Two probable early medieval pits were excavated on land at 1 Dover Street, Canterbury, Kent in January 2020, as part of an archaeological evaluation. This was carried out ahead of proposed housing extension. Six archaeological features were idenitified with at least two (possibly three) dating to the medieval period.

The summary of finds from the medieval pits included Roman pottery and tile, medieval pottery, an oyster shell, animal bone, fish bone, charcoal, alongside slag and magnetic residue. These are thought to reflect occupational and industrial activity.

The pits were found in a trench oriented NW-SE and measuring 2.9 x 1.10m, the deepest context recorded was at least 1.13m below the ground surface. One of the pits was measured at 0.44x1.30x0.78m. Another pit measured 0.41m wide and 0.36m deep. One possible medieval pit measured at least 0.75m in depth - this was not fully excavated so no other measurements were obtained.

Previous archaeoloogical investigations in the vicinity of the site suggested that Dover Street was owned by Christ Church Priory during the medieval period and that during this time, the land was open and used for cutting pits. (1)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2020, Land at 1 Dover Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3HD, Archaeological evaluation report (Unpublished document). SKE53636.