Evaluation and excavation by R Poulton of SCAU prior to the installation of a new floor and external staircase to the castle keep. Material examined from within the keep suggested that a fairly substantial 19th century deposit extended to at least 0.5m below the current ground surface. This material was not excavated to its full depth. A trench in the area of the proposed staircase produced similar results to the investigations in 2001, where it was found that possible medieval deposits relating to the construction of the castle exist very close to the current ground surface. Subsequent excavations in this area revealed the foundation trench of the keep, and the original motte on which it was built.