The Lees Court Estate findings

The Lees Court Estate, situated near Faversham, has been a site of archaeological investigation since 2017, thanks to the kindness and enthusiasm of Countess Sondes. Over the past six years, the Society has uncovered evidence of a previously unknown prehistoric landscape situated around a dry valley, sandwiched between Badlesmere, Shottenden, and Sheldwich. Among the discoveries are four Bronze Age hoards, a late Bronze Age/earliest Iron Age settlement at Wood Court Field, two possible Neolithic monuments in Stringmans Field, along with further evidence of Bronze Age settlement around Badlesmere.

The Lees Court Estate Project, one of the largest community archaeology projects [pg310]in the country, is a systematic approach to survey and excavation, which aims to continue exploring the prehistoric past of this busy working farmland. This flagship community project has attracted experienced archaeologists, historians, and local schools and groups, all fascinated by the evidence of a prehistoric landscape being unearthed. The Society expresses its gratitude to Countess Sondes and the staff of the Lees Court Estate for their cooperation, time, and passion, which create an ideal environment for such work.

[fg]jpg|Fig. 1 Section of prehistoric ring ditch excavation Stringman’s Field|Image[/fg]

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[fg]jpg|Fig. 2 Prehistoric ring ditch excavation Stringman’s Field 2023|Image[/fg]

[fg]jpg|Fig. 3 Open day 2023 at Neolithic Monument Stringman’s Field|Image[/fg]

Publications on the various excavations from 2018 to 2023 will be published in future editions of Archaeologia Cantiana, as a monograph and articles in the Society Magazine.

Richard Taylor