A possible Roman metalled surface was excavated during a strip, map, and sample excavation at 40 Orchard Street in 2017. This surface comprised a moderate depth of compacted gravel sealing natural geology, and is thought to possibly represent a small courtyard. The route of a Roman lane running NW by SE runs close to the site, however, this area of gravel is not thought to relate directly to this feature.
The layer which sealed this surface was comprised of silty clay soil, indicating abandonment and reuse as an agricultural site during the late Roman and post-Roman periods. Finds associated with this layer include small quantities of daub, animal remains, and sea shells, including mussels and oysters. The area appears to have been used for agriculture into the 19th century when the present housing development was constructed. (1)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust Ltd., 2017, 40 Orchard Street, Canterbury, Kent: Archaeological Watching Brief Summary Report (Unpublished document). SKE55777.