Excavation by J McKinley of WA of a site on the High Street frontage, and of the former British Gas site, both as part of the Central Trading Estate redevelopment. Limited evidence of Bronze Age activity was observed at both sites, including flood defence measures and probable agricultural activity. The major phase of occupation was in the early Romano-British period, where domestic activity, including an in situ tessellated floor surface and associated wall lines indicative of a substantial structure, and small scale industrial activity was concentrated in the area of the High Street site. Activity of a more marginal character was occurring on the British Gas site. Flooding was clearly a problem at this time, with broad ditches forming defences and evidence for at least one major alluvial incursion. Most of the evidence of the late Romano-British period is suggestive of agricultural activity. None of the excavated features or deposits were indicative of immediate post Romano-British activity; and there appears to be limited medieval activity, with evidence generally confined to the disposal of domestic refuse.