to this pattern.
Early-Mid Iron Age
Settlement remains and associated ceramics and occupation debris were
recorded on the Ebbsfleet peninsula on the high ground immediately
south of Ebbsfleet Farm. These findings reaffirm previous evidence for
occupation of the peninsula during this period. As with the Late Bronze
Age/Early Iron Age, the earlier discoveries were to the north of the farm
and again the data from the Sandwich Bay WTS project, therefore,
suggest more extensive settlement. Having said this, the very localised
occurrence of Early-Mid Iron Age remains from the project suggests that
it represents the southern limits of occupation on the peninsula for this
period. This is itself is a useful addition to existing records.
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CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
The cultural material obtained from the evaluation trenches is fairly
wide and provides useful data relating to the nature and range of
activities on the site. Structural evidence in the form of a ring gully
with an associated occupation level is supported by the recovery of
fired clay derived from wattle-and-daub. Weaving is indicated by the
loom-weight fragments and cattle, sheep/goat and pig all appear to
have been linked to the agricultural economy of the site. Although no
direct environmental remains for arable activity were recovered in the
form of charred seeds, the pollen record (EBS:3) provides important
background information. The sequence suggests increased
anthropogenic activity, probably linked to the clearance of woodland
for agriculture. The latter is demonstrated by the increasing importance
of agricultural weeds plus cereal pollen. Woodland, dominated by oak
and hazel, still existed but, apparently, within an agricultural
environment comprising arable and pastoral components.
Late Iron Age and Romano-British
Evidence for Late Iron Age and Roman settlement was encountered on
the Ebbsfleet peninsula and on Chalk Hill. In addition, earlier Roman
features were located at Cliffsend. On Ebbsfleet the settlement had its
origins in the earlier Iron Age period (as discussed above) whereas at
Chalk Hill the evidence suggests a new establishment - only two
sherds of earlier Iron Age date were recovered from the whole of the
Ramsgate pipeline. On Chalk Hill the intercutting ditches are presumed
to represent the periodic refurbishment of a long established ditch line.
This ditch appears to equate to a crop-mark evident on an old aerial
photograph, which shows a ditch cut by the modern road at this point,
and running south of it to a poorly defined ?sub-rectangular enclosure
(TSMR 585). These north to south ditches appear to be closely
l:\Ssociated with the adjacent sub-rectangular feature with its middenlike
fill. The evidence suggests actual settlement and associated
agriculture: artefactual structural remains (wattle-and-daub) and
personal ornaments (Fig. 13, 6-7) were recorded. Evidence for farming
is, unfortunately, restricted to the faunal assemblage which includes
cattle and sheep. The occurrence of oyster shells is also a reminder of
the importance which marine resources must have played in the diet (at
all periods), even though the shells and bones do not survive in great
quantities. The mollusc data from the larger north-south ditch are also
useful in indicating the presence of open, established grasslands during
this period.
The Roman grave and associated features at Cliffsend coincide with
an area of known archaeological potential, the farmland here having
been heavily prospected by metal detectorists during the last decade,
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with finds of Roman coins, fibulae, and a well-moulded silver head
from a figurine, thought to represent Apollo (TTA archives).
At Ebbsfleet ceramic material from the project suggests Later Iron
Age/Romano-British occupation, but as at Chalk Hill, associated
features are somewhat elusive. Those features which do appear to date
from this period, including the structural remains adjacent to Ebbsfleet
Lane should be considered in association with the features and
evidence from the same periods recorded on the hilltop and 200 m. to
the north (Perkins 1992). The evidence, spanning circa 700 years, is
more or less superimposed and suggestive of continual occupation. All
the features are found high on the Ebbsfleet Farm hill, or on its
northern and eastern slopes. The total evidence to date suggests a fairly
extensive settlement area even if occupation was not of an intensive
nature. An area of some 10 ha is indicated although it is not known
how much of this was in occupation at any one time.
