FOR years archaeologists had believed the earthworks in the heart of a castle's ruined remains were the site of a medieval tournament.

The embankment was thought to have been part of an arena where knights jousted to win honours from their king, the envy of their peers, and perhaps a few favours from the maidens.

Now a detailed survey has revealed the true nature of the site at Scarborough Castle - as the remains of a 1920s football ground.

Information taken from satellite surveys of the historic headland, using the Global Positioning System, has been matched up with local authority plans.

And the results, as well as illuminating the castle's 850-year history, prove that the embankment was not the stuff of legend.

The 18-month project was carried out by English Heritage to provide an accurate picture of how the headland has changed.

Archaeological investigator Trevor Pearson, who was born in Scarborough, said: "We had always thought that one of the prominent earthworks was the remains of a site of a medieval tournament.

"It looked like somebody had built a curving bank to make an arena in which the royal party could watch the tournament and it was known that kings of England did have tournaments here.

"But as we did our investigations it became pretty evident that it was from the 1920s and it was the remains of an unfinished football ground."

He said Scarborough Borough Council's archives helped solve the mystery, with sketch maps showing the shape of the football ground was an exact match for the embankment.

"Whenever we take a fresh look at any site we do pull out more and more information," he said.

Experts who carried out the survey will be at the castle on Saturday for English Heritage's first free open day at the fortress, taking guided tours and explaining exhibition and displays.

Jeremy Reed, the castle's head custodian, would like to speak to anyone with memories of the planned football ground to call him on (01723) 372451.