By Dan Martin, Leicester Political Reporter

Copyright bbc

Fast forward hundreds of years to the medieval period and a dungeon is unearthed.

Just yards from where drinkers are now enjoying a pint in the Corn Exchange Wetherspoons pub, two members of the ULAS team have been rooting around the remnants of the Gainsborough Chamber’s prison.

The chamber was a high-status landmark civic building, which served as a venue for judicial proceedings, mayoral business, feasting and celebrations, until its demolition in about 1748.

According to a book about medieval Leicester, written by historian Charles Billson, one of the unfortunate prisoners in 1533 wrote: “Master Mayor sent me forthwith to a most vile prison called the Gaynsborrow, then offered to put gives and fetters upon my legs and so to lye upon hard planks without bed or straw and without company or comfort.”

“I think we can safely assume it wasn’t very comfortable,” Dr Speed added.

“The walls are extremely thick. It was built to last and that’s why it still survives today.

“Our team are busy working through the layers in the dungeon. We have a record from someone kept here in what he described as a vile prison.

“He had chains fitted to his legs and he described having to lay on a hard board without any straw – and with no company for him down there.

“It’s a tiny room and it’s quite deep, so it will be interesting as we work our way through.”