Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

The chamber appeared to have been infilled with soil in a single episode, into which a grave had been inserted, probably associated with the 11-12th century Church of St Edmund Riding Gate.

Monument Types

• BURIAL (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)

Full description

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In 1970 an iron footbridge of 1883 and its brick abutments were demolished at the site of the Riding Gate. This had inhibited excavation in 1953-4 but further excavation was now undertaken by Frank Jenkins and Louise Millard.

On the north side of the gate the core of the Roman city wall was seen to be standing to a height of 3.66m and was built of flints in a yellow mortar. The eastern corner of the Roman guard chamber was seen to be bonded to the wall and was confirmed as being contemporary with it.
On the south side the guard chamber was seen. The internal chamber measured 2.36m by 2.13m and was floored with opus signinum. The entrance was centrally placed in the rear wall and was 0.91m wide. The chamber appeared to have been infilled with soil in a single episode, into which a grave had been inserted, probably associated with the 11-12th century Church of St Edmund Riding Gate. Some time later in probably the early Medieval period five large pits were also dug into the fill, the positioning of which suggest they were for supporting posts for a gate-tower. The Medieval gate was demolished in the late 18th century, an action which disturbed the later soil levels.

Frere, SS, Stow, S, and Bennett, P, 1982, Excavations on the Roman and Medieval Defences of Canterbury. (Monograph). SKE28530.

Sources and further reading