Monument record TR 15 NE 1615 - Medieval Pits and Occupation, rear of 49-51 Burgate Street

Between 1948-50 John Boyle excavated within the cellar of 49 Burgate Street. In addition to Roman and Medieval material, the site yeilded six pre-Roman coins and a considerable amount of 'Belgic' pottery from two pits. Above pre- and early- Roman ground surfaces (one perhaps including a hearth) a spread of gravel may constitute a track. The gravel was sealed by a sequence of clays and loams, the latest probably dating to c. AD 70-85, which had been truncated by the cellar floor. Several pre- or early Roman stake-holes were identified and some of the clay deposits may have been floors. Three fourth-century pits and one twelfth-century pit were also found.

During the medieval period a large number of pits, mainly of 14th century date were cut into the Roman levels. Post-dating most of these were a succession of stone buildings originally constructeds in the mid to late 14th century and representing a considerable expansion into the rear areas behind the frontage of Burgate Street.

One 12th century pit was also found during excavations. (4)

<1> Frere, S. S and Stow, S., 1983, Excavations in the St. George's Street and Burgate Street Areas. (Monograph). SKE29967.

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1999, 6-20 Longmarket & 48-51 Burgate, Canterbury: Archaeological Desk Assessment (Unpublished document). SKE29954.

<3> Andrews, G., 1985, The Archaeology of Canterbury: An Assessment (Unpublished document). SKE30429.

<4> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1999, 6-20 Longmarket & 48-51 Burgate, Canterbury: Archaeological Desk Assessment (Unpublished document). SKE29954.