Evaluation by J Pine of TVAS in advance of redevelopment revealed a concentration of features in one part of the site. The features comprised pits, postholes and two possible ditches, and may represent several phases of activity. The features that could be dated appear to be from the early Medieval period, but the discovery of pottery of Roman and early to middle Saxon date suggests activity of those dates in the near vicinity. Excavation of this area is proposed for the future.

Excavation by G Hayman of SCAU revealed evidence of Roman ritual activity, including human inhumations and cremations, and an animal burial, and pits and ditches which may belong to later, 4th century, settlement. Interpretation is tentative as work is in progress, and no finds analysis has taken place.

Excavation by J McKinley of WA of a site on the High Street frontage, and of the former British Gas site, both as part of the Central Trading Estate redevelopment. Limited evidence of Bronze Age activity was observed at both sites, including flood defence measures and probable agricultural activity. The major phase of occupation was in the early Romano-British period, where domestic activity, including an in situ tessellated floor surface and associated wall lines indicative of a substantial structure, and small scale industrial activity was concentrated in the area of the High Street site.

Geophysical Survey carried out by Matthew McMurray as part of a university project, in order to locate the Roman building which excavations nearby in 1986 had suggested may be present in the field. Faint traces of stone walls were identified, as well as a possible roundhouse, which may be associated with the building. The survey also revealed a possible field system. Resistivity work is planned for the area in mid – 2001.

Evaluation by J Stevenson of SCAU prior to the creation of a new “heathland style” golf course. No finds or features of archaeological significance were revealed. A subsequent watching brief discovered only a few pieces of calcined flint. Fieldwalking by A Allen, a local archaeologist, did lead to the discovery of sherds of pottery and tile of late Roman date in one area. The stripped area adjoining the find site was examined, but no features relating to occupation were found.

Evaluation by J Robertson of SCAU prior to the construction of a new wing. No features of significance were revealed, although Roman and Medieval material was recovered from the topsoil.

Survey undertaken under the direction of C Currie of CKCA, as part of the Community Archaeology Project, for SCC and SyAS, to assess whether the study area was suitable for designation as an Area of Special Historic Landscape Value (ASHLV). Both documentary research and fieldwork added greatly to our knowledge of these areas, and for a fuller summary of results, see Bulletin 345.

Excavation by C Orton of University College London revealed evidence for the presence of possibly two Roman buildings adjacent to Stane Street. Numerous domestic finds including glazed Roman pottery, a large quern fragment, animal bones, a whetstone and about thirty coins were recovered. A burial of probable early Roman date was also revealed, which could provide useful information about the limits of settlement in the area at this time. (346)

Evaluation by G Hayman of SCAU in advance of further mineral extraction at the former Runfold Farm Pit revealed a number of features containing material of prehistoric and Roman date. Further work is planned in the areas that produced archaeological material.