Investigation of multi-period riverside occupation, Rochester, Kent

In order to mitigate the impact of the large scale regeneration of the 27 ha Rochester Riverside brownfield site on the banks of the River Medway, an extensive programme of archaeological works was carried out by AOC Archaeology Group on behalf of Halcrow Group, acting for Medway Council/SEEDA.

The AOC Archaeology Group team first carried out an archaeological evaluation of the site between November 2004 and January 2005, revealing the remains of the Roman town wall with associated land surfaces and features, including burials of probable Roman date. Later deposits included the medieval river wall and associated surfaces and wharfage, including extensive post-medieval revetments, docks, a Customs House and other structural remains.

A second phase of archaeological evaluation and watching brief works was carried out from April 2005 to May 2005. This second phase of works revealed post-medieval structures in the area of the old Jewson’s Yard. Extensive Holocene alluvial deposits were encountered as well as later peat deposits, sealed by late post-medieval dump deposits associated with the reclamation of marshland on the site. The watching brief confirmed the extensive nature of this late post-medieval consolidation and also identified several late 19th and early 20th century foundations. These foundations were part of the rail depot, which was constructed on the land reclaimed from the River Medway.  

A final phase of mitigation works was undertaken between June and July 2005. Mitigation comprised two targeted areas of excavation. The first revealed two phases of 19th century structures probably relating to the Timber Yard and earlier Coal Yard, which stood on the site. An early causeway, probably dating to the 18th century was also identified.

The second area of excavation revealed the extent of a Customs Watch House and the degree to which it had been truncated by modern intrusions.

Following these on-site mitigation works, a programme of post-excavation assessment works was completed by 2006. Subsequent agreement on the preparation of a publication report has resulted in the successful execution of a condition of planning consent.

AOC Archaeology Project Manager: Mark Beasley
AOC Archaeology Project Officer: Dan Eddisford
Client: Halcrow Group, acting for Medway Council/SEEDA