2-28 Campbell Road, Gravesend - Archaeological evaluation report

Three evaluation trenches were excavated, two of which measured 10m in length with the third measuring 20m. Each trench was cut to a width of 2m. Underlying bedrock geology, comprising weathered chalk, was exposed within trench 1 at a depth range of 0.83-1.21m below ground level (18.30-18.57m OD) and within sondages in trenches 2 and 3 at a depth of 1.2-1.4m below ground level (18.30-18.44m OD). Thick sequences of subsoil deposits were recorded within each trench, mainly represented by deposits of sandy clay with chalk and flint inclusions, with inclusions of marine shells recorded in trench 3. Although not shown on current geological mapping, the lower subsoils identified during the evaluation are suggestive of periglacial Head deposits, with upper deposits likely representative of former ploughsoils of unknown date. A possible palaeochannel was identified in trench 1 at a depth of 0.89m below ground level. A slot excavated through this feature revealed a very uneven base and irregular edges. A possible quarry was recorded in trench 2 at a very shallow depth of just 0.25m below ground level. Finds recovered from this feature suggest a possible medieval/post-medieval date although the finds could be residual in a much later feature. A series of archaeological features was recorded in trench 3 where a wide ditch was exposed in section (at a depth of 0.40m below ground level). It may represent a former substantial boundary ditch. A further possible linear feature was recorded to the south, but this was very unclear in both section and plan. Each linear feature produced finds dated to the medieval/post-medieval periods, however the second linear feature may have been cut from higher up in the stratigraphic sequence suggesting a potential modern date. A cluster of three post-holes were recorded at the north end of trench 3, one of which was identified at a depth of 0.40m below ground level. A fourth post-hole was identified over 2m to the south-west of the cluster. An associated small finds assemblage contained a collection of four sherds of medieval pottery dated to between the eleventh and thirteenth century, as well as some fragments of glazed floor tile. These finds appear to represent residual evidence of medieval activity in the nearby area, with the presence of a glazed floor tile suggestive of a significant structure. However, they may also be present as a result of the manuring of agricultural land. The evaluation has revealed no evidence for significant occupation activity on the site of any period, with most of the features identified as likely relating to agricultural activity.