ARCHEOLOGISTS visited Kendal this week to oversee excavation work on Westmorland Gazette land in the hope of making a significant medieval find.

Experts from the Lancaster-based Oxford Archaeology North are monitoring the demolition of the newspaper's garages, as well as other work on the site, throughout the redevelopment of large plots of land in the town centre.

The work will see the creation of a large new Booths store behind the Gazette offices, along with car parking, apartments, shops and a public piazza all to be completed before winter next year.

Archaeologists are hoping to unearth hidden secrets from bygone days on the land, dating back to when shops and houses fronted onto Stricklandgate during the 13th and 14th centuries, blocking out views of more unsightly features such as latrines and rubbish pits behind the properties.

This week saw contractors start work on dismantling The Westmorland Gazette garages, under the careful scrutiny of the archaeologists.

Lakeland which has closed its doors for a major refit has been fully gutted, ready for work to start on replacing the floor structures.

And Eric Wright Ltd is working with a design team on enhancing plans for improved safety at the entrance ramp to the development's car park off Low Fellside.

Demolition in pictures, see our Photo Gallery section.

February 14, 2003 10:00