The undated feature of unknown function associated with Canterbury Cathedral South Precincts was excavated during an archaeological evaluation at the site. It was comprised of a straight-sided, flat-based cut and had charred wood at its base. One possible interpretation is that it represents a collapsed drain. Other features identified at the site include medieval/post-medieval surfaces, burials from the early medieval/medieval/early post-medieval period (TR 15 NE 1952), and a monastic drain (TR 15 NE 1953).

The feature was located in the SW corner of evaluation pit 3. Only a small area of the feature was observed, composed of the north side and a section of the base. The cut had a steeply angled straight edge and was aligned E-W; it was up to 0.35m in depth with a flat base upon which were lying fragments of charred wood, the largest of which was 0.44x0.05m, forming a length of log/beam. The other pieces of charred wood appeared rounded in profile, suggesting that is it unlikely that they formed the remains of a coffin. The backfill contained charcoal flecks, Caen stone fragments (including a dressed piece), animal bone, two copper alloy lace tages, and an iron nail.

Other finds associated with the site include Roman tile and building material (thought to be residual), medieval/post-medieval pottery, tile, and brick, alongside silver, copper alloy, lead, iron, flint, and animal bone (all dating from various periods and frequently residual in character). (1)

An excavation at the site carried out in 2016-2017 identified two further features of unknown function which appeared to cut medieval graves at the site. These features had dimensions of 1.2m in width and 0.65m in depth, and up to 0.75m in depth. One of these features was filled with soils containing structural debris, charcoal, disarticulated human remains, daub, pottery, and shell, the other was filled with clays containing bone, daub, and pottery. Some of these inclusions may be residual in nature. (2)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust Ltd, 2016, Canterbury Cathedral Water management works: Investigations within the South Precincts Archaeological evaluation report (Unpublished document). SKE52681.

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust Ltd., 2018, Canterbury Cathedral drainage works: Excavations within the South Precincts: Interim report on archaeological works (Unpublished document). SKE56177.