Graham Webster, of the Canterbury Archaeological Society, was present in April 1939 during the excavation of a of an ARP control room in the gardens of the Municipal Offices Canterbury.

The hole dug measured 10.67m by 7.32m and reached a depth of 3.05m. Roman pottery was encountered at a depth of 5ft on the north side of the hole. A rubbish dump of oyster shells and sherds was also revealed. At a depth of 1.68m two v-shaped ditches were revealed containing dark earth full of pottery. The presence of bright red clay indicating a kiln was also noticed, though after it had been partially destroyed by workmen. The dome was seen to be constructed of wattle and daub. Several almost complete Roman pots were found close to the firing hole.

The kiln is of Grime's Type IV and consisted of a fire tunnel and fire pit, seperated from the oven by a floor of clay bars and tiles. The kiln had a domed top of daub and clay mixed with potsherds, which would be renewed at each firing.

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

Webster, G., 1941, A Roman Pottery Kiln at Canterbury (Serial). SKE30702.

Jenkins, F, 1947, Treasures of the Museum (Monograph). SKE30701.