Historic Kent Artefacts Unearthed in Sutton Valence

Significant archaeology finds reveal more of Kent’s Iron Age and Roman past.

An archaeological discovery has been made in Sutton Valence, Kent, where early preparation works for a new development have revealed a collection of artefacts dating from the Late Iron Age to the Early Roman period.

The finds, which include intricately crafted jewellery, surviving textile, and decorated pottery, showcase the area’s rich and ancient past contributing to our understanding of Kent’s history. Sutton Valence and its surrounding landscape has been recognised for its rich Iron Age archaeology and these latest findings reinforce its reputation as a significant hub during the Late Iron Age and Early Roman periods.

Among the most exciting discoveries are a striking black pot from the Late Iron Age/Early Roman era, three La Tène brooches, two Roman coins and one of the oldest coins minted in Britain. One particularly significant burial collection, potentially classed as treasure, is currently being assessed by officials under the Treasure Act 1996.

The artefacts were uncovered during initial groundworks for a new development in the town of Sutton Valance, located on North Street, which uncovered a complex network of ditches, trackways, and enclosures, as well as evidence of ancient industry in the form of a collapsed furnace. Kent-based specialists, Invicta Archaeological Services Ltd, was commissioned to lead the careful excavation, documentation, and preservation of the finds.

Emily Brown at Invicta Archaeological Services Ltd, explains:

We were thrilled to be part of this amazing project alongside Fernham Homes. Our on-site excavation uncovered exciting finds, including Late Iron Age La Tène brooches and cremation vessels, offering a distinct glimpse into the lives, fashions, and rituals of the communities who once farmed this fertile Kentish ridge. As we dug deeper, Roman coins, pottery, and field systems and boundaries revealed how the landscape evolved, connecting these early Iron Age inhabitants to wider trade networks and the wider world of Roman Britain. These discoveries have helped us piece together centuries of human activity, bringing the hidden past of Sutton Valence vividly to life.

The team is now overseeing the next stages of conservation and analysis to ensure the finds can be properly conserved, studied and published.

Andy Ward, Curator of the Kent Archaeological Society (KAS) explains:

Sutton Valance has a fascinating history and the discoveries made by Invicta Archaeology are helping to further shape our knowledge of the county’s archaeological past. Over the years a number of exciting finds have been made in Sutton Valance. To the west of the most recent development site a Romano-British building was uncovered in the 1950s by Mr Thomas of Sutton Valance School and Mr V.J Newbury, who made notes of the excavation. The pottery found at the site is comparable to material from the Oppida at Loose which is thought to have been the centre for the production of the glauconitic wares so characteristic of the upper Medway valley from the Late Iron Age to c. 60 AD. As the important post-excavation work progresses on the finds from Invicta’s excavation we will be excited to hear whether more comparable pottery has been recovered. Earlier, Iron Age finds and sites have also been previously revealed in Sutton Valence including a gold quarter stater and brooches. A sub-rectangular enclosure possibly representing a droveway or stock pen was revealed during archaeological work at Haven Farm by Archaeology South East, prior to Invicta’s excavation.

The finds recovered by Invicta Archaeology are an important part of the planning process which helps to shed light on our shared past. Archaeology in and of itself is a destructive act and it is only through publication of the results of the excavation and vital post-excavation work that we will be able to share new knowledge regarding Kent’s past. The culmination of the project will bring together work by Invicta Archaeology, The Portable Antiquities Scheme, and Museum of London Archaeology. The society looks forward to working with Invicta Archaeology and Fernham Homes in promoting these important discoveries.

Commenting on the discoveries at its latest project, Sean Ellis, managing director at Kent-based housebuilder, Fernham Homes, added: “With over 25 years’ building homes and communities across Kent, and being a team of proud locals ourselves, we are committed to celebrating the heritage of each and every location of our projects. It is a privilege to have made these discoveries at Sutton Valence and help tell more of the story of the area’s rich history. And we’re proud to be working with Invicta Archaeological Services Ltd and the local community to ensure these important finds are shared and appreciated for many years to come.”

Looking ahead, Invicta Archaeological Services Ltd and Fernham Homes are working closely with the local community to bring these discoveries to life. Plans are underway for a public exhibition early next year, where residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to explore the artefacts and learn more about the fascinating history beneath their feet.