Work has started to excavate trenches on land where a key Civil War battle was fought.

But surprisingly, archaeologists are hoping not to find anything from the dig – because if they do, plans for a £3m visitor centre could be scuppered.

If valuable remains are found on the land next to the site of the Battle of Naseby, near Market Harborough, then historians may have to rethink plans to build the visitor centre there.

Project spokesman Peter Burton said archaeologists were digging exploratory trenches across the site and carrying out a metal-detecting survey.

He said: "They are looking for signs of archaeology from any previous era, including that of the Anglo Saxons, as there has been previous evidence of such at other sites in the area.

"We hope they draw a blank. There should be no evidence of the Battle of Naseby as it was fought in the neighbouring field. The site is perfect for a visitor centre as it overlooks the battlefield."

The centre would provide somewhere for visitors to learn more about the 1645 battle, in which the New Model Army defeated the Royalist army of King Charles.

The king fled and narrowly escaped capture in Market Harborough, but his loyal supporters were not so lucky.

Fleeing Royalist cavalry were slaughtered in the churchyard at nearby Marston Trussell and baggage trains pillaged.

After the excavation, the next stage is a planning application to Daventry District Council – and then a fund-raising drive.

Campaigners will be making bids for grants from the National Lottery.

Project chairman Richard Putt said: "We want to develop a major tourism destination to be complementary to Bosworth and Foxton in this part of the country."

The first phase would see a training area set up for The Sealed Knot, a Civil War re-enactment society.

The Sealed Knot will start training at the site later in the year. A battlefield trail is planned with viewpoints and information boards the public can easily access by car, bike or on foot.

Last year, a heritage trail was unveiled in Market Harborough which detailed the town's link to the battle and where Oliver Cromwell stayed after the battle.

www.naseby.com