ENN11769 - Fineshade Abbey, 1987 (Trial trench)

{1} Following an application to convert the stable-block into two dwellings, a series of evaluation trenches was cut by machine in April 1987, concentrating on the area bounded by the castle ramparts but also extending to the north in order to seek the site's limits in that direction. The north-east corner of the castle-rampart was identified, while occupation relating to the priory appears to have been centred on the northern part of the site where demolition rubble was found. In addition, an-unsuspected Roman site was identified to the west of the stables where large quantities of roofing tiles, building stone, and plaster suggest the proximity of a major building.