A leading archaeologist is calling for a major examination of a development site in Rochester following the discovery of an historic defence wall.

The wall, which possibly dates back 500 years, has been found at Century Buildings off Victoria Street.

The site has already hit the headlines after a Tudor Wall was discovered there last year. English Heritage stepped in and granted the wall, which formed part of a sunken garden, Grade II listing status. Work came to a halt on the site in September last year after the developers, Future Homes, went into administration.

Dr Peter Rumley, who advises the National Trust, says the latest discovery challenges ideas of how Rochester looked in medieval times and believes a major archeological examination needs to take place to ensure developers do not damage the historic centre of the city.

He said: “This is a very exciting find. Medway Council and Kent County Councils should carry out a thorough investigation, so the historic importance of the new discoveries can be properly assessed.

“This is not just a boundary wall. It’s massive, and looks as if it could be a defensive structure beyond the old city wall.

“I believe it could relate to a very high status house in Crow Lane which existed before Restoration House was built. It may have occupied the same site and that of adjacent houses.

“A thorough archaeological investigation is essential to prevent further damage to such an important historic city as Rochester.”

Excavations were carried out by archaeologists contracted by Kent County Council following the discovery of the Tudor Wall, which was partly demolished by the developers.

Dr Rumley says that as the site is now for sale it would be an appropriate moment to explore the archaeological remains more thoroughly and to avoid repeating previous mistakes.

He believes the Tudor wall may have formed a backdrop to prestigious gardens that swept down towards the River Medway, offering a grand vista to people arriving by water.

The latest discovery, while being a defence structure, could also have provided a raised walkway linking that part of the gardens with those that have already been restored by the owners of Restoration House.