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

During works associated with the A20 road and sewer scheme, a Medieval undercroft was located on the eastern side of Bench Street, Dover. (Location information accurate to the nearest 1m based on available information).

Monument Types

• UNDERCROFT (Medieval - 1200 AD? to 1399 AD?)

Full description

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

During works associated with the A20 road and sewer scheme, in an area almost directly opposite the Crypt Restaurant site was another well-built undercroft, with a vaulted roof, relating to a dwelling on the eastern side of the original Medieval thoroughfare. The super-structure of the building had been removed and the cellar in-filled during the widening of Bench Street in 1836/37. From various internal architectural features it was clear that the undercroft had belonged to a building of some quality, probably of thirteenth or fourteenth century date. The excavated remains can be readily equated with contemporary records and drawings of a 'Crypt' exposed during the nineteenth century road works. (1)

This structure was mistakenly thought by local historians to represent the crypt of old St. Nicholas' Church. (2)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2001, Dover Sewers/A20 Project 1991–3, Assessment Report and Updated Project Design (Unpublished document). SKE31815.

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1991-1992, Canterbury's Archaeology, Sites Outside Canterbury 1991-1992 (Article in serial). SKE31645.

Sources and further reading