In 1979 The Canterbury Archaeological Trust excavated upon the site of the current 18-20 Marlowe Arcade. This was in advance of redevelopment of the site. The sitecode was MIII.

The earliest features within the excavation area were clay extraction pits, dating to late first century BC-c.AD 70/80, which seem to have been gradually refilled and not generally used for the disposal of rubbish. Also found were some clusters of stakeholes, presumably the remains of temporary semi-industrial activity serving perhaps as screens or baffles. They were found associated with two hearths and an oven.

This Hearth was bowl-shaped in plan, a depression in the centre of the hearth may indicate the position of a crucible. There was a stake-hole cluster to the north.

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.