Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Roman timber structure found in 1998-1999 prior to the construction of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.

Monument Types

• WELL (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
• POST BUILT STRUCTURE (Roman - 100 AD to 370 AD)
• CORN DRYING OVEN (Roman - 250 AD to 370 AD)

Associated Finds

• ANIMAL REMAINS (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
• CEREAL GRAIN (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
• FINGER RING (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
• INLAY (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
• NAIL (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
• QUERN (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
• VESSEL (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
• POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE (Roman - 200 AD to 250 AD)
• COIN (Roman - 300 AD to 400 AD)

Full description

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Roman timber structure found in 1998-1999 prior to the construction of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.

During the mid-late 2nd century a 14-post timber structure was constructed. It measures approximately 17m x 5.5m and was probably an agricultural building. The structure had both interior and exterior flint nodule cobbled surfaces, perimeter drainage gullies and a central flint-filled drainage channel. This structure may have been demolished or removed by the late 3rd century as a corn drier was constructed over the western postholes of this building. Alternatively, the building may have been modified for the insertion of the corn drier, which itself went out of use about 370AD.

A circular stone lined well, situated to the east of this structure may have been constructed during the same phase, but excavation to a depth of 3.7m failed to provide firm evidence for its date of construction (1).

<1> Oxford Archaeological Unit, 2001, Thurnham Roman villa, post-excavation assessment report, Thurnham. (Unpublished document). SKE13710.

Sources and further reading

Related records