(Summarised from publication)

During a series of extensive rescue excavations, ahead of development in Dover’s town centre, undertaken by Kent Archaeological Rescue unit a series of features relating to the late Roman Saxon Shore Fort were excavated and recorded. During excavation at the Gaol Lane site, in an area which had been heavily disturbed by Medieval and post medieval activity, a sub-rectangular structural element represented by a mass of greensand blocks was apparent. It is likely that this is the basal stone for pier carrying an arch.

It was 2.2m by 1.4m and survived two courses high above four courses of chalk block and appeared to form a large respond just forward of the central axis of the fort wall. The area to the east of this feature had been largely destroyed by Medieval pits but it seems highly likely that there was a corresponding eastern respond with a central gap of at least 2m. The interpretation of this feature as a gateway is strongly supported by the presence of two extensive areas of metalling to the north and south of this feature, possibly representing roads. (1)

<1> Brian Philp, The Discovery and Excavation of the Roman Shore Fort at Dover, Kent (Monograph). SKE32061.