Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

During works associated with the Channel Tunnel Rail Link in 2002, the site of a possible late iron age enclosure was discovered. The enclosure, which was represented by two parralell ditches lay on rising ground c. 80m south-east of the nearby springs, though much of it extended below the adjacent A2 and slip road. (location accurate to the nearest 1m based on available information)

Monument Types

• ENCLOSURE (Late Iron Age to Roman - 100 BC to 409 AD)

Associated Finds

• ANIMAL REMAINS (Unknown date)
• POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE (Late Iron Age - 100 BC to 42 AD)

Full description

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During works associated with the Channel Tunnel Rail Link in 2002, the site of a possible late iron age enclosure was discovered. The enclosure lay on rising ground c. 80m south-east of the nearby springs. The enclosure was dated to the late iron age although it may still have been visible in the early Roman period.

The remains consisted of two parallel ditches which lay 8m apart and were traced for a distance of 40m. The extent of this possible enclosure could not be determined as much of it lay outside the limits of excavation and beneath the line of the A2.

the function of this possible enclosure is uncertain particuarly as so little of its extent and interiour was exposed. Of possible relevance is the molluscan evidence which indicates shady conditions and the possible presence of trees. On this very slight evidence some form of ritual function might be suggested in keeping with the nature of the later, mid Roman use of the east side of the Ebbsfleet Valley. (1-2)

<1> Oxford Wessex Archaeology Joint Venture, 2010, Settling the Ebbsfleet Valley. CTRL Excavations at Springhead and Northfleet, Kent. The Late Iron Age, Roman, Saxon, and Medieval Landscape (Unpublished document). SKE31245.

<2> Wessex Archaeology, 2003, Channel Tunel Rail Link Archaeological works at Springhead Roman Town (ARC SPH00): interim fieldwork report (Unpublished document). SKE31600.

Sources and further reading

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