EDO5352 - Ham Farm, Gillingham; evaluation 2003

Observations and small-scale excavation in advance of housing development revealed four shallow slots interpreted as foundation trenches or beam slots, and covered by a burnt layer. This was interpreted as a building, possibly associated with the nearby deer park. A hearth with a pot sunk into the ground was found in the centre of the building, and interpreted as evidence of a fermentation process being carried out there. The excavators noted that, while similar examples of low-status medieval buildings have wide variety of pottery types, the pottery at Ham Farm was dominated by Laverstock ware, along with a finer sandy ware. Small quantities of fired clay were also recovered. The building was thought likely to date to the second half of the 13th century. The complete footprint of the building was not recorded, as it extended outside the development area.