Findspot record TQ 96 NW 1179 - Palaeolithic/Mesolithic/Neolithic blade, Halfway Egg Farm, Sittingbourne

A Palaeolithic or Mesolithic/Neolithic blade was identified during an evaluation carried out at Halfway Egg Farm, Sittingbourne in 2022. The blade measured 96mm in length by 31mm in width. The platform comprised a narrow linear with evidence for platform preparation, a single dorsal ridge, thin laterals and distal end with some find abrasion on the edges.

Late Upper Palaeolithic flintwork is rare in Britain, however, if this artefact dates from this period, this could be indicative of activity taking place around 14,700 or 14,300-14,200 yrs BP. However, other local prehistoric activity has been recorded dating from the Meoslithic and Neolithic periods, therefore this artefact could also date from the later prehistoric period.(1)

<1> Swale & Thames Archaeological Survey Company, 2022, Archaeological Evaluation of land at Halfway Egg Farm, Featherbed Lane, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8RA (Unpublished document). SKE55830.