Great news for Radcliffe’s medieval quarter

The Heritage Lottery Fund has confirmed its final approval to a £267,000 grant towards a £461,000 project which will excavate, enhance and interpret the story of the de Radcliffe family at Radcliffe Tower in Close Park.

Match funding will come from volunteer time, other funding grants and Bury Council. 

The project, which will get under way in late summer or early autumn 2013, will enable investigation of the site through a ‘Time Team’ style excavation and will involve various studies of the tower and of St Mary’s Church. Strengthening works to the tower will also be carried out and a new setting for the tower and church will be created with on-site information boards, a website and phone app all helping to tell the story of the area. 

Local schools, volunteers and archaeologists from Salford University will be working together on this project which is expected to increase interest in the area and encourage involvement in similar schemes and boost visitors to the area.

From September, Radcliffe residents and other interested parties will be invited to get involved in designing the improvements to the area and there will also be opportunities to attend workshops and training. 

Councillor Jane Lewis, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and culture, said: “This is excellent news for Radcliffe. This work will boost the facilities and attractions on offer at Close Park, and will give the people of Radcliffe a great opportunity to get together and enjoy researching and enhancing the area’s history and character. 

“We already have Bury College on board with their media and arts department intending to use the area as a base for a wide range of students’ work throughout the project period and we are keen to hear from others that would also like to get involved.”

Sara Hilton, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “The medieval core of Radcliffe has hidden clues as to the way our ancestors lived and how the community around here developed into what it is today. By delving into this history, volunteers will not only expand their knowledge and learn lots of new skills, but it will also provide a unique record of the area for others to learn, enjoy and be inspired by.”

To find out more, contact Mick Nightingale or Chris Wilkinson at Bury Council on 0161 253 7451/5269 or e-mail m.nightingale@bury.gov.uk / c.m.wilkinson@bury.gov.uk.  In connection with the dig contact Brian Grimsditch on 0161 295 3821 or e-mail b.grimsditch@salford.ac.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 19 August 2013.

Picture attached: Radcliffe Tower.

Note to editors: 

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported over 33,000 projects, allocating £4.9billion across the UK. Website: www.hlf.org.uk