Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

The vast number of pits dating to the period c1100-1400 would appear to indicate the area was open space at that time. C.1400-1550 three structures were erected on the site, the basements of which were excavated, L9, L10 and L11. Three groups of contemporary pits were excavated, and a boundary line ran parallel to the north end of the site.

Monument Types

• OCCUPATION SITE (Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon to Medieval - 1001 AD to 1200 AD)

Full description

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In 1979 The Canterbury Archaeological Trust excavated upon the site of the current 18-20 Marlowe Arcade. This was in advance of redevelopment of the site. The sitecode was MIII. Early features relating to the pre-Roman; Roman and later Roman periods were revealed.

As in many parts of Canterbury area MIII was seen to have a layer of 'dark earth' forming after the end of the Roman period, from the first quarter of the 5th century onwards. A hoard of coins found within this layer dated this formation. Two sunken floor structures, dating to c.450-700 AD, were then found on the south side of the Roman street (structures S13, 14). Structure S13 was built first and S14 built shortly after it was demolished. A later structure dating to c. 550-650 AD (S15) was then built within the shell of the Roman building R26, it cut through decay levels and onto the opus signinum floor of the caldarium. A hoard of Theodosian coins were found within the structure. Various pits and post-holes contemporary with, and later than, the structures were also seen. During the period 850-1050 a clay lined cellar was built within the palaestra of the Roman baths. It was found in a good state of preservation and had been use between c. 925-975 AD.

An interesting pit (381) was uncovered from the Norman period, 1.5m deep and surounded by rows of stake holes, perhaps indicating a wicker lining. Another pit (111) contained two articulated pony skeletons in a fairly loose fill of very dark greenish-black loam/cess. During this period the brick Roman sewer within the street was robbed out. The masonry portico and Building R26 were aslo substantially robbed.
The vast number of pits dating to the period c1100-1400 would appear to indicate the area was open space at that time. C.1400-1550 three structures were erected on the site, the basements of which were excavated, L9, L10 and L11. Three groups of contemporary pits were excavated, and a boundary line ran parallel to the north end of the site. This boundary line was rebuilt as a wall c. 1650-1700 AD, possibly associated with the Royal Fountain Hotel.
Finally between c. 1800 and 1957 a number of cellared buildings were built on the site, these were removed by machine prior to the excavations.

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

Blockley, K., Blockley, M., Blockley, P., Frere, S. and Stow, S., 1995, Excavations in the Marlowe Car Park and Surrounding Areas. Part 1: The Excavated Sites (Monograph). SKE29969.

Sources and further reading