SURVEY RESULTS

2003 / 16  Syndale, Kent

1.	Survey Area

1.1 	Approximately 1ha of both gradiometry and resistance data was collected within 2 areas (A and B). Resistance data were collected at 1x1m sample intervals, while magnetic readings were taken at an increased density of 1x0.25m. The location of the survey areas are shown in Figure 1 at a scale of 1:1000.

1.2 	The survey grid was set out by GSB Prospection and tied in to the base map by Dr Henry Chapman using a Trimble GPS system.

2.	Display

2.1 	Figure 2 shows both the gradiometer and resistance data as greyscale images at a scale of 1:2000. An accompanying interpretation of the data, Figure 3, follows at the same scale.

2.2 	The gradiometer results are displayed in Figures 4-6 and 10-12 as X-Y traces, dot density plots and interpretations, all at a scale of 1:500.

2.3 	Resistance results are displayed in Figures 7-9 and 13-15 as greyscale and colour images followed by interpretations, at a scale of 1:500.

2.4 	Letters in parentheses in the text refer to specific anomalies noted on the interpretation diagrams. These display formats and the interpretation categories used are discussed in the Technical Information section at the end of the text.

3.	General Considerations - Complicating factors

3.1 	Both areas surveyed were under a cover of short grass. However, a steep bank within Area A made survey challenging but did not hinder the results.

3.2 	Gradiometer results from Area A reveal the data to be dominated by modern magnetic disturbance which will have masked possible archaeological remains.

4.	Results of Gradiometer Survey

Area A

4.1 	A large part of the area was dominated by magnetic disturbance, thought to be modern in origin, and could indicate past landscaping.
4.2 	Towards the western extent of the disturbance (A) a linear response has been identified, which was originally thought to relate to the position of the possible fort ditch. However, the response is ferrous in nature and probably represents a former field boundary visible on Ordnance Survey maps.

4.3 	A gas pipe running east-west is situated to the north of the area and other ferrous responses within the data are most likely to be modern in origin. 

Area B

4.4 	Several pit-type anomalies and trends can be seen within the data that are of possible archaeological interest and could therefore relate to Roman features. It is likely that some responses are due to later Roman settlement alongside Watling Street.

4.5 	Ferrous responses within the data are most likely to be caused by modern debris, the area was situated on the route of a public footpath which is likely to be the cause of many responses.

5.	Results of Resistance Survey

Resistance survey was carried out within the same general area as the gradiometer survey, and points common to both can be seen on Figure 1.

Area A

5.1 	An area of high resistance (B) runs north-south within the data and the favoured interpretation for this response is that it associated with an earthwork bank visible at this point. 

5.2 	Low resistance response (C) lies at the base of the above bank, suggesting the anomaly to be either a response caused by drainage or possibly a ditch. Excavation found no evidence for the latter.

5.3 	Within the remainder of the surveyed area, high and low resistance anomalies are present that could be archaeological in nature. However, such an explanation is cautious because the responses are equally likely to be natural in origin.

5.4	The gas pipe running across the north of the area can be clearly seen as an area of low readings.

Area B

5.5 	High resistance readings (D) were located in the western part of Area B. An excavation trench revealed the anomaly to be due to natural gravel.

5.6 	An area of low resistance (E) located at the south-western section of the area, suggests a possible ditch. However the response is small in size and it is not possible to say which way it is orientated. This may be a continuation of (C) found in Area A, but such an interpretation is speculative.

5.7	Trends of both high and low resistance within the area could be archaeological, although this is cautious. An alternative explanation, such as ploughing is equally valid.

6.	Conclusions

6.1 	The gradiometer data showed Area A to be very disturbed, masking any archaeology that may be present. However, a possible former field boundary may have been located. Resistance data from this area have yielded some potential anomalies but nothing that appears to be associated with a fort..

6.2 	The magnetic data in Area B are less disturbed than Area A and a number of potential pit-type responses have been noted. Resistance survey within this area detected an area of low readings which may be associated with a ditch. Anomalies attributed to natural agencies were also detected.

6.3 	Overall, whilst some evidence was found to suggest the presence of ditch type features, no responses typical of those found on Roman forts could be identified.

Project Co-ordinator:	E Wood
Project Assistants: 	Dr C F Gaffney &J Gater 

Date of Survey:		18th - 20th March 2003
Date of Report:		14th April 2003

References:

SSEW 1983.	Soils of England and Wales. Sheet 6, South East England. Soil Survey of England 		and Wales.

SITE SUMMARY SHEET

2003 / 16  Syndale, Kent

NGR: TQ 994 610

Location, topography and geology 

The site under investigation lies within the grounds of Syndale Leisure Park near Faversham, and immediately south of the A2 (Dartford - Dover) road. Two areas were surveyed, the first (Area A) consists of a level, elevated piece of land that slopes steeply downhill to the west. The second area (B) is relatively flat. Both areas were under short grass at the time of the survey. The soils comprise deep fine silt of the Hamble 1 Association formed from a parent of aeolian drift (SSEW, 1983).

Archaeology

Ditches and artefacts from the early Roman period have been discovered on the site at Syndale by members of the Kent Archaeological Field School. To the north of the site, on the other side of the A2 (Watling Street) 300 Roman burials were found. Approximately 33km from Syndale, Richborough Roman Fort is situated, believed by some to be the initial landing of the Claudian invasion in AD43. Forts at Reculvar (approx. 23km) and Canterbury (10km) are also situated within the north Kent area. 

Aims of Survey

The aims of the survey were to discover whether the site at Syndale is a Roman Fort and to find any other areas of archaeological interest such as a vicus. This survey was undertaken as part of Channel 4's Time Team programme along with the Kent Archaeological Field School.

Summary of Results *

The gradiometer data from Area A are dominated by magnetic disturbance presumed to be modern and which masks any potential archaeological anomalies. However, a possible former field boundary can be seen within the data. Resistance data from this area are thought to reflect topographic and landscaping features.

Area B was less disturbed magnetically and several responses have been noted which could be of archaeological interest. Results from the resistance survey showed an area of high resistance to the west of the survey area. Findings from excavation showed the anomaly to be due to natural gravel. Trends of both high and low resistance have been noted and could be archaeological, however such an interpretation is cautious.  

While some of the magnetic results from Area B are consistent with settlement alongside Watling Street, no geophysical evidence has been identified to indicate that the site at Syndale forms part of a Roman Fort.

* It is essential that this summary is read in conjunction with the detailed results of the survey.

List of Figures

Figure 1		Location Diagram						1:1000
Figure 2		Summary Greyscales						1:2000
Figure 3		Summary Interpretation						1:2000
Figure 4		Area A: Gradiometer Data: XY Trace				1:500
Figure 5		Area A: Gradiometer Data: Dot Density				1:500
Figure 6		Area A: Gradiometer Data: Interpretation				1:500
Figure 7		Area A: Resistance Data: Greyscales				1:500
Figure 8		Area A: Resistance Data: 3D Plot					not to scale
Figure 9		Area A: Resistance Data: Interpretation				1:500
Figure 10	Area B: Gradiometer Data: XY Trace				1:500
Figure 11	Area B: Gradiometer Data: Dot Density				1:500
Figure 12	Area B: Gradiometer Data: Interpretation				1:500
Figure 13	Area B: Resistance Data: Greyscales				1:500
Figure 14	Area B: Resistance Data: 3D Plot					not to scale
Figure 15	Area B: Resistance Data: Interpretation				1:500