Rochdale's Past Comes to Life: 'Big Dig 3.0' Unearths Georgian Coin and Industrial Heritage Amidst Community Buzz
Rochdale, England – A bustling archaeological excavation, dubbed 'The Big Dig 3.0', is currently unearthing fascinating glimpses into Rochdale's rich past, captivating archaeologists, community volunteers, schoolchildren, and even local politicians. Situated on the Broadfield Park Slopes, nestled between Rochdale Town Hall and the ancient St Chad's Church, the project has already yielded a treasure trove of artefacts, including a rare King George III shilling.
The ongoing dig is part of a multi-million pound regeneration project for the Broadfield Park Slopes, with a strong emphasis on community involvement. Participants have been meticulously trowelling away, hoping to reveal more of the site's intriguing post-medieval history.
Among the exciting discoveries made so far are a variety of Victorian items, including old pipes, fragments of pottery, inkwells, and a very old fashioned ginger beer bottle. However, the standout find has undoubtedly been the shilling bearing the distinctive profile of King George III, offering a tangible link to a bygone era.
Previous archaeological efforts at the site had already laid bare significant historical structures. Foundations of an 18th-century corn mill, known as the Charles Kershaw Central Corn Mill, were uncovered. Adjacent to this, the remains of a weighing station were also found, a crucial facility where locals would have verified the weight of their purchased corn, safeguarding against being short-changed at market.
The historical significance of the area is further underscored by the natural spring on the Broadfield Park Slopes, which forms the Packer Spout Fountain. This abundant water supply is believed to have been a vital catalyst, supporting the development of industry around the site for centuries.
Community engagement is at the heart of 'The Big Dig 3.0'. Pupils from Marland Hill Primary School were among several local schools given the unique opportunity to participate in this hands-on historical adventure, eagerly digging alongside seasoned archaeologists.
Rochdale's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, Councillor Daniel Meredith, recently visited the site, not just to observe, but to actively participate. He spoke to the enthusiastic schoolchildren and even picked up a trowel to experience the thrill of archaeology firsthand.
The ongoing dig is part of a multi-million pound regeneration project for the Broadfield Park Slopes, with a strong emphasis on community involvement. Participants have been meticulously trowelling away, hoping to reveal more of the site's intriguing post-medieval history.
Among the exciting discoveries made so far are a variety of Victorian items, including old pipes, fragments of pottery, inkwells, and a very old fashioned ginger beer bottle. However, the standout find has undoubtedly been the shilling bearing the distinctive profile of King George III, offering a tangible link to a bygone era.
Previous archaeological efforts at the site had already laid bare significant historical structures. Foundations of an 18th-century corn mill, known as the Charles Kershaw Central Corn Mill, were uncovered. Adjacent to this, the remains of a weighing station were also found, a crucial facility where locals would have verified the weight of their purchased corn, safeguarding against being short-changed at market.
The historical significance of the area is further underscored by the natural spring on the Broadfield Park Slopes, which forms the Packer Spout Fountain. This abundant water supply is believed to have been a vital catalyst, supporting the development of industry around the site for centuries.
Community engagement is at the heart of 'The Big Dig 3.0'. Pupils from Marland Hill Primary School were among several local schools given the unique opportunity to participate in this hands-on historical adventure, eagerly digging alongside seasoned archaeologists.
Rochdale's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, Councillor Daniel Meredith, recently visited the site, not just to observe, but to actively participate. He spoke to the enthusiastic schoolchildren and even picked up a trowel to experience the thrill of archaeology firsthand.
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