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A Later Bronze Age Well Complex at Swalecliffe, Kent

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 April 2011

Robert Masefield ,
Nicholas Branch ,
Peter Couldrey ,
Damian Goodburn  and
Ian Tyers
Robert Masefield
Affiliation:
RPS Planning, Transport and Environment, Mallams Court, 18 Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX 14 4RP, UK. E-mail: . (RM)
Nicholas Branch
Affiliation:
Royal Holloway University of London, Department of Geography, Queens Building, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey TW20 OEX, UK. E-mail: .
Peter Couldrey
Affiliation:
Belmont, Maidstone Road, Hadlow, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 OHR, UK. E-mail: . (PC)
Damian Goodburn
Affiliation:
The Cottage, Tonge Corner, Tonge, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 9BA, UK. (DG)
Ian Tyers
Affiliation:
Dendrochronology Laboratory, Department of Archaeology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK. E-mail: . (IT)
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Abstract

This paper examines the significance of seventeen later Bronze Age wells found during construction at Swalecliffe, in north-east Kent. The unusual depth of the features made for exceptional preservation of wooden structural elements, including steps and revetments, demonstrating rare evidence for woodworking and woodmanship. Extensive biological remains facilitated environmental reconstruction, and a lengthy dendrochronological sequence corroborates the internationally important Flag Fen chronology. Dendrochronological and radiocarbon dates demonstrate around 500 years of seemingly continuous use and replacement of wells. Votive deposits and apparatus used for water collection provide glimpses of small-scale ritual and domestic activities. The highly unusual concentration of wells is compared to contemporary sites regionally and elsewhere.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Antiquaries Journal , Volume 83 , September 2003 , pp. 47 - 121
Copyright
Copyright © The Society of Antiquaries of London 2003

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References

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