pbarnett@thekmgroup.co.uk

Prehistoric, Roman and Saxon remains are among important archaeological treasures unearthed on the route of the new East Kent Access Road from Minster to Pegwell.

Among the important discoveries are the remains of nine Bronze Age barrows (burial mounds) dating back over 3,500 years; numerous Iron Age enclosures and a village which lasted into Roman times at Ebbsfleet.

There are also several areas of Roman settlement scattered across the landscape connected by tracks and roads, some of which are still in use today; Roman and Saxon cemeteries; Saxon buildings and a large Saxon enclosure with evidence of a huge shellfish feast.

Kent County Council principal archaeological officer Simon Mason said: "Exciting archaeological discoveries are being made in Thanet this spring and local people are being asked to join the excavation and help.

"The excavation is the largest dig in the country in 2010: archaeologists will excavate an area over 6km in length before road works begin.

"We think that a number of revolutionary events in British history took place in this area: the invading Roman Emperor Claudius landed at Richborough in AD43; the arrival of Saxons in the fifth century and later the landing of St Augustine with his mission to bring Christianity back to Britain in AD597."

A programme of talks and exhibitions will allow local people to see some of the archaeological remains as they are uncovered.

Members of the public are encouraged to get involved by volunteering to help the archaeologists work on the artefacts and will have an opportunity to participate in a community excavation in one section of the route. Further details are on www.eastkent.owarch.co.uk/.

For full story, see this week's Thanet Extra, out on Wednesday.