A cannon found buried on the site of Banbury Castle is to be lifted into the town's new museum by a giant crane.

The 17th century weapon was discovered in 1973 during excavations at what is now the Castle Quay shopping centre.

The cannon dates back to an important time in Banbury's history -- the siege of the castle in 1644 in the Civil War.

Sir Richard Compton held Banbury Castle for King Charles by repelling the Roundheads almost until the end of the war. He was defeated when the castle was beseiged in 1644 and eventually destroyed.

The rear of the cannon is damaged as a result of repeated firing, which would have weakened the cast iron. It was probably thrown off the battlements as a missile after it was damaged.

The cannon is to be lifted into the first floor of the museum on Wednesday through concealed doors leading to the main gallery.

A 19th century carrier's cart is also being moved into the new £5m museum -- which is scheduled to open in the summer. The cart belonged to carrier J. H. Draper who used it to transport goods between Wardington and Banbury.