Medieval skeleton found in castle grounds on display
ONE of the skeletons discovered within the grounds of Halton Castle during an archaeological dig in 2015 has gone on display to the public for the first time.
Visitors can now see the late-medieval mystery for themselves at Norton Priory museum.
The man is one of two skeletons found buried in the castle’s lower bailey and now dubbed ‘the bodies in the bailey’.
Researchers believe he was in his 40s when he died.
He had endured a hard life, having broken both his legs in separate incidents, which led to complications and infections.
Norton Priory museum said he also had terrible teeth and an abscess in his jaw.
Analysis has dated the male and female skeletons to the late medieval period, when the structure was at its peak.
The display has coincided with the launch of a public-participation dig taking place this month at the castle which will try and shed further light on the mystery of the bodies in the bailey.
Lