(TR 14565749 sited from Fig 2, authority 1) Roman, Saxon and Medieval finds. Excavations in advance of proposed redevelopment by Canterbury City Council were undertaken by the Canterbury Archaeological Trust in 1975 and from Summer 1976 to Autumn 1977. Three areas were investigated; Area I TR14555747, Area II TR14565749, Area III TR14585747 and a small trench south of Gas Lane TR14535745. Area III proved to be devoid of archaeological features, which had been removed by gaswork foundations. The first occupation dated to the mid-first century and consisted of a two phased ditch of possibly militery design, 55m in length, of which 32.6m was excavated, dating from cAD 50-70 and extending from area I into area II. The evidence indicates two distinct phases of occupation and final abandonment cAD 70. In area II, a sequence of Roman street-metallings, dating from the later first century and aligned north-east/south-west, was laid over what may have been previously the demolished rampart of this defensive sequence. Pits of late 1st to late 3rd-4th century date were excavated along with two cremation burials of the late 1st-early 2nd century. Timber buildings were also recorded. A remarkable double inhumation with two swords, belt and scabbard fittings was located, dating to the second or early 3rd century. The foundations of a substantial Roman building were discovered in a small trench south of Gas Lane. Saxon occupation was represented by a number of late Saxon pits. No trace of Norman occupation was found except for the massive castle ditch, 2.8m deep and 8.9m wide. The area outside the castle defences was probably used for agricultural purposes for a considerable period after the Castle was built. Documentary evidence from 1591/2 indicates that the areas to the east and north of the Castle bailey were hopfields at that time. A number of 18th and 19th century pits were excavated. Features associated with the gas works represent the final period of activity. (1) Additional bibliography. (2) An area was excavated for an extension to the gas works on a site east of Church Lane, St Mildreds, and about 40ft from the north- east angle of the church. A normal build up of 5ft of soil was encountered. There were no traces of any Roman buildings. The earliest levels contained Belgic pottery of mid 1st century date, followed by 1st century Roman pottery. A collection of 2nd-4th century pottery succeeded and top 3ft of soil contained pottery dating from the 13th-18th century. (3)

<1> The Arch of Cant 1 1982 1-236 (P Bennett SS Frere and S Stow) (OS Card Reference). SKE49958.

<2> The Arch of Cant;An Assessment 1985 121-123 (G Andrews) (OS Card Reference). SKE50034.

<3> Arch Cant 64 1951 67-68 illus (F Jenkins) (OS Card Reference). SKE35385.