The restoration work on the slopes behind Rochdale Town Hall has been shortlisted for a national award after a community archaeology programme drew large public participation and several significant finds.
Project reaches thousands and uncovers historic features
The Broadfield Park Slopes activity programme, delivered by the Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) with support from Rochdale Borough Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, has been named among the finalists for the Community Archaeology Project of the Year at the Marsh Community Archaeology Awards.
The programme included three major archaeological digs and accompanying community activities. According to the council, around 8,500 people have engaged with the history and archaeology work carried out as part of the project.
Finds and local learning
Excavations on the slopes revealed the foundations of a 19th-century corn mill and a public weighing station at the foot of the slopes. Additional discoveries included the remains of a 17th-century property and an 18th-century solicitor’s chambers.
More recently, the dig team — led by RDA with support from Elder Archaeology CIC — worked on land close to Tonge Hall in Middleton. There, they found traces of post-medieval farming, such as ridge and furrow earthworks, and features suggesting a possible earlier medieval hall predating Tonge Hall.
| Site | Notable discoveries |
|---|---|
| Broadfield Park Slopes | 19th-century corn mill foundations; public weighing station; 17th- and 18th-century structures |
| Land near Tonge Hall (Middleton) | Ridge and furrow farming remains; possible earlier Medieval hall features |
Volunteers and skills development
The project also placed an emphasis on skills and volunteer involvement. In total, 26 archaeology work placements contributed more than 1,000 volunteer hours, and an additional 11 local volunteers also recorded over 1,000 hours of support. Participants gained practical experience in excavation, finds cataloguing, conservation and interpretation.
- Three major digs carried out as part of the slopes restoration
- About 8,500 people engaged in the programme
- Over 2,000 combined volunteer hours recorded by placements and local volunteers
Community groups and schools were involved in creating historic interpretation for the site, including carvings and benches installed on the slopes. Hundreds of visitors also took part in hands-on digging activities during the programme.
The Marsh Community Archaeology Awards form part of the Council for British Archaeology’s recognition of excellence in the sector and are widely regarded as a benchmark for community-led archaeology work.
If the project wins, it will add national acknowledgement to local efforts to restore and interpret an important public space and its buried heritage.
