During work to the main drainage system of Canterbury the ciy engineer, James Pilbrow, observed Medieval drawbridge foundations (of chalk and flint) at the site of the former Riding Gate.

In March and April 1986 The Canterbuty Archaeological Trust excavated upon the site of the Roman Riding Gate prior to road refurbishments.
The earliest excavated levels were the metallings of Roman Watling Street, the gate foundations were also revealed. The subfoundations were of flint and mortar above which was a plinth of massive, chamfered greensand blocks tied together by lead encased iron clamps. Upon the plinth were the main walls of flint and mortar with regular courses of Roman bricks and quoins of greensand blocks. The carriageway arches wuld have been of Roman brick. The guard chambers, one on each side of the gate, had rear entrances and were bonded into the fabric of the city wall. A defensive ditch would have fronted the wall, this presumably was spanned by a timber bridge giving access to the carriage ways. To the rear of the city wall was a massive rampart of earth and clay.
Traces of the lower part of a timber door was seen during the excavation and would have been one of a pair, one for each carriageway. It also became evident that one fo the carriageways became disused and the door was locked. The carriageway became a room and was used for industrial activity.

Pilbrow, J., 1871, Discoveries made during excavations at Canterbury in 1868 (Serial). SKE30226.

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

Andrews, G., 1985, An Assessment. Gazetteer of Excavations. Prehistoric, Belgic and Roman Excavations (Monograph). SKE30006.

Blockley, P., 1986, The Ridingate (Article in serial). SKE30686.