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Yourcanterbury Roman remains are just some of the historical finds archaeologists expect to uncover when they begin a major dig underneath the Beaney Institute later this year, prior to its redevelopment.  The three month dig costing £350,000 is expected to begin in April, and experts are looking forward to uncovering centuries of Canterbury history buried beneath the iconic Victorian building.
Paul Bennett, director of the Canterbury Archaeological Trust, said: “It is right in the centre of a very important part of the city. “It is right next to the Forum Basilica, the most important Roman building in the city. It is possible we might make some very significant finds. “We know the site was also in the heart of the Anglo Saxon town, and in the heart of the medieval city, so this could be a very interesting dig.” Exploratory trenches have already uncovered evidence of Roman roads and timber framed buildings which the Canterbury Archaeological Trust say are probably mediaeval. But despite the importance of the dig, experts say it is extremely unlikely that the Beaney redevelopment project will be held up in any way. Mr Bennett said: “It would have to be something really exceptional for it to be preserved in situ, and that would require substantial redrawing of the development plans. “But I can’t really think of anything that would warrant this. It has been planned in great detail, and we’ve agreed to preserve in record as opposed to preserve in situ. If we found a mosaic for example, it would be taken up and displayed somewhere.” {mosgoogle left 7887083644} Archaeologists plan to dig several trenches on the site, with a deep excavation in the basement where it is hoped they will uncover roman remains. The site is important because it has been at the centre of the city for centuries, and should provide a rich seam of new information about Canterbury’s history. Particularly significant is the fact the site is right next to the Forum Basilica, which in Roman times would have been the most important building not only in the city, but the whole region. The Forum Basilica was the central market place and law courts, and would have been at the centre of Roman life along with three other important civic buildings in the city – the baths (under Waterstones), the temple and the theatre. The Beaney redevelopment project aims to conserve and enhance the late Victorian building, provide a brand new extension, and transform the range and quality of displays and services on offer. The Beaney is scheduled to close at the end of February and aims to reopen in 2011.
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