Syndale Park, Ospringe, Kent - Archaeological Evaluation and an Assessment of the Results

Wessex Archaeology

The archaeological evaluation comprised a geophysical survey and nine machine-dug trial trenches located across the site.

The results of the geophysical survey and the archaeological evaluation produced no evidence to substantiate the presence of a Roman fort. Archaeological activity dating from the Late Iron Age was found on the west slopes of the spur, which had continued throughout the Roman period. A metalled cobbled surface was located in the north of the site with related domestic refuse, which may have been linked to occupation adjacent to Watling Street. A series of linear boundary ditches across the crest of the spur, which extended to the east, suggest that the area was predominantly laid out as a field system.

There was a relatively low level of finds across the site. However a probable well on the east side of the spur, which included a number of high status objects, suggested that a building may have existed in that area.