Exactly what the features at all three sites - Ebbsfleet, Cliffsend and
Chalk Hill - represent in terms of former occupation and the range of
activities is difficult to gauge but together they conform to the
emerging pattern of Thanet's Belgic and Roman archaeology. As
presently understood, the evidence suggests quite dense late Iron Age
and Belgic occupation of a coastal strip all around the Isle of Thanet
with small farmsteads interspersed by a series of larger, defended hilltop
settlements. Of the latter class of site three have been investigated,
at Sarre, North Foreland, and Fort Hill, Margate - the last two have
been established as having been between eight and 16 hectares in
extent. In the case of almost all the sites, large and small, ceramic
evidence indicates a consistent pattern. Between 150 B.C. and the mid
first century A.D., there is evidence for a flourishing community on
Thanet with Romanising influences and wide European and
Mediterranean trade links. From the end of this period to the mid
second century there is very marked post-Conquest Romanising
influence at the sites. This trend is particularly marked by the
appearance in large quantities of smooth grey ware (Upchurch ware),
whether imported from the Upchurch area, or a local product very
much in the same tradition (pers. comm. Jason Monagham). Following
this period there is evidence for the abandonment of all these
settlements.
This is not to say that after the mid second century A.D. Thanet
became a deserted wilderness. Ceramic and coin finds from all over the
island attest to continuing occupation, although present evidence
suggests it was much less populated. The coin evidence from Ebbsfleet
(Wren 1992) and at a villa site at Abbey Farm, Minster (Perkins 1991b)
confirms occupation continuing at these locations through the second
and third centuries and apparently flourishing in the fourth.
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CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
Intriguingly of all periods in Thanet's archaeology the Romano
British is (at present) the least well understood, so that without more
sites being encountered no overview is yet possible. The features
encountered at Ebbsfleet, Cliffsend and Chalk Hill during the course of
the project are, therefore, welcome additions to the archaeological
record.
Early Medieval (Saxon/Jutish)
The project has not produced any clear evidence for Saxon/Jutish
activity. One of the writers (D.R.J.P.), however, considers that
although grave 106 is essentially undated it may add to the evidence
for a Jutish cemetery on the crest of Chalk Hill. This possibility was
first suggested by the occurrence of ephemeral crop-marks of up to
three ring ditches, in a linear arrangement, aligned north to south,
immediately south of Grave 106 (see Fig. 8) . These ring ditches
appear to be small in size (4-6 m. diameter), which is considerably
smaller than the smallest examples of Early Bronze Age round
barrows excavated in Kent. As a result, the ring ditches have been
tentatively identified as the ploughed-out remains of Jutish barrows.
A polychrome 'cane bead' found on the site of one of the ring ditches
may add further support to this hypothesis since such beads are
occasionally encountered in well furnished Jutish graves of the sixth
and seventh centuries. If grave 106 was Jutish, then it represents a flat
grave, and had evidently been disturbed in antiquity possibly as a
result of a secondary interment into an earlier grave, or by grave
robbing (see Perkins 1987).
At Ebbsfleet, as with previously recorded ceramic assemblages, there
is no evidence for Early to Late Saxon activity. Evidence for woodland
expansion appears to be attested in the pollen sequence (EBS:5).
Medieval
Medieval ceramics were notable by their near absence from the
Ramsgate Main (nine sherds), perhaps indicating that Chalk Hill was
merely utilised for grazing animals at this time. On the Ebbsfleet
peninsula occupation remains were of a non-intensive nature but were
fairly widespread (that is, occurring in all the areas examined). They
may be viewed alongside pre-existing information for medieval
utilisation of the peninsula including a small settlement some 200 m. to
the south (TSMR 312a) and another on the south side of Cottington
Hill, to the north-east (Perkins 1992, site 2). The ceramics from the
project indicate a start date of mid-later eleventh century and this is
consistent with the evidence from Cottington Hill. The occurrence of
twelfth-century material (from 1125/1150) in the Sandwich Bay WTS
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assemblage is a new addition to the pre-existing information for
medieval occupation on the peninsula.
Overall, the limit and nature of medieval occupation on the Ebbsfleet
peninsula are not known. Specific information pertaining to the arable
economy at this time, however, is provided by the midden-like fillings
in two of the ditches. These produced a range of charred cereal grains,
dominated by bread/club wheat but also including barley, oats and rye.
Peas, celtic bean and hazelnuts were also recorded and all are likely to
have provided dietary supplements, along with the contemporaneous
evidence for oyster and fish.
Occupation of the Ebbsfleet peninsula
There can be little doubt that the location and extent of former
settlement on and utilisation of the Ebbsfleet peninsula was directly
related to prevailing conditions (including sea-levels) and the local
topography. It is beyond the scope of this report to discuss sea-level
changes although some comments are provided (Long and Scaife).
