CHIPPENHAM NEWS: ARCHAEOLOGISTS have begun the search for King Alfred's legendary castle believed to be hidden underneath the former Goldiggers nightclub.

The site is rumoured to harbour secrets of a mythical medieval castle, which existed more than 1,000 years ago.

Experts moved in on Monday and stripped away layers of soil searching for early signs of the castle remains.

This week's dig has found an 18th century wall, medieval pottery and bones but experts fear excavation will be hampered by soil damage from when the former nightclub and cinema was built in the 1930s.

Teams of archaeologists will continue for two weeks to solve the mystery of the castle remains, which has baffled experts for hundreds of years.

Mike Stone, curator at Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre, said: "A castle is one idea, it could be buildings, gardens or trenches this is our one and only chance to find out.

"I think finding a castle is a lot less likely because the ground has been damaged, if we are lucky we might get trenches.

"But it is a royal medieval site so there has to be a palace, a church, chapel and buildings somewhere in Chippenham.

"If we can find a layout of defences and find evidence of a palace and Saxon buildings it will be exciting for scholars and the public."

More than 30 pillars measuring 2m2 were ripped from the ground during demolition, meaning much of the soil underneath has been disturbed.

Experts believe the greatest chance of finding evidence of medieval buildings now lies underneath the former dance floor.

On Tuesday Chris Curry of CKC Archaeology said: "I am getting increasingly sceptical we will find anything as too much land has been damaged."

The myth of the castle first appeared in Assers Life Of King Alfred dated 877 AD and resurfaced in numerous maps sparking archaeological digs.

The story, written by a priest, documents King Alfred being driven out of his Chippenham palace by the Vikings.

Neil Ruston, CKC Archaeology project manager, said: "According to the book he was in his palace in Chippenham when this happened.

"But the original Ordnance Survey maps of the 19th century had the site under Goldiggers marked as King Arthur's palace.

"I am not sure what chance there is of finding anything as much of the 20th century building work has damaged the land."

Housing developers have planning permission to transform the site into apartments for the elderly.