Newlands (East of), ARC NEW 98
Oxford Archaeology (South), 2004. (updated 2017) https://doi.org/10.5284/1044736. How to cite using this DOI
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- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1044736
- How to cite using this DOI
Introduction
Oxford Archaeological Unit (OAU) was commissioned by Union Railways (South) Limited (URS) to undertake detailed archaeological investigation at the site of East of Newlands, Kent. This work formed part of an extensive programme of archaeological investigation carried out in advance of the construction of the CTRL.
An Archaeological Evaluation (ARC NEW 97) was also undertaken at Newlands as part of CTRL phase 1.
The site is centred on URL grid point 73705 28198 and NGR grid point TQ 9370 4820. A single trench was excavated to further investigate a hollow way, possibly representing the line of a Romano-British track, identified during a previous evaluation (ARC NEW 97) of the area.
Prehistoric
Two sherds (4 g) of probable later prehistoric pottery were recovered from the backfill of the evaluation trench. Two struck flakes and a core fragment were found within the upper fill of the hollow way.
Late Iron Age/ early Romano-British features (c. 100 BC . 200 AD)
A possible late Iron Age or early Romano-British trackway, first identified during the evaluation, was re-exposed and sectioned. Limited artefactual dating evidence was recovered, confirming the results of the evaluation. The track crossed the trench in a hollow way, which was 4.85 m wide, 0.88 m deep and was aligned from north-west to south-east. Of the two fills identified only the upper produced dateable finds (21 sherds, 86 g), comprising pottery of late Iron Age/ early Romano-British date (c. 100 BC . 200 AD).
Post-medieval material (c. 1500 . 1800 AD)
Four pieces of post-medieval tile were found in the backfill of the evaluation trench. It is likely that these were redeposited from the topsoil. Since the hollow way is likely to have developed and then been filled over a long period of time, the artefactual and organic material recovered is likely to comprise residual material from the nearest settlement, rather than necessarily reflecting the lifespan of the track. All that can be said for certain is that the track fell out of use at some time after the period c. 100 BC . 200 AD.
N.B. Much of this work here has been superseeded by works associated with the Phase Two and Schemewide programmes, but are included here for completeness. Those wishing to use the most current data are urged to view the Channel Tunnel Rail Link Section 1 Project pages.
