In 1980 The Canterbury Archaeological Trust excavated upon the site of the present 1-2 Marlowe Arcade prior to redevelopment. The sitecode was MIV and the work was undertaken prior to development.
The earliest features seen on the excavated area dated to the late first century BC to c. AD 70/80. They consisted of elements of two lengths of curved ditches, possibly enclosing a nucleus of Belgic settlement. A number of stakeholes and post holes were also uncovered suggesting the presence of structures (B2). The structure B2 appears to possibly be five sided, although this is not certain

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.