In April 1950 a trench was dug by the Canterbury Excavation Committee in the vicinity of the current 1, 3-4 Marlowe Avenue. It was coded CXVI EI and although much disturbed by later pits revealed evidence of Belgic occupation. This included pottery and a number of post-holes thought to be part of a hut. A pebble surface was seen at the east end of the trench and was found to contain 1st century Samian sherds; it was sealed by an occupation deposit of Roman date. Street silt of Roman date was also observed, this yielded pottery of c. 130-70 AD.

Between July and October 1982 The Canterbury Archaeological Trust excavated upon the site of the current 1-6 and 10-11 Marlowe Arcade prior to redevelopment of the area. The sitecode was MT82.
The earliest features dated to the pre- and early Roman period and were two structures, B3 and B4. A hearth was also found. 16 pits and two gullies were also found within area MT. A cremation was also excavated and consisted of cremated bones within a pedestal urn which had been set upright in a small hole.
During the Roman period further structures were erected on the site, R31 consisted of post and stake holes. At the north-west end of the site a row of post-holes, interpreted as fence posts. Later structures were more substantial, buildings R32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38 and 40 were all part of a major building programme which saw a planned alignment of streets and structures.

At the end of the Roman period a deposit of 'dark earth' built up over the area. Signs of occupation were represented by structures S30-2, which cut the latest Roman street metallings and the dark earth deposit.

Ordnance Survey, 1873, 1st edition map of Canterbury 1873 (Map). SKE30447.

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.