A regional synthesis of sea-level data for south-east England, with
particular reference to the east Kent Fens has recently been
published by Long (1992) following on from earlier studies by
Devoy (1979; 1982). Relative sea-level is recorded to have risen by
at least 10 m. over the last c. 5,000 years. Lang's study draws
attention to the highly variable nature of chronologies for sea-level
tendencies within the region, with alternating periods of positive
and negative tendencies linked to the nature of local processes such
as coastal sedimentation. The extent of land loss around Ebbsfleet
and Weatherlees through marine inundation cannot be quantified. It
may be noted, however, that at Minnis Bay, Birchington, on the
north coast of Thanet Neolithic settlement remains have been
discovered 500 m. seaward of the modern high water mark (TTA
archives).
In some respects the Ebbsfleet peninsula must have offered a rather
vulnerable settlement base, the imperceptible marine encroachment
being punctuated every generation or so by dramatic, sometimes no
doubt catastrophic, flooding. During the Neolithic and earlier Bronze
Age periods the occupation areas would have been well in from the
shores and wind-blown sea spray so that the friable, well drained soil
would have been attractive to early farmers. By the later Bronze Age, it
is estimated that the habitable area of the peninsula cannot have been
much wider than what is today confined between the lines of the
drainage dykes.
It is notable that the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age settlement
remains coincide with the eastern side of the peninsula and that the
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CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
later Iron Age and Romano-British occupation areas all occur on the
higher ground of Ebbsfleet or its northern and eastern slopes. An
explanation is that during the time that the Wantsum Channel was
open as a major sea-way, the western shore of the peninsula was too
inhospitable to attract settlement. The prevailing winds of the English
Channel and Dover Strait are the south-westerlies, so that when the
south mouth of the Wantsum Channel was 2 km. or more wide (as it
was into the Roman period) the peninsula's west coast would have
been a lee shore. Open to the full force of the weather for ten months
of the y ear, it would have been faced with storm beach deposits
backed by dunes, an exposed, unstable and unwelcoming prospect.
The more sheltered eastern shore would have been far more
favourable for settlement and the archaeological evidence appears to
bear this out.
Later, when the northern advance of the Stonar Bank had closed the
Wantsum's south mouth to a few hundred metres, much more pleasant
conditions would have prevailed. The western shore would then have
become what amounted to the eastern bank of a wide tidal estuary. On
ebb tides the flow of the River Stour would have been augmented by
the waters of the Thames Estuary coming in through the Wantsum
north mouth. This strong tidal flow is likely to have stripped away the
ancient storm beach deposits, leaving a well scoured but ever
narrowing channel.
North-east of the peninsula, the shallowly curving bay between
Cottington Hill and Cliffs end would eventually have been cut off by the
Stonar Bank as it closed the Wantsum's south mouth. That this area was
still salt marsh in medieval times is attested by the two lines of
'boarded groins' that mark its 'inning'. How recent and perhaps how
impermanent is man's claim to the Wantsum was demonstrated during
the great floods of 1952-53, when Ebbsfleet became once again a
peninsula, and Weatherlees Hill an island.
Against such a background of marine encroachment and often
harsh conditions, the landmark location of the peninsula must have
provided a strong incentive for its colonisation. The gently sloping
sandy shores would have been ideal for beaching, and the
north-south axis of the peninsula meant that eastern or western safe
havens were available, depending on whether the prevailing southwesterlies
or the north-easterlies of mid-winter prevailed. The
traditional landing place of Hengist and Horsa and St. Augustine
may then have had its origins as an entreport in the later prehistoric
period. The favourable position of the Wantsum in cross-Channel
navigation may also be noted although it is beyond the scope of this
report to consider this in detail (see Johnstone 1980; McGrail 1983
for discussion).
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The Wantsum Channel and the Stonar Bank
The route of the pipeline between Weatherlees Hill WTW and Sandwich
pumping station has provided an important north-south transect across
the infilled Wantsum Channel, particularly since part of the route
coincided with the Stonar Bank (see Fig. 2). Associated archaeological
features, artefacts and deposits were recorded at localised points along
the route. Beyond this the systematic and detailed characterisation of the
observed soil profiles in all sections of the route are an important
addition to the archaeological archives for the area and will be of most
use when assessed alongside excavated archaeological deposits such as
those of the medieval port of Stonar itself.
The southern section of the pipeline between Sandwich and Stonar
has provided the first opportunity to examine a transect through the
upper deposits in this area which lie between 1.80 and 2.50 m. O.D.
