Archaeological excavation in 2010 found post medieval features related to the former use of the site as a courtyard. Two main phases were identified, corresponding to the early post-medieval (c AD 1600-1750) and later post-medieval (c AD 1750-1900) periods.Documentary sources indicate that during the early post-medieval period, the Outer Court was bounded to the north and west by service buildings, including a slaughter house and stables; and by 1647, part of the Outer Court had been transformed into a bowling green. During the post-medieval period, the proposed development area was occupied by a carpenter’s yard with workshops. (1)

A building behind 35-37 Palace Street was subject to a building survey in 2003. This survey focused on a post-medieval wall, with a number of elements and inclusions dating to earlier periods. The earliest element is suggested to date from the mid 16th century, and may represent a part of the Dean's stables; however, this feature may equally date from as late as the mid 18th century, therefore the interpretation of its period is challenging. This element of the wall was comprised of reused material, including tile mortar, Caen stone, and possibly elements of a Lanfranc or Anglo-Saxon structure. Another section of the wall bears features suggesting the presence of a small outhouse-type structure, or perhaps represents the blocking of a wide aperture such as a stable door under the Commonwealth. The final section of wall under observation dated to the 19th century and appeared to contain part of a blocked window.(2)

Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2003, Rear of 35-37 Palace Street, Canterbury: archaeological note. (Unpublished document). SKE55128.

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust Ltd, 2010, Carlyon House, The King’s School, Canterbury, Kent, Archaeological excavation (Unpublished document). SKE52949.