SECRETS beneath the soil of Kendal Castle could be unearthed by experts connected to popular archaeology TV show Time Team.

Archaeologists are hopeful the castle courtyard will be probed during a geophysical survey some time this spring, which could shed new light on mysteries such as the existence of a "lost chapel", which have fascinated historians for generations.

Provided English Heritage grants a licence, and funding is secured, the hi-tech probe will almost certainly be performed by Geophysical Surveys of Bradford, some of whose staff appear on the Channel 4 show Time Team.

Rachel Newman, of Lancaster University's archaeological unit, said the experts were likely to target green spaces within the castle walls, and a piece of land outside.

She explained that geophysicists make discoveries by passing electrical currents through the ground to detect stone, ditches and post-holes; and using magnetic methods to pinpoint 'hot spots' such as hearths and fireplaces.

The survey might reveal whether the courtyard had been cobbled or contained timber buildings in the past.

Local historian John Marsh greeted the survey as "absolutely great news".

"The reason why they are doing it is there's been so much conjecture about what there is under the soil in the courtyard," he told the Citizen.

"One is the lost chapel which appears on one or two plans and drawings from the 16th and 17th centuries, but nobody has ever found; and there's the mystery of the well to solve - is it a real well, or isn't it."

The survey might also shed light on a piece of land outside the castle walls.

"Guesses have been hazarded over the years as to what it is.

What seems to be a sensible guess was made by Tom Clare, who is now the Mayor of Kendal.

He said it's probably a Tudor garden, but it other people have thought it was a Roman fort, or the bailey of a motte and bailey castle."