In 1978 The Canterbury Archaeological Trust excavated upon the site of the present 12-16 Marlowe Arcade in advance of development.

Area MII had anumber of pre/early-Roman features including a roundhouse, structure B1, a bowl hearth, a wicker lined well, some gullies and a number of clay extraction pits. A pebbled surface, dating to between 70/80AD-100/110 AD was seen to seal a Belgic pit containing horse harness trappings and other military equipment. A number of similarly aged post holes and beam trenches indicated the presence of a building (R1). A number of ovens associated with the structure. Were also found as well as further ovens and furnaces to the south of a pebble driveway. R1 is believed to have been built around 70/80AD and had been deliberately destroyed c.100/110 AD.

Blockley, K., Blockley, M., Blockley, P., Frere, S. and Stow, S., 1995, Excavations in the Marlowe Car Park and Surrounding Areas. Part 1: The Excavated Sites (Monograph). SKE29969.