Locals of all ages invited to join free archaeological dig and discover the town’s industrial roots.
Residents are being invited to get stuck into history next month, as a major archaeological dig returns to the Broadfield Park Slopes in Rochdale.
The free dig will run daily from Monday 7 to Friday 18 July, giving people the chance to uncover lost parts of the town’s past at a key site just behind Rochdale Town Hall.
The slopes, currently being restored with support from the National Lottery and Rochdale Council, sit above a natural spring which fed the famous Packer Spout Fountain. It’s believed the water source supported industry in the area long before the town expanded, making it a vital part of Rochdale’s early growth.
Previous excavations have already revealed the remains of the Charles Kershaw Central Corn Mill and an old weighing station, used by local traders to check they weren’t being short changed at market. That focus on fairness ties in closely with the principles behind the cooperative movement, which started in Rochdale.
Dr Colin Elder from Elder Archaeology CIC, who’s leading the dig, said: “This part of Rochdale would have been busy with homes, workers and mills during the Industrial period. But there’s still so much we don’t know, residents could be the ones to uncover the next big find.”
The new dig will focus on the post medieval history of the site, with organisers hoping to unearth clues dating back to between the 1540s and the 1760s.
Anyone aged five and over can take part, with children needing to be accompanied by an adult. There will be two digging sessions each day, 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm. Toilets and hot drinks will be available on site, but booking is essential.
There’ll also be short guided tours for people who prefer to observe rather than dig. These take place on Wednesday 9, Saturday 12, Wednesday 16 and Friday 18 July, and must also be booked ahead.
Councillor Danny Meredith, who oversees regeneration at the council, said: “This dig is a great chance for residents to learn about Rochdale’s past and maybe even find something no one’s touched for hundreds of years. It’s part of their heritage, and this kind of event really brings that to life.”
Helen Featherstone, director for the North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added: “It’s brilliant to see people being given the chance to get hands on with their history.”
The dig is part of a wider revamp of the park slopes, which will include new landscaping and a restored Packer Spout Fountain.
It also forms part of the celebrations for Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture 2025–26, with events planned throughout the borough to showcase its history, creativity and community spirit.
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