Scientist uses radar to discover hidden history

(PhysOrg.com) -- Cranfield University's geophysical expertise has uncovered hidden history as part of a wider Heritage Lottery Funded initiative aimed at enhancing the knowledge of St Neots' past.

The project run by St Neots’ Town Centre Initiative (TCI) received a £20,000 grant to identify the foundations of the Priory under the St Neots’ Waitrose Car Park area.

The project which took place earlier this month found the Priory walls and the outline of some rooms.

Peter Masters, Geophysicist and Research Fellow from Cranfield’s Defence and Security campus in Shrivenham used ground-penetrating radar to conduct the survey work. The radar penetrated approximately three metres below the car park surface over an area of about 100 metres square.

Mr Masters said: "Everyone is interested in the history, especially if it is beneath your feet and is totally hidden. I think a lot of people would be surprised to find out what is under the car park.

"The most interesting find was a semi-circular feature at the southern end of the car park but we don’t know what it is. I found traces of the walls of the Priory and walls to the dormitory."

It is thought the Priory dates back to the ninth century and had up to 18 monks in situ at its prime. In the 16th century, the Priory was dissolved under the dissolution of monasteries enacted by Henry VIII.

TCI Chairman, John Davies, said: "The aim of the project is to continue to uncover more of the town’s heritage so that we can share this knowledge with the community."

Provided by Cranfield University