The deposits recorded largely represent alluvial infill within the
Wantsum Channel. Although the transect observed extended only a
maximum of 0.50 m. below present sea-level, it seems clear that the
deposits above this, varying slightly in texture and colour, represent
gradual silting with no fossil river or stream channels apparent. The
greenish grey/dark grey deposits which lie 1.30 m. or more below the
present ground surface are probably permanently waterlogged, and the
potential for organic preservation is high. The wooden stakes preserved
over a length of some 50 m. demonstrate this, though no other finds
were made, perhaps because the trench was of insufficient depth along
most of its length to reach contemporaneous river-bed levels.
The stakes are considered to represent possibly the remains of postmedieval
piles along the Stonar waterfront. No pattern was
distinguished in the narrow trench investigated, but they may have
formed part of a quayside or related waterfront structure. The stakes
were recovered less than 20 m. from the postulated edge of the Stonar
Bank 'high ground' to the north (see Fig. 11), at a point where the
channel between Stonar and Sandwich was approximately 400 m. wide.
The gravel making up the Stonar Bank apparently did not extend as far
south as the section observed, unless it sloped down fairly steeply and
lay at greater depth. The stakes may represent part of the final phase of
post-medieval quayside at Stonar which perhaps advanced southwards
as silting-up took place. No evidence was found of later occupation of
this marginal area, nor any salt pans.
It is not clear when silting began in this part of the Wantsum
Channel, but it was probably during the fourteenth century, towards the
end of the period when Stonar was an important port. Earlier, the
closure of the northern entrance to the Wantsum between the north end
of the Stonar Bank and Ebbsfleet, possibly in the eleventh century,
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CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
would have accelerated silting by the sluggish flowing River Stour in
the upper part of the Wantsum. The river eventually forced a passage to
the sea further to the south via Sandwich Haven between Sandwich and
Stonar. Reclamation of extensive areas of marshland along the edges of
the channel (e.g. The Monks' Wall, see below) in the twelfth-thirteenth
century would have caused increasing silting elsewhere. This is likely
to have been exacerbated by the great storm of 1287, which further
built up the large shingle bank, which extended north from Deal, and
thereby moved the exit of the River Stour/Sandwich Haven further to
the north. The inside of the great loop now formed by the River
Stour/Sandwich Haven around the south edge of the Stonar would have
been particularly prone to silting. By the time of the French raid in
1385, silting of Sandwich Haven on the Stonar side was probably well
under way, and it is recorded that after the raid the waters forsook
Stonar so that it remained no longer a port (Hasted 1800, 412). In
Sandwich, trade already in decline sank to its lowest ebb about 1500
because of the silting up of its river approaches (ibid., 158-60).
Against this background it seems clear that, if the French raid of
1385 had not caused the abandonment of Stonar, then the choking of its
waterfront by mud and silt would have hastened its demise, at least as
an important port, shortly after. A bridge across the river at Sandwich
was built in 1759, replacing the ferry, and indicates that the present
banks were more or less then as they are today. A reproduction of a
mid-seventeenth century map of Thanet (Busson 1985, 20) shows a
similarly narrow channel. However unreliable such maps may be, they
would support the suggestion that the width of the River
Stour/Sandwich Haven was progressively and rapidly narrowed
between the late fourteenth and mid-seventeenth centuries, most
probably mainly in the latter part of this period.
Between Richborough and Sandwich the opportunity to record a
section through The Monks' Wall is a useful addition to the
archaeological record since to date the series of medieval reclamation
earthworks do not appear to have been the subject of published study.
The prominent, though low bank which survives to a height of 1.20 m.
and a width of approximately 6 m. has probably been subject to a
certain degree of erosion though this has perhaps not made a marked
difference to its original profile. The adjacent ditch is likely to have
been an original feature. Some detail of the bank's construction
survived. Individual 'clods' could be discerned, the pale white deposit
noted perhaps having formed in the interface between the clods. There
was no evidence of any subsequent raising or rebuilding of the bank
which appears to be of single phase construction, nor of any deposits
which might represent later inundations of the area.
No dating evidence was obtained from any of the deposits associated
342
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
with The Monks' Wall. The stratigraphic location of the substantial
squared timber (a possible ship's timber?) in the alluvial deposits
sealed beneath the bank would suggest a pre-thirteenth century date,
and conceivably the timber might be of much earlier date, possibly
even Roman. This area of the Wantsum Channel would have been open
water in Roman times, and the site of Richborough fort (Rutupiae) lies
less than 1 km. to the north (see Fig. 1).
The construction of the A256 and the extension of a modern works
compound have obliterated or obscured some 300 m. of the Monks'
Wall towards the north although almost 1 km. survives to the south.
