PCA was commissioned to undertake archaeological evaluation ahead of construction of the new flood defences in Strood, Kent. The project comprised a construction of a flood protection wall along the area potentially prone to flooding and a creation of an earthwork behind the wall to raise the ground. The site is a former location of Medway Council Civic Centre and industrial buildings.
The site was located near the bridge linking Strood with Rochester, in the area where Roman and medieval river crossing were known from. The route of Strood’s and Rochester’s High Streets linked by the bridge follows important an Roman road and there is evidence for Romano-British buildings and occupation flanking the causeway. Evidence of a Roman building was found immediately to the north of the site along with evidence for salt production along the Strood bank of the Medway into the Romano-British period, as well as burials to either side of the causeway. The medieval bridge was constructed in the 14th century.
PCA monitored the geotechnical investigation on the site which proved to be an informative exercise as a ragstone structure was noted, which allowed an early understanding of the potential for archaeological risk on site. The finding suggested a presence of possible Roman or medieval structure which could relate to the one of the bridges. Subsequently the archaeological evaluation, limited mitigation and watching brief were carried out.
PCA negotiated with the local authority, designed the scheme of evaluation and undertook the works. The site proved to have been significantly affected by the 20th century development; however, the south-eastern part of the site contained well preserved archaeological deposits and features. The results showed that the area was densely occupied with several buildings dating from 13th century onwards revealed. No Roman remains were found during the evaluation suggesting that either these are present deep below the medieval deposits or the area is located within artificially made ground on the river foreshore in the post-Roman period.
