Between April and June 1996 The Canterbury Archaeological Trust excavated on land at the corner of The Friars and Best Lane prior to redevelopment and the sitecodes were FCP96 and FCPA96.

Two trenches were excavated Trench A was at the west end of the site, adjacent to the River Stour, and Trench B was 3m further west. Trench A revealed post-Medieval tanning vats below which was preserved a Roman metalled surface sloping to wards the river to the west. Close to the river wooden stakes had been driven into this surface and a dark silt layer overlaying the surface may represent 'dark earth' following a post Roman abandonment period.
Trench B revealed ground that was probably open until the 14 or 15th centuries.

Jarman, C., 1999, Best Lane (Article in serial). SKE30854.