Evaluation by J Vuolteenaho of MoLAS in advance of the installation of a new track revealed one area containing postholes representing either early activity, or an earlier fence alignment, and another with a small shallow feature and further postholes. Monitoring by S Davis during machine clearance around the area of the first set of postholes did not reveal any similar or associated deposits, but the concrete roof of either a basement or bunker was uncovered. Although not fully excavated, the structure was found to extend at least 2m below the present ground surface.

Evaluation by K Bazley of AOC revealed a large linear feature of Roman date (thought to be a flood protection ditch), a post pit, posthole, pit and gully, possibly prehistoric and indicative of settlement activity. A medieval or early post-medieval gully, and evidence of substantial post-Victorian disturbance, including foundation remains of the Majestic Picture Theatre were also found. Further work is proposed.

Evaluation by D Eddisford of AOC revealed evidence for medieval occupation and post-medieval dumping deposits surviving along the High Street, sealed beneath the footings of the modern structures. Truncation had removed deposits in areas away from the High Street frontage however. Subsequent excavation confirmed this, with the medieval features surviving along the street frontage including ditches, postholes and a pottery kiln. An area of Tudor stratigraphy also survived, which included brick structures and a metalled surface.

Evaluation by S Gannon and C Cowan of MoLAS, and continuation of work that began in 2002. A number of late 19th century light industrial features were revealed, including a probable sawpit, and evidence of brick manufacturing. A possible former dock, consistent with the evidence contained on contemporary maps, was also located. A programme of building recording was carried out by A Upson in 2002–3 (but unreported at the time) on former military and civil boat-building structures of early to mid-20th century date.

Watching brief by S Coles of TVAS observed a single modern (19th or 20th century) pit.

Evaluation by A Boucher of AI prior to residential development. Quarrying was found to have removed most of the archaeology-bearing horizons across most of the site, although in isolated areas the remains of the former 19th century brickworks were encountered, as well as a series of geological palaeochannels.

Watching brief by A Clark of EH and D Williams of SCC during works to clear parts of the moat revealed only 19th and 20th century finds.

Geophysical survey and evaluation by D Sykes of OA to inform a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the restoration and enhancement of the park landscape. The geophysical work provided generally disappointing and inconclusive results, especially around the area of the priory where it had been hoped that evidence for former monastic structures would be forthcoming, although magnetometry work on the summit of Park Hill did reveal a number of anomalies consistent with the presence of a Bronze Age site that is suspected to exist in the area.

Evaluation by R Lambert of SCAU revealed no features of archaeological interest, but did recover a number of Neolithic/Bronze Age struck flints from the topsoil across the site, and a discrete flint scatter between the topsoil and natural in one of the trenches. A watching brief by J Robertson of SCAU during the excavation of a pipe trench in front of the main doorway of the house revealed the edge of a possible Victorian manhole.

Evaluation by T Malim of GAP encountered extensive remains of 19th century structures relating to gunpowder manufacture on the site, although little evidence for earlier activity was observed