The aim is to understand more about the history of the fort after the Romans left. Excavating the rampart on the south-east corner may reveal how the fort was repaired in the Middle Ages after the Roman east wall fell onto the beach, and how it was refurbished in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars when the main barracks, magazine and carriage store were built.

A newly-cleared area in front of the magazine will allow investigation of the south wall of the Roman tower and a chance to look for the Roman courtyard which has still not been seen.

Pictured: It is hoped that the excavation at the Nunnery will reveal more secrets about the fort's history after the Romans left. 

A trench in that position will also be able to learn more about the ‘gun ramp’ on the south wall and possibly pick up traces of a building now mostly buried below the magazine. The date both were built is unknown but is suspected to be before the eighteenth century.

The south wall of the tower can also be investigated from the inside by a trench positioned parallel to the German bunker where a tree previously blocked access.

Little is known of the interior of the tower, but it is hoped that further evidence can be found concerning its use in Tudor times when the Governor of Alderney lived at the Nunnery. A further trench is planned to understand more of a mystery building just visible in the garden on the seaward side of the fort.

Excavations will be led by the former director of Guernsey Museums, Dr Jason Monaghan, assisted by volunteers from Alderney and the Guernsey Museum Archaeology Group. It is planned the dig, which has the support of the Alderney Society, will take place during the last two weeks of August, subject to any Covid-19 restrictions in place at the time.

Pictured top: The 2016 dig, with the volunteers measuring the thickness of the Roman tower wall at 2.8 metres.