Exploring Kent's Past

It should not be assumed that this site is publicly accessible and it may be on private property. Do not trespass.

Monument details

Summary

During a small excavation in 1996, evidence was found for agricultural activity dating from the Early Medieval period.

Monument Types

• DITCH (Medieval - 1100 AD? to 1225 AD?)

Associated Finds

• SHERD (Roman - 43 AD to 200 AD)
• TILE (Roman - 43 AD to 200 AD)
• KEY (LOCKING) (Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
• ANIMAL REMAINS (Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon to Medieval - 700 AD? to 1100 AD?)
• BEAD (Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon - 700 AD? to 900 AD?)
• FISH REMAINS (Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon to Medieval - 700 AD? to 1100 AD?)
• KNIFE (Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon - 700 AD? to 900 AD?)
• COIN (Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon - 715 AD to 725 AD)
• POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE (Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon to Medieval - 775 AD? to 1100 AD?)
• LOOMWEIGHT (Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon - 800 AD? to 900 AD?)
• STRAP END (Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon - 800 AD? to 900 AD?)

Full description

If you do not understand anything on this page please contact us.

During a small excavation in 1996, evidence was found for agricultural activity dating from the Early Medieval period.

The earliest deposits were probably part of a sand bank containing water rolled Roman tile and pottery. The bank, which developed in the post-Roman period, was flaked by a lagoon and to the south and east by the sea. From the 8th century onwards the area was apparently farmed. Pottery was recovered from a topsoil spanning the 8th to 13th centuries. Two ditches may indicate later division of the cultivated land. There was also possible evidence of manuring using seaweed. The activity on the site ended by the early 13th century. (1)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1996, Plot 1, Dykeside Farm, West Hythe. Archaeological excavation (Unpublished document). SKE6671.

Sources and further reading

Related records