SNN111625 - Aerial and geophysical surveys at Fotheringhay Castle, Northamptonshire, October 2017-May 2018

Aerial and geophysical surveys comprising Ground Penetrating Radar and magnetometer techniques, combined with a new analysis of resistivity date surveyed in 1991, has provided evidence of a tower on the motte and buildings and yards or rubble in the inner bailey of Fotheringhay Castle. The ground plan of buildings within the inner bailey is at variance with the only known depiction of the castle before its demolition in the late 17th and 18th-centuries. The reason for this discrepancy is uncertain but could suggest either that the drawing is inaccurate or that an otherwise undocumented phase of post-medieval buildings was constructed after the demolition of the castle. Only selected excavation would provide dating evidence for the buildings. Survey to the north and east of the castle has also identified historic remains including hollow-ways, tenements, foundations of small buildings one of which may be a dovecote and the moat surrounding the outer courts of the castle.