Monument record TR 06 SW 1545 - Late Iron Age enclosure, pits, and Iron Age and Roman field system, Preston Fields, Salters Lane

A Late Iron Age D-shaped enclosure, pits, and ditches forming part of an Iron Age and Roman field system were identified during an excavation carried out at Preston Fields, Salters Lane in 2022-2023. A possible kiln pit was also unearthed during the excavation, alongside several storage pits later reused as cess pits.

The D shaped enclosure was located to the west of the southern excavated area, and appeared to be surrounded by a curvilinear ditch which had undergone phases of recutting. Iron Age ditches identified at the site contained burnt flint and a socketed iron tool, interpreted (1) as a possible sickle or billhook.

A cluster of Iron Age pits containing artefacts and hearth material, alongside a potential kiln pit with a burnt base were identified at the site. These features are thought (1) to relate to occupation activity focused beyond the north-west limits of the excavation.

Agricultural features included two large pits interpreted (1) as having been used for the storage and/or germination of grain. The two storage pits exhibited evidence for having been intentionally filled with refuse and cess material, some of which dated to the early Roman period, after going out of use. These appear to have been associated with new field system comprised of ditches, the longest of which measured 133m in length. This field system was later reused, extended, and further pits appear to have been dug during the early Roman period. One pit of uncertain date in the vicinity of the field system was found to contain mussel and oyster shell fragments.

Finds dating to the Roman period included a hobnail shoe and a late second to early third century coin.

A large number of post-holes and pits containing charcoal inclusions were also identified during the excavation. Some of the post-holes could appear to have been associated with the Late Iron Age enclosure, however, many of these features may be the result of plough action. (1)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2023, Preston Fields, Salters Lane, Faversham, Kent ME13 8YD, Archaeological Excavation: Interim Report (Unpublished document). SKE57854.