More information : TR 155577. Excavation within the precinct of St Augustine's Abbey
revealed burials, some coffined, in the lay cemetery, part of which
continued to be used as a graveyard until the 18th century. Some of
the graves were cut into the surface of the Roman road (RR10). (1)
The lay cemetery to the south of St Augustine's Abbey Church is
probably one of two cemeteries referred to in 1185, and dedicated
by Archbishop Baldwin. Tombs and other structures including a water
conduit, were built within the cemetery. After the Dissolution the
lay cemetery was retained by the City of Canterbury for use by parish
churches whose graveyards were full. This continued until 1791 when
the site was sold and the Kent and Canterbury built there.
Excavations took place in 1974-5, after the hospital became available
for demolition but nothing below late-monastic levels was examined,
leaving most of the cemetery for future excavation. (2)
(Lay Cemetery: area centred to TR 15465771 from plan). (3)
Lay cemetery to S of church was expanded, c1099-11245, into
Longport. (4)
|