Kingsborough Manor Development, Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey, Kent - Watching Briefs, Evaluation, and Phase 1, Stage 2 Excavation

Wessex Archaeology

Subsequent evaluation, watching brief monitoring and excavation (Phase 1 Stage 2 excavation) by Wessex Archaeology revisited a part of the Causewayed Enclosure, for detailed environmental samples, and revealed more of the Late Bronze Age enclosure revealed by Archaeology South East. Three other Late Bronze Age enclosures were found. The sub-square and northern-most of these appeared to be associated with a small cemetery comprising un-urned cremation pits or pyre debris pits. A limited range structural features appeared to be associated with the enclosures. These included four-post ‘granary’ structures and at least three fence lines. Pits associated with the enclosures contained finds possibly indicative of ‘structured deposition’, perhaps of ritual significance.

Later features include Middle-Late Iron Age (400 BC – AD 43) and Late Iron Age/Roman (100 BC – AD 410) ditches possibly representing drove-ways or boundaries. These suggest the site underwent change in the later prehistoric period, from predominantly settlement and ritual use to agricultural use. Later Saxon (AD 410 – 1066) and Medieval (1066 – 1499) features, interpreted as field boundaries point to the agricultural use of this part of the Isle of Sheppey in those periods.