10th April 2013:

Archaeologists from OA North have begun a two-staged evaluation for the Environment Agency in partnership with Derby City Council in advance of a new flood defence scheme. The 'Our City, Our River' scheme will involve the construction of new embankments along the River Derwent as it flows through Little Chester.

Situated a short distance to the north of Derby city centre, Little Chester is the site of a Roman fort. The new flood defences will be situated between the sites of the Roman fort and a Roman bath house.

Archaeologists have been on site for less than a week, but already have unearthed pottery and other finds, and are hopeful that significant remains, including buildings, will come to light. Even at this early stage, the fieldwork has attracted local media attention, featuring in the Derby Telegraph and on the BBC’s East Midlands Today.