In 1978 the first of a series of excavations was undertaken by the Canterbury Archaeological Trust in advance of the redevelopment of the Marlowe Car Park and the site of the Marlowe Theatre. The first excavation was initally coded 16WS and later recoded 'MI'. Excavation was total and lasted six months.

A series Roman rubbish pits were located on the site dated to the Conquest or earlier period. By c. AD 70 the first Roman building was constructed on the site (R14); A series of buildings some replacing others or contemporary with them were built between AD70 and AD250. (buildings R14-R19). The last of these building becoming abandoned about c. AD 340, when 'Dark Earth' deposits started to form on the site.

Andrews, G., 1985, The Archaeology of Canterbury: An Assessment (Unpublished document). SKE30429.

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.