The line of the earthwork broadly mirrors the 'teardrop' shape of the
Stonar shingle bank to the east, with the present course of the River
Stour up to 500 m. to the west.
Within the overall north-south transect across the Wantsum Channel
provided by the project, the pollen and diatom sequence through the
deposits of the infilled channel, along with the associated C14 date, are
a most important addition for regional studies. The vegetational
sequence, spanning some 4,000 years, provides an important back-drop
to the environment in which past activity and settlement took place. It
also charts episodes of human impact on the local environment. A
further recent opportunity to study the infilled Wantsum Channel and
associated excavated archaeological evidence has been provided by the
construction of the A257 Ash bypass, west of Sandwich (Panton and
Bennett 1993, 375-7). The full report on this project will be of great
interest when viewed alongside the data generated by the Sandwich
BayWTS.
The Lydden Valley and Deal Spit
In many respects the Lydden Valley forms a direct extension to the
sequence of events recorded in the Wantsum Channel. As already noted,
however, this zone has, additional attributes which make it of particular
importance and archaeological potential. The project has not been able to
characterise this landscape zone in as much detail as the other two but the
data provide a useful addition to the ongoing work in the area by the
Dover Archaeological Group (see Halliwell and Parfitt 1985). Work by
the D.A.G. has revealed the existence in places of a buried prehistoric
land surface, sealed by up to 1 m. or more of alluvium, which was
deposited following inundation at some time probably after the Middle
Bronze Age. This buried land surface was not present or recognised in
the pipeline transect but some worked flints were recovered from near
Dicksons Corner. Perhaps the main concentration of buried sites lay
further west along the edge of the Lydden Valley, with a smaller number
to the east along the edge of the Deal Spit.
343
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
The stakes recorded under Guilford Road appeared to form part of a
single line, though owing to the narrowness of the trench this could not
be confirmed. It is possible, therefore, that other associated alignments,
groups or individual stakes lay outside the area observed. The observed
arrangement and their substantial size makes it likely that the oak
stakes formed either part of a causeway (perhaps across a precursor to
the North Stream), or an embankment associated with land reclamation,
or both. The former is considered most likely given the similarity and
extent of the alluvial layers to the east and west of the stakes, and the
absence of any deposits which might have formed part of a bank.
If the interpretation of the stakes as part of a causeway is correct, then
its location is not surprising. A medieval date is proposed. Before
reclamation, probably beginning in the twelfth century, this area to the
south-east of Sandwich was open water and marshland referred to in a
charter of 1023 (Sawyer No. 959) as Meacesfloete, today the Lydden
Valley. What is now the Guilford Road may have developed during silting
and reclamation as a track following a slight ridge of higher ground across
the northern part of Meacesfloete, perhaps linking Sandwich with the
large shingle bank which had grown northwards from Deal. The stakes
may have formed part of a causeway across a lower lying, perhaps marshy
section of this track, or a stream - now the North Stream.
The interpretation of the Late Saxon/early medieval worked beech
fragments from the same location is unresolved. If they are derived
from a logboat, there remains the possibility that they represent
fragments of the same vessel recorded in 1936, and perhaps damaged
during recovery. The earlier find is recorded as of oak but misidentification
cannot be ruled out. Alternatively the 1994 find may
represent a separate vessel from the same location (or very near by);
this would not be unusual (D. Goodburn, pers. comm.).
Conclusions
The results of the Sandwich Bay WTS project are another example of the
worth of linear archaeology (see Cox and Hearne 1991, 221-2). The
benefits of the project for the archaeology of this part of north-east Kent are
considerable and far outweigh the limitations of the sample, that is,
primarily, a series of narrow pipeline easements. The pipelines and
installations of the project have been viewed as a north to south
archaeological transect, encompassing three defined landscape zones
associated with the former Wantsum Channel and its margins. The
environmental data, and radio-carbon dating, from deposits infilling the
channel combined with excavated evidence and observations make a
significant contribution to our understanding of the former local landscape
and associated human activity. As made clear in the introduction to this
344
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
report the sequence of geomorphological change in the area is intimately
linked with the history of human occupation; the relationship between the
two forces (i.e. natural and anthropogenic) is symbiotic and dynamic and an
understanding of either or both cannot be divorced from the other. It is these
very aspects which make the archaeology of this part of Kent so fascinating,
and it is hoped that the attempt to integrate the two in this report will be
welcomed by both the archaeological and geological 'sides' of the debate.
APPENDIX 1 - RADIOCARBON D ATING
G. Cook and P. Naysmith (SURRC)
Five samples were submitted for radiocarbon dating to the Scottish
Universities Research and Reactor Centre (SURRC), East Kilbride:
three timber objects from the Sandwich and Deal Main and two organic
samples from the Wantsum Channel augerhole. Details of the samples
and the determinations are presented in the chart below.
Ref. Site/Sample Radiocarbon Calibrated date Calibrated date
age (BP) BC/AD (lo-) BC/AD (2o-)
GU-4359 Stonar timber stake 150±50 BP ea! AD 1666-1955 ea! AD 1650-1950
(W646 Obj. No. 101)
GU-4360 Stonar timber stake 100±50 BP ea! AD 1682-1955 ea! AD 1670-1955
(W646 Obj. No. 103)
GU-4361 G uilford Road 990±50 BP cal AD 998 -1039 cal AD 970-1160
timber object (W646
Obj. No. 135)
GU-4363 Wantsum Channel - 4640±60BP ea! BC 3505-3350 cal BC 3620-3140
basal organic horizon
(205-118 cm)
GU-4367 Wantsum Channel - 4630±70BP ea! BC 3505-3343 ea! BC 3630-3100
basal organic horizon
(204-118 cm)
Notes
(1) The above radio-carbon ages C14 are quoted in conventional years
BP (before A.D. 1950). The errors are expressed at the one sigma level
of confidence.
(2) The calibrated age ranges are determined from the University of
Washington Quaternary Isotope Laboratory, Radiocarbon Dating Program,
1987. The 20-year atmospheric calibration curve is used throughout and
the calendar age ranges, obtained from the intercepts (Method A), are
expressed at both the one and two sigma levels of confidence.
345
CARRIE M. HEARNE, D.R.J. PERKINS AND PHIL ANDREWS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The archaeological fieldwork and post-excavation were commissioned
and financed by Southern Water Services Ltd., Kent Division (SWS)
and implemented via McDowells Consulting Engineers, a member of
the Southern Water Group. Wessex Archaeology would like to thank
the following for their assistance and co-operation during the course of
the project: Sean Westrope (Senior Client Manager, SWS); Robert Earl,
( Archaeological Correspondent, SWS); John Cawdron (Project
Manager, McDowells); Chris Brewer (Asst. Project Manager,
McDowells); Peter Metcalf (Resident Engineer - Weatherlees Hill
WTW, McDowells); Roger Offen (Resident Engineer - Ramsgate
Main, McDowells); Alan Porter (Resident Engineer - Sandwich and
Deal Mains, McDowells); Jeff Hubbard (Clerk of Works - Sandwich
and Deal Mains, McDowells).
Thanks are also due to: Dr John Williams, County Archaeological
Officer and Sally Howard, Kent County Council, for their assistance
and support throughout the project; the landowners - Mr and Mrs I.P.A.
Smith; Mr A.J. Husk; the Board of Governors, Bethlem Royal Hospital;
Mr D. Howlett, Curator, Powell Cotton Museum (Quex Park); Geoff
Halliwell (Dover Archaeological Group); Damian Goodburn, Museum
of London Archaeological Service, for very kindly providing comments
on the timber objects from Guilford Road; Anne Wright, Consortium
Conservator, Salisbury Conservation Laboratory. Rob Scaife is
particularly grateful to Dr Anthony Long (Department of Geography,
University of Southampton) for comments on the pollen report, and to
Alan Clapham for his comments on the charred plant remains report.
Nigel Cameron wishes to thank Mike Allen and Rob Scaife, Ewan
Shilland and Ali Talbot.
The project was managed and co-ordinated by Carrie M. Hearne,
Wessex Archaeology, and implemented in conjunction with Dave
Perkins, Director, Trust for Thanet Archaeology. The fieldwork was
undertaken by staff from both the Trust for Thanet Archaeology and
Wessex Archaeology - particular thanks are due to George Slade
(TTA), Phil Andrews and Mick Rawlings (WA). Carrie Hearne would
like to thank all the contributors to the report, also Andrew Lawson
(Director, Wessex Archaeology) for his helpful comments on the text,
and Dr Alec Detsicas for his advice and assistance in preparing the
publication report.
The later prehistoric pottery drawings (Figs. 16, 17) were produced
by Nigel Macpherson-Grant. All other figures are by Liz James (Figs.
13-15) and Julian Cross (all other figs.) of Wessex Archaeology.
346
SANDWICH BAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
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