Time-team dig to unearth secret past of old hall

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help excavate the historic Chadderton Hall.

The University of Salford scheme is part of Greater Manchester’s biggest ever archaeological project.

Hundreds of schoolchildren will be taking part in the dig at the former manor house from September 10-22.

Volunteers of all ages and abilities are needed to help discover the secrets of hall, thought to have been built in 1620. The building went through several incarnations before demolition in 1939.

The university archaeology team believe there is the potential for a number of exciting finds since it was variously used as a stately residence, a menagerie — complete with a lion and boxing kangaroo — a boarding school and even a pickle factory.

The project is part of Dig Greater Manchester, which will see over 9,000 people taking part in archaeological projects over four-and-a-half years in 11 boroughs in the region.

To sign up as a volunteer, contact Debbie Atkin at d.atkin@salford.ac.uk or on 0161-295 3821.

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