An intriguing discovery has emerged beneath a dilapidated public square in Kent, where an underground vault has been unearthed. This significant finding is part of a larger £200,000 renovation project currently underway (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2y701q8klo).
The historical vault, located under the paving stones of St Mary Bredman Square, sits near the site of the now-closed Nason's department store in Canterbury. According to officials from the Canterbury City Council, improvement efforts commenced on Monday, leading to this unexpected archaeological revelation.
Experts from the Canterbury Archaeological Trust are diligently investigating the vault, which is believed to have been situated beneath a former church that once existed in that location. Today, the square features a war memorial, benches, and flowerbeds that contribute to its community atmosphere.
In addition to uncovering the vault, the renovation work will involve repositioning gravestones to enhance their visibility and relocating a historic horse trough to better preserve the area's heritage. This project not only aims to beautify the square but also to highlight the rich history that lies beneath the surface.