Heritage Open Day: Archaeological Investigation

Heritage Open Day: Archaeological Dig

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The Middleton Archaeological Society is digging at Clarke Brow playing field in Middleton to uncover the foundations of an old pub and an old farmhouse.

Cliff Ivers, from the society, said: “We believe the pub was demolished in 1897 and we are uncovering the foundations of what we believe was an old farmhouse.”

The back wall to the pub, foundation stone to the pub and the farmhouse, an unknown archway and a variety of old pottery, including cups and jugs, have been uncovered.

Cliff added: “We have a variety of people involved including people who have never done it before. One lady is on her first dig today and we can’t get her out of the hole!”

Around fifty people have been involved with the dig. “We had a good day yesterday and have been lucky to get a morning out of it today with the weather,” said Cliff.

One lady taking part hopes to go on to study a History and Archaeology degree at Manchester University and was taking part in her first dig. She said: “I’ve never been involved in a dig before. Its very wet but very interesting.”

The dig has also proved popular as part of heritage open day weekend. “We have had a lot of people stopping and having a look so that’s been good,” said Cliff.