Over the past few years, many items have been discovered within the Castle grounds.  Mainly due to the long hot Summers, the items have come to the surface.  In 2003, a very rare Medieval dagger was found in the herb garden, which is located within the inner bailey. 

Prior to the Saxon (and later Norman) occupation, the hill top location was a Roman hill fort.  A hoard of Roman coins and various pieces of Roman pottery (including high status red Samian ware) have also been found within the Castle grounds.

Roman Coins and Red Samian-ware found at the Castle

Visitors and staff alike often find items within the Castle site.  These have included Medieval pottery, coins, palisade nails and the occasional horseshoe.

Medieval Pottery and Palisade Nails

Later items have also been found, including Civil War musket shot and even a cannon ball and Civil War glass bottle!

During the 1939-45 World War II, the Castle's strategic hill top position was used by an anti- aircraft battery to guard the nearby railway line, which was used to transport tanks.  Items found include bullet casings and a cap badge.

Cannon Ball & Bottle from the Civil War and World War II Bullet Casings & Cap Badge

All items mentioned are on permanent display within the Castle's Visitor Centre.  Any further finds of interest will, of course, be posted on to this website!