9 archaeological trenches were excavated during works to improve the flow of water along the Great Drain and prevent seepage.

Prior Wibert (1153-1167) constructed the first drainage system around the cathedral. This consisted of lead pipes, cisterns and drains. Subsequently Prior Goldstone (1495 - 1517) extended the system by constructing the Great Drain. The drain consisted of a vaulted buried aqueduct built of brick and cement. The drain has been exposed by archaeological investigations on various occasions and is sometimes seen as parchmarks. (1)

GIS depiction only shows those parts of the Drain that have been identified.

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust Ltd, 2013, Canterbury Cathedral, Prior Goldstone Drain, Phase 2 Investigation report (Unpublished document). SKE52814.