Description:Excavations at the Castle Site were conducted by Thomas Pape in the 1930s. Surprisingly few actual objects were recovered – only the large sandstone foundations and decayed wood were revealed (as seen on this photo).
In an Office of Work report after the 1930s excavations it was decided that the foundation walls “though of great historic interest, were not accessible, and there was not a public road to them, and the laundry proprietors wanted the land for extension of their premises, therefore the best plan would be to make the walls good by treating with special cement, to cover them up and get them scheduled.”
However the foundation of the stone gate on John O’Gaunt’s Road was thought worthy of preservation and you can still see this part today.
The remains of the castle’s motte can be seen at one end of the Queen Elizabeth Gardens.