the first archaeological discoveries at the site were romano-british in origin, although no evidence of buildings from this period were discovered. soon, an anglo-saxon cremation urn was found, followed by several inhumations, revealing that this had been the site of an anglo-saxon cemetery. thenceforth, the excavation of the cemetery became the primary objective of the archaeologists. in the first two-seasons' work, 16 cremations and 29 inhumations were discovered. at the time of its discovery, it was recognised as the first "well-authenticated" archaeological evidence for anglo-saxon settlement along the river cray. elderly members of the community who had formerly lived in the cottages on the site visited the excavation, providing "likely and amusing comments" following the revelation that they had dwelt above a cemetery.