A chance to solve mystery of Spalding Castle

The centuries-old mystery of Spalding Castle could finally be solved if a proposed redevelopment of the town’s leisure centre goes ahead.

Archaeologist Richard Buck feels that one of the town’s most enduring secrets could finally be revealed if the Castle Sports Complex is revamped - and experts are allowed onto the site.

Members of South Holland District Council are due to receive a report on the future vision of the Spalding gym and swimming pool in the summer.

The authority’s performance monitoring panel was told at its March meeting that swimming pool could be knocked down and rebuilt next to the ‘dry side’ of the Castle Sports Complex.

There has been plenty of speculation about the Castle over the years - and whether it was a stone or wooden structure - but Mr Buck feels that the redevelopment provides the perfect once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to answer these questions for good.

Mr Buck, who is the curator of archaeology at Spalding Gentlemen’s Society, said: “Spalding Castle will probably be debated and redebated for many years to come. Nobody knows the exact truth and speculation and ideas will always arise with every generation of historians and archaeologists.

“Until the site gives up any archaeological treasures or evidence that may survive, we will be forever in the dark.

“Unless, in years to come, the Castle Sports Complex is revamped and the archaeologists are allowed in at long last to excavate one of the most interesting sites in Spalding.”

A council spokesman said: “It’s far too early to speculate what future developments at the Castle Sports Complex will look like but any archaeological or historical implications with the site will be taken into consideration at the planning application stage.”