Excavation by P M G Jones for SCC, Prudential Property Services and Woolwich Building Society in advance of redevelopment examined aspects of the site from its street frontage to the Sweeps Ditch. There was some evidence for prehistoric activity in the area near the latter, at the northern end of the site. On the street frontage evidence for occupation in the 1st, 2nd, possibly the 4th, 13th, 14th and from the 16th to the 20th centuries was found. There was much damage caused by cellars but no evidence for RB structures was found until the late 1st or early 2nd centuries, although there was early-mid Flavian material. The eastern side of the site lacked deposits after the 2nd century and the eastern limit of the 2nd century expansion of the town may have lain through the site. It now seems clear that the London-Silchester Roman road must be under the modern High Street. There was some Saxon evidence, including a pit, but no evidence for structures until the 13th century. The present line of Sweeps Ditch was found to be of post-medieval date. (240)