The remains of an Iron Age settlement have been unearthed by archaeologists working along the route of a new £1.3m water pipeline in Kent (England). Evidence of a dwelling, postholes, pits, ancient hearths and pieces of pottery were found on land in Pembury. The archaeologists, who were employed by South East Water to survey the route, will now record and preserve the finds.
     Tim Allen, from Kent Archaeological Projects, said: "We have found evidence of postholes, pits and ditches, probably part of an Iron Age dwelling, along with pieces of pottery that we can date to the late Iron Age. It is likely that the Iron Age remains are associated with a prehistoric roundhouse that would have been approximately eight metres in diameter, with timber supports and with walls and roof made with wattle and daub."
     Paul Clifford, engineering manager at South East Water, said: "On large schemes such as this we take the extra precaution of having archaeologists working alongside our contractors to ensure that if we do find anything of historical significance, then we can halt work for further investigations. That ensures we can continue to protect and record our ancient heritage."

Source: BBC News (30 January 2010)