Former Peugeot Garage, Rhodaus Town (A28), Canterbury, Kent Ct1 2RH. Post-excavation assessment

Excavation in advance of development (CA/15/000602/FUL) on behalf of Canbury Holdings Ltd at the former Peugeout Garage site, Rhodaus Town, Canterbury (NGR 614921 157363). The excavation area totalled 6,460m2, and was conducted between 28 Sept 2015 and 21 Feb 2016. Archaeological data spanning the Neolthic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman, Anglo-Saxon, medieval and post-medieval periods was recovered. Significant archaeology included: a late Iron Age sunken lane and coaxial field system; evidence for early Roman clay and gravel extraction; a late Roman inhumation cemetery active between the early fourth century through to the early fifth century AD; mid to late Anglo-Saxon refuse pits containing a mix of domestic waste and metalworking residues including evidence for smelting and smithing; an early medieval defensive ditch forming one side of an extra-mural defensive circuit, potentially part of an outer bailey to a Norman motte and bailey castle focused on the Dane John Mound and Gardens; later medieval activity comprising pits and a trackway following the line of the defensive circuit and associated with foundation of the Dane John Manor within its extents; and associated agricultural activity continuing until development of the site in the late nineteenth century both as an agricultural exhibition hall and roller skating rink, From the early twentieth century the site was acquired by the Canterbury Motor Company and continued as a garage, under different ownerships, until the present development.