During evaluation trenching the badly disturbed remains of two inhumation burials were recovered. Due to the close proximity of the main Roman road it is believed that they are probably of Roman date. They are the first signs of a cemetery on this side of the town. (1-2)

Later work on the site, continuing until 2003, recovered the bones of at least nine other individuals. Pottery sherds and small finds recovered from the site and in association with the two articulated burials suggest that the cemetery was in use between the early 2nd century to the early 4th century. One of the burials showed signs of bone infection, possible iron deficiency, and bone nodes, the consequence of repeated back strain. The size of the cemetery is unclear. Later brickearth quarrying (TQ 76 NW 360) has probably removed all but the deepest burials and the soil conditions have effected the survival of bone fragments. A single inhumation found during construction of the Baptist chapel on Crow Lane in the early 20th century may be connected with the burials at 178-184 High Street. (3)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2001, Provisional Summary of Findings From the Evaluation Trenching at 178-184 High Street, Rochester (Unpublished document). SKE12433.

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2001, Interim Report on Archaeological Trial Trenching and Excavation at 178-184 High Street, Rochester (Unpublished document). SKE15906.

<3> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2003, Final Report on Archaeological Work Undertaken at 178 - 184 High Street, Rochester (Unpublished document). SKE12474.