Budding archaeologists invited to Rochdale Town Hall's Big Dig 2.0

Drone view of slopes

As part of the wider restoration of Rochdale Town Hall, another archaeological dig is taking place in Rochdale town centre this summer.

The first big public dig in Town Hall Square in 2021 saw over 1,200 local residents get involved, and thanks to continued support from Rochdale Borough Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, you are now invited to the Big Dig 2.0.

Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the archaeological dig will take place on Broadfield Park Slopes which form the natural landscape of the magnificent Grade I listed Rochdale Town Hall.

There has been an initial archaeological desk-top assessment of the slopes which has revealed the medieval origins of the site, most notably the Anglo-Saxon origins of Rochdale.

Through this dig there is the unique opportunity to find proof of the medieval history of the site, of the Anglo-Saxon connection between the slopes and St Chad's Church. The dig could also reveal if the slopes hosted a medieval market, what the importance of the site's proximity to the nearby River Roch means, and if the very origins of Rochdale can be located in the area.

The public are being invited to help learn more about the site by joining the dig to unearth what really happened in Rochdale all those years ago.

The dig, divided over several sessions from 22 July to 5 August, will be led by specialist archaeologists from the University of Salford. They will teach volunteers the key skills of professional archaeologists, including how to dig safely and how to clean, record and store found objects so they can be properly preserved for the future.

If you or your family are not able to take part in the dig itself, there are still ways you can get involved. Archaeologists will deliver historical lunchtime talks from 12pm-1pm. Please email BroadfieldParkSlopes@investinrochdale.co.uk for more information.

Everyone is welcome to get involved - whether you have a keen interest in archaeology or are just looking for a fun day out with the family.

Pre-booking is encouraged. Tickets are available via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-big-dig-20-tickets-658353281387