During an archaeological watching brief conducted between August 2021-February 2022 at Market Square, Dover, a series of medieval features were excavated. These included a medieval cemetery (TR 34 SW 2878), medieval and post-medieval building remains, and stratified deposits. Largely, only the medieval wall remains are discussed here, including many of the fragments which are broadly medieval - early post-medieval in date.

The medieval cemetery (TR 34 SW 2878) is thought to be associated with a Norman church which existed in the area prior to the marketplace being established in the later medieval period. This is St Martin-le-Grand which was in use until around AD 1480. The remains are suggested to date from between c. AD 1100 to 1400. Whilst many of the remains had been disturbed by modern services, a number at the base of the excavation were still in articulated/semi-articulated condition. In once instance, a stone-lined tomb from a later period could be seen to cut across earlier burials at the site.

The building remains excavated through this watching brief were located in King Street, to the south of the Market Square, and near the junction with Queen Street. The medieval wall remains which were excavated were largely fragmentary. Some of the remains are interpreted to have originated from a relatively large medieval structure with a cellar. Two separate roofed chambers were also identified from examination of the chalk block roof. The lower portions of these chambers have been left unexcavated and are thought to still survive below the trench.

Through previous investigation into the area, these have been suggested to relate to a number of different structures. These include the old Courthall/Guildhall (which is known to be present in the area), buildings belonging to canons of St Martin-le-Grand, parts of undercrofts, warehouses, and houses owned by wealthy merchants. Current interpretation suggests perhaps a combination may be accurate.

A number of stratified deposits were recorded, however, none could be dated - but many are suggested to be medieval/post-medieval in date.

Also excavated at the site was 1 Roman pot sherd (weighing 8g), and 2 Roman tile sherds (combined weight of 262g). One of the post-medieval walls was found to have a piece of Roman brick or tile situated within it, probably representing a later inclusion. (1)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2023, Dover, Market Square, 2021–22 Report on watching briefs in and around the Market Square (Unpublished document). SKE55296.