10th June 2013:

Archaeologists from OA North have started digging along the River Derwent in Derby. The fieldwork for the Environment Agency in partnership with Derby City Council is being carried out 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.

The remains of a Roman fort and bathhouse are known to exist along the route of the scheme, and already archaeologists have uncovered evidence of a possible civilian settlement next to the fort.

Even at this early stage, the exciting discoveries have attracted media and local attention. The archaeological team have been sharing the preliminary findings with the local community, hosting several school visits and a tour from the Derbyshire Archaeological Society.