Nottingham Castle
Nottingham Castle, built in 1067-68, has had an important, and often, violent history. We Dig the Castle is the first known archaeological investigation of this part of its Outer Bailey. In 2015 trainees uncovered the first archaeological evidence of allotment plots shown in the 19th century maps. Our 2016 trainees found features surviving from ornamental gardens probably associated with the ostentatious Ducal Palace constructed on the site after the destruction of the medieval motte and bailey castle. The We Dig the Castle trainees of 2017 cast further light on these potential garden features while uncovering a brick platform that, it is suggested, could be linked to the use of WW2 anti-aircraft lights or spotlights on the site.
Nottingham Castle is a Scheduled Monument and a significant archaeological resource.
Find out more about the history of Nottingham Castle and its surrounds.
Find out more about the history of Nottingham Castle and its surrounds.
Recent archaeological work at Nottingham Castle
In 2016 Trent & Peak Archaeology was commissioned to carry out archaeological work at Nottingham Castle as part of its preparations for the Nottingham Castle Transformation project.
The reports from this work are now available online.
In 2016 Trent & Peak Archaeology examined and recorded a total of 31 test pits and ten boreholes within the grounds of Nottingham Castle. Features of particular interest included evidence of the survival of the medieval Inner Ditch and post-medieval infilling activity. Structural remains and relict floor surfaces of medieval to post-medieval provenance were also recorded in both the courtyard and the tunnel connecting it to the Outer Bailey. In addition, investigations within the Outer Bailey produced evidence of the survival of the 17th century carriageway connecting the Outer and Middle Baileys. Elsewhere in the Outer Bailey, evidence of shallow cut features and relict surface deposits of medieval to post-medieval provenance were encountered. Download the report (2016)
The reports from this work are now available online.
In 2016 Trent & Peak Archaeology examined and recorded a total of 31 test pits and ten boreholes within the grounds of Nottingham Castle. Features of particular interest included evidence of the survival of the medieval Inner Ditch and post-medieval infilling activity. Structural remains and relict floor surfaces of medieval to post-medieval provenance were also recorded in both the courtyard and the tunnel connecting it to the Outer Bailey. In addition, investigations within the Outer Bailey produced evidence of the survival of the 17th century carriageway connecting the Outer and Middle Baileys. Elsewhere in the Outer Bailey, evidence of shallow cut features and relict surface deposits of medieval to post-medieval provenance were encountered. Download the report (2016)
Trent & Peak Archaeology was commissioned by Nottingham City Council to determine and undertake a programme of archaeological investigation to inform the design of the gatehouse bridge consolidation works with the aim of maintaining the historical fabric of the site. Three investigative trenches located on the bridge and approach aimed to expose and record the bridge fabric and associated layers and deposits, and to provide the structural engineers with information which would contribute to the selection of appropriate pinning techniques. Download the report (2017)
Excavation was undertaken in the Middle Bailey (or Castle Green) of Nottingham Castle in order to exhume the partial remains of an individual. The head and upper torso were excavated during archaeological works undertaken in the 1980s, with the remainder being left in-situ. The new works aimed to excavate and reunite the remaining bones with those excavated previously and stored at the Museum of Nottingham Life, Brewhouse Yard. Download the report (2017)
Excavation was undertaken in the Middle Bailey (or Castle Green) of Nottingham Castle in order to exhume the partial remains of an individual. The head and upper torso were excavated during archaeological works undertaken in the 1980s, with the remainder being left in-situ. The new works aimed to excavate and reunite the remaining bones with those excavated previously and stored at the Museum of Nottingham Life, Brewhouse Yard. Download the report (2017)