Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire

Sum awarded: £9,975

It is generally assumed that Higham Ferrers Castle was established in the 11th century as a motte-and-bailey, but the earliest surviving mention of the site dates from the early 14th century. It was a stone-built castle and its development is shrouded in mystery. The situation is compounded by the events of 1523, when Henry VIII granted the owner permission to dismantle the castle and reuse the materials to rebuild Kimbolton Castle.

Project lead Stephen Parry of Finham Heritage will direct geophysical surveys at the site (magnetometer, ground-penetrating radar, and resistivity) to establish the layout of the castle and where the greatest potential for buried archaeology lies.