Monument record TR 15 NE 150 - Romano-British and post-medieval building

(TR 15085769) Roman streets, buildings, medieval rubbish pits. Excavations took place in 1949 on the west side of Canterbury Lane at the rear of 23 St George's Street under the auspices of the CanterburyExcavation Committee. A large area was cleared mechanically. Above layers probably representing pre-Roman cultivation, a north-east to south-west street of mid 1st century date was found. Subsequently it was resurfaced about nine times, and changed direction slightly to assume a more north-easterly course. It was suggested that this occurred when the city defences were erected to bring the street in line with them. It was joined by a street running at right angles to the south-east. This street was later than the north-east/south-west street and was probably constructed c130-140. Part of a building with clay walls faced with plaster was found north-west of the north-east to south-west street. A date of c110-220 is suggested for the building's existence. It was overlain by a series of later Roman floor levels. Later in the Roman period the north-east/south-west street went out ofuse in this area, and a two phase timber building was built near the intersection. The building clearly dates to a period after the breakdown of civic discipline, but does not appear to be of Jutish or Anglo-Saxon date. It is suggested that it should be dated to the mid 5th century. Approximately fifty medieval rubbish and cess pits were found dating to the 13th and 14th centuries cutting into the Roman streets beneath.A 16th century cellar was also recorded. (1-2)

<1> The Arch of Canterbury 7 1983 69-76 plans (S Frere and S Stow) (OS Card Reference). SKE50043.

<2> The Arch of Cant vol 7 1983 69-76 (S Frere and S Stow) (OS Card Reference). SKE50006.