In February of 1987 The Canterbury Archaeological Trust excavated to the rear of 50 St Peter's Street. The work was undertaken in advance of an extension to the property and was funded by the owner, Mr Neil Mattingly. Prior to commencement of the excavation the owner had cleared the yard area and had partially reduced the level. This had revealed a number of brick walls, a brick-lined well, the foundations of a brick bread oven and remnants of a substantial flint wall. These were part of two separate structures, both outbuildings apparent on the First Edition OS of 1874. The well was contemporary with these structures, which were part of a large bakehouse destroyed by WWII bombing. Underlying these levels were deopsits consistent with the demolition of a previous building, earlier levels were recorded in section where later disturbances had cut them. The principal early feature was a large masonry wall which extended across the width of the propery block. It projected above the demolition horizon and was rendered with plaster on both sides. Clay floors undoubtedly associated with the wall were observed in the sides of later pits. The uppermost clay deposit may have been the basis of a tiled floor. This deposit capped a sequence of laminate beaten earth floor and clay floors. Traces of clay floors were also located south of the flint wall, indicating that the early building extended over a much greater area of the property block than the later brick built structures. The flint walls' construction would indicate that it is 13th century construction and was probably built to support a timber-framed structure of some importance.

Bennett, P., 1987, 'Saunders', No 50 St Peter's Street (Article in serial). SKE30945.