Lancaster Castle Gatehouse, Lancashire. Archaeological Watching Brief and Excavation

An archaeological watching brief and excavation at H. M. Prison, The Castle, Lancaster,
Lancashire, was undertaken by the Lancaster University Archaeological Unit (LUAU) following
discussions with Mr John Beetles (H. M. P. Conservation Officer). This work was carried out
during building alterations which involved the construction of a lorry turning area, and the erection
of a large cage behind the western elevation of the gatehouse. The archaeological watching brief
was undertaken over several days between 28th June and 14th August 1995. The excavation was
undertaken in a one week period between 3rd July and 10th July 1995.
The study area lies in close proximity to the site of a succession of Roman forts centred on Castle
Hill, and is situated within the medieval curtain walls of the Castle. Because of the proximity of
known archaeological remains to the area to be developed, and the potential for surviving in-situ
archaeological deposits, it was deemed necessary that a a programme of archaeological work
should be conducted during the building alterations. Its purpose to identify and where possible
rapidly record any below ground archaeological features exposed by the ground works associated
with the building alterations