Match funding will come from volunteer time, other funding grants and Bury Council. 

The project which will get underway in late summer or early autumn 2013 will enable investigation of the site through a Time Team style excavation and will involve various studies of the tower and of St Mary’s Church. Strengthening works to the tower will also be carried out and a new setting for the tower and church will be created with on-site information boards, a website and phone app all helping to tell the story of the area. 

Local schools, volunteers and archaeologists from Salford University will all be working together on this project which is expected to increase interest in the area and encourage involvement in similar schemes and boost visitors to the area.

From September, Radcliffe residents and other interested parties will be invited to get involved in designing the improvements to the area and there will also be opportunities to attend workshops and training.  

Councillor Jane Lewis, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism and Culture, said: “This is excellent news for Radcliffe. This work will boost the facilities and attractions on offer at Close Park, and will give the people of Radcliffe a great opportunity to get together and enjoy researching and enhancing the area’s history and character. 

“We already have Bury College on board with their Media and Arts Department intending to use the area as a base for a wide range of student’s work throughout the project period and we are keen to hear from others that would also like to get involved.”

Sara Hilton, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “The medieval core of Radcliffe has hidden clues as to the way our ancestors lived and how the community around here developed into what it is today. By delving into this history, volunteers will not only expand their knowledge and learn lots of new skills, but it will also provide a unique record of the area for others to learn, enjoy and be inspired by.”

Further information

To find out more contact  Mick Nightingale or Chris Wilkinson at Bury Council on 0161 253 7451 / 5269 or email m.nightingale@bury.gov.uk / c.m.wilkinson@bury.gov.uk. In connection with the dig contact Brian Grimsditch on 0161 295 3821 or email b.grimsditch@salford.ac.uk.