Exploring Kent's Past

It should not be assumed that this site is publicly accessible and it may be on private property. Do not trespass.

Monument details

Summary

The excavations revealed occupation on the site from soon after the Roman conquest. Timber and stone buildings of first- and second-century date were revealed at both ends of the site but, although third and fourth-century material was recovered, no structures could be assigned to that period.

Monument Types

• OCCUPATION SITE (Late Iron Age to Roman - 1 AD to 400 AD)

Full description

If you do not understand anything on this page please contact us.

In September and October 1967 J. H. Williams excavated land at the corners of Gravel Walk and Rose Lane and Gravel Walk and St George's Lane, a temporary car park. The work was undertaken for the Canterbury Excavation Committee and the Department of the Environment prior to the construction of a multi-storey car park.

The excavations revealed occupation on the site from soon after the Roman conquest. Although there was much pottery of Belgic character, no group could definitely be assigned to the pre-conquest period. Timber and stone buildings of first- and second-century date were revealed at both ends of the site but, although third and fourth-century material was recovered, no structures could be assigned to that period. Furthermore, it is clear that no Roman street ran across the site along the projected line. No Medieval structures were found, although several rubbish pits, predominently of eleventh-century date were recorded.
Several coins, thought to originate from this site were found at the site of the Sturry Tip.

Pettifer, R. E., 1970, Kent Archaeological Review 18 (Article in serial). SKE30695.

Williams, J. H. et al, 1975, Excavations at Gravel Walk, Canterbury, 196 (Article in serial). SKE30696.

Andrews, G., 1985, The Archaeology of Canterbury: An Assessment (Unpublished document). SKE30429.

Sources and further reading