Volunteers needed for Radcliffe heritage Big Dig

Volunteers are needed to uncover the secrets of Radcliffe’s mediaeval past at a community Big Dig.

Excavation work will be carried out in and around the historic site of Radcliffe Tower from 7 October to 8 November, and anyone over 16 can take part in this “Time Team” style operation. Volunteers will be joined by a team of expert archaeologists from the University of Salford.

The latest dig is part of a £461,000 project, with £267,000 of Heritage Lottery funding, to investigate the oldest part of Radcliffe and turn it into a tourist attraction.

It will excavate, enhance and interpret the story of the de Radcliffe family at Radcliffe Tower in Close Park. Conservation works to the tower will also be carried out and a new setting for the tower and St Mary’s Church will be created with on-site information boards, a website and phone app all helping to tell the story of the area. 

The tower is now the only visible remains of a mediaeval manorial site once owned by the de Radcliffe family. The same family owned Ordsall Hall in Salford, which has fared rather better than Radcliffe Manor and still stands complete today.

The Radcliffe site can be traced back to before the Norman Conquest and was mentioned in the Domesday Book. Both the tower and the church are Grade I listed buildings and the tower is also a scheduled ancient monument. The area is rich in industrial history and was home to Bealey’s bleach works from the 18^th century. The Bealey family had their own grand house there too called Close House. They donated the land to the council to create Close Park in 1925.

Sara Hilton, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said:
“Uncovering Radcliffe’s mediaeval heritage will make for a fascinating projectand reveal hidden clues as to the way our ancestors lived and how the community around here developed into what it is today. As well as telling the story of Radcliffe through its most historic landmarks, this project will also help bring existing local groups together with other parts of the community to get inspired and get involved.”

School groups will have the opportunity to visit and participate in excavations. Workshops will take place giving training in digging, recording and interpretation of finds. The project will be used as an inspiration for creative work by art students and Bury College and their work will feature in the exhibition and on sign boards.

Volunteers are asked to contact Brian Grimsditch on 0161 295 3821 or email B.Grimsditch@salford.ac.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 26 September 2013.

Note to editors: Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) aims to make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities across the UK and help build a resilient heritage economy. 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 35,000 projects with more than £5.5bn across the UK. www.hlf.org.uk.