This year Bury Archaeological Group will be excavating at the site of Gristlehurst Hall near Heywood, Manchester. The project aims to identity the exact location of the original hall, and its possible relationship to surviving buildings. Investigations are at present concentrated in an area that seems to have been occupied by hall outbuildings from the early Medieval to the early post-Medieval period, as evidenced by a kiln and several hearths. A number of 18th-century features have also been identified.
Digging takes place on Wednesdays from the beginning of April until the end of October. Volunteers are asked to become members of the group but there are no additional charges for joining the excavation. No previous experience is required, and on site training will be provided. Car parking at the site is very limited but the dig is easily accessed by bus from Rochdale and Bury. Minimum age is 16.
