During rescue excavations undertaken by Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit at the site of the remains of the Church of St. Martin-Le-Grand, Dover, in 1974, a chalk block tomb was uncovered containing a lead coffin and skeleton. It was located against the outside wall of the nave in an area which has been interpreted as being a small chapel and a later addition in the 15th century. The coffin in which the skeleton was located was of lead and this was placed within a chalk block vaulted tomb which had been decorated on the inside faces with red crosses. These are reminiscent of the Knights of St. Johns of Jerusalem. (1)

Two further tombs were also uncovered during these works but neither was recorded. One was later re excavated by Canterbury archaeological Trust in the early 1990’s. (2) Alongside the tombs located here another was located to the north during work associated with site clearance ahead of development at Market Square. This example is similar in form to this example but there is evidence of a wooden coffin rather than lead. (3)

<1> Philp, B. J., 2002, Archaeology in the Front Line: 50 Years of Kent Rescue 1952 - 2002 (Monograph). SKE11928.

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1991-1992, Canterbury's Archaeology, Sites Outside Canterbury 1991-1992 (Article in serial). SKE31645.

<3> Philip A. Rahtz, 1958, Archaeologia Cantiana, Dover: Stembrook and St. Martin Le Grand. Vol. 72 (Article in serial). SKE31641.