Chichester dig resumes to uncover more Norman castle remains
An archaeological dig to uncover more of a hidden Norman castle in West Sussex is set to resume.Excavation work at Chichester's Priory Park has so far unveiled evidence of remains dating back to the 11th Century, including a military causeway and bridge.Following a series of geophysics and ground-penetrating radar scans, the work has most recently concentrated on the discovery of a ditch to the east of the city site.An open day for members of the public to find out more will take place on 31 May.
The latest dig will run from Tuesday until 3 June.The project is a collaboration between Chichester and District Archaeology Society and Chichester District Council (CDC), with council archaeologist James Kenny leading it. "We are very excited to welcome back the team to Priory Park," said Bill Brisbane, CDC's cabinet member for planning. "Their work over the past few years has been vital in helping understand the rich history that lies beneath it."He said as the dig progressed a tray of finds would be displayed for people to view and handle, while it was hoped some remains could go on permanent public display within the park.
In 2017 three well-preserved Roman buildings, along with some accompanying baths, were found on the site.It is thought the structures, two of which would have been houses, were owned by people of importance.Archaeologists said the only reason they survived was because Priory Park, which was originally home to a monastery, was never built on.Chichester's Roman name was Noviomagus Reginorum, which translates to New Market of the Regini - a reference to the Regni tribe which inhabited the area.
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