Monument record TR 36 NE 2676 - Late iron age/Roman ramp and caves

During excavations on land at Manston Road (Phase 1b) A significant discovery was made in the eastern extent of Area F where ramped passageway was discovered leading to the underground chamber that contained two arched caves carved into its sides. The dating evidence from primary fill comprises few fragments from a Roman upper rotary quernstone in lava imported from the Mayen-Mendig area of the Eifel Hills of Germany dated to c.AD 70-150+. Above primary deposit a few sherds of coarse late Iron Age flint tempered ware fabric were found dated to c.50BC-AD40/50 along with a small sherd of Roman south Gaulish Samian made at La Graufesenque fabric dated c.AD 80-100. A few sherds of probable Native coarse ware fabric were found at the entrance to cave 1243 and these are dated to c.AD 170-300. In the upper part of structure’s infill several medieval pottery sherds were found broadly dating the last filling-in events between c.AD 1175-1250+. One interpretation suggests that the Caves are prehistoric or Roman chalk mines. The other possibility is that they may have been used to store valuables, or as refuges. Third although less plausible interpretation put forward is that these could also have been places of ceremony and ritual.INFO FROM INTERIM REPORT MORE INFO TO FOLLOW

<1> Kent County Council, 1987-, Kent County Council: holding record (Miscellaneous Material). SKE59004.