At some time between 1895 and 1896, C. F. Routledge investigated the church of St Martin's Canterbury and recorded his findings. A more complete examination was rendered possible by the removal of plaster from the walls of the Nave, and also from the lower portion of the chancel walls to a height of nearly 8 feet.
Below ground, in the North West angle of the Chancel, were found two or three projecting Roman tiles, apparently the beginning of a cross wall which was destroyed when the present Chancel Arch was erected. Some slight sings of the cross wall have also been detected above the stalls in this angle.
Outside the south wall of the Chancel the remains of two walls were found, below ground, running at right angles to the chancel. They formed two sides of an adjunct or side chapel, the southern side of which had been destroyed by grave digging. The walls were built entirely of Roman tiles and had traces of an Opus Signinum floor between them. C. F. Routledge thought the church to have Roman origins.

During restoration work at St Martin's Church, Frank Jenkins undertook limited excavations at the east end. It was seen that the contemporary floor had not survived, but across the east end were flint footings of a wall. The upper courses had been destroyed but it was clear that the wall had been bonded into the tile-built north and south walls of the earliest building.
A further document, in the CAS archive, dated 1954 states 'the restoration of the church had reached a very interesting stage. The floor of the Sanctuary is being lifted and underneath are being found indications of ancient walls, ancient paving and various tombs which give rise to much speculation as to the original history and shape of the church.'
An article in the Kentish gazette, also dated 1954, reported on the restoration and stated that 'two feet below the floor the top of the rough footings of a Roman wall were discovered' and that 'beneath the glazed floor had been found hitherto unsuspected tombs, including that of a rector of over 100 years ago'.

Kent Gazette, 1954, Actor to Appeal for St Martins: Roman Wall comes to Light (Serial). SKE30846.

Jenkins, F, 1964, Men of Kent in the Dark Ages, The Cantware (AD 449-597) (Monograph). SKE30847.

Jenkins, F., 1966, St Martin's Church at Canterbury: A Survey of the Earliest Structural Features (Article in serial). SKE30843.