First WW1 trenches dug on British soil unearthed by archaeologists

Further evidence of fortification can be seen in countryside either side of the village, including several observation posts.

SWAT archaeologists also found rusty barbed wire, pieces of metal and evidence of post holes, buildings, fires and rubbish pits. 

It’s known from advertisements in the local paper at the time that the military sold off rolls of barbed wire at the end of the war, while farmers would have repurposed what they could. 

The trenches were filled in and the land returned to agricultural use at the end of the war.

They were forgotten about until a few years ago when the centenary of the war brought a renewed interest from local historians. 

It emerged that new generations of locals had no idea that the area had been chosen to play a vital strategic role in the defence of the country. 

Alan Anstee, from the Defence of Swale Project and a historian researching Kent during the Great War, said: “What makes these north Kent trenches so special is that they are believed to be the only trenches in Britain that were built for defensive rather than training purposes. 

“The lines began to resemble the Western Front, with miles of barbed wire, trenches, redoubts, tunnels, pillboxes, blockhouses and gun positions. 

“Once the defences were removed and trenches filled-in, they gradually faded from memory, leaving remnants that are only now being rediscovered.” 

SWAT has surveyed and photographed the historic site.

Some trenches will be preserved intact and those that were excavated have been recorded.