Uncovering Canterbury's Lost Roman Temple and Medieval Friary

Step back in time as we dig beneath Canterbury to uncover lost Roman temples, medieval kilns, and the very first Franciscan friary in Britain - all in just three days! Join our team of archaeologists and experts on a thrilling live excavation across three historic sites in Canterbury. We begin in the ancient temple precinct of Roman Canterbury, searching for evidence of pagan rituals, stunning mosaics, and long-lost Roman buildings. Discover how centuries of redevelopment and even wartime bombing have revealed tantalizing glimpses of Canterbury’s rich past, from Iron Age coins to the luxurious remains of a Roman elite's house. Next, we journey to Tyler Hill, where a forgotten medieval tile kiln—possibly the best preserved in Britain—waits to be uncovered. Watch as we recreate centuries-old floor tiles, revealing how this bustling industry supplied Canterbury Cathedral and churches across the region. Learn about the innovative medieval engineering behind these kilns and the mass production that fueled a city famed for pilgrimage. Finally, we hunt for the earliest Franciscan monastery in Britain, established on the orders of St Francis himself. Through live digs, historical detective work, and 3D reconstructions, we piece together the friary’s lost cloisters, church, and daily life of the monks. From cloister tiles to ancient knife handles, every find brings us closer to Canterbury’s layered history and the pilgrims who shaped it. If you’re fascinated by archaeology, Roman Britain, medieval craftsmanship, or Canterbury’s role as a spiritual center, this episode is packed with discoveries you won’t want to miss! #Archaeology #Canterbury #RomanBritain #MedievalHistory #TileKiln #FranciscanFriary #TimeTeam #BritishHistory