Cliffsend Farm, Cliffsend, Ramsgate, Kent

English Heritage summaries. 2007/2008

Excavation of a multi-period site in 2004/5 uncovered abundant evidence of funerary and ceremonial activities taking place during the Bronze Age, Middle Iron Age and Saxon periods.

Of national and international significance is a quarry-like mortuary feature which was probably used in connection with human excarnation. This feature, as yet without comparison, contained thirteen articulated human skeletons, one partially disarticulated skeleton and collections of disarticulated human and animal bone. Preliminary radiocarbon dating results indicate that burial in the mortuary feature took place between the 10th and 4th centuries BC.

Other main archaeological features included four Early Bronze Age round barrows, and a midden pit and two horseshoe-shaped enclosures of which one was respected by the mortuary feature. The midden pit, and possible also the enclosures, were constructed during the Late Bronze Age and remained in use well into the Iron Age. Of regional importance are the assemblages of Early Bronze Age worked flint tools from the round barrows and the pottery and worked flint from the mortuary feature, the midden pit and other Late Bronze Age/Iron Age features.

While there is little evidence for activity during the Romano-British period, the site was once again used for burial in the Early Saxon period. Twenty four inhumation burials were excavated, including a group of twelve centred round a female grave. In contrast to the relatively good bone preservation in the mortuary feature, the Saxon bones had completely decomposed. Sixty nine Mid Saxon pits often contained shellfish, sometimes in large, dense layers. Several finds of associated pieces of flat, burnt sandstone suggested they were used for cooking the shellfish. Taken together, this suggests large scale feasting.

The three aspects of the overall analysis which have attracted HEEP are as follows:
• Radiocarbon dating and Bayesian modelling of all human and selected animal bone associated with the funerary practices as well as burnt residues on pottery from the midden pit and other Late Bronze Age/Iron Age features. The latter will contribute towards a dated sequence of ceramic fabrics and, to a lesser extent, forms for the region.
• Isotope analysis to investigate variations in diet and/or origin of all suitable individuals;
• Analysis of mineral replaced organic remains on Early Saxon grave goods.

S. Penton, 2008, Cliffs End Farm, Ramsgate, Kent. Investigative conservation of Early Anglo-Saxon Grave finds, Research Department Report Series 7/2008. Portsmouth: English Heritage.

This page was published on 25/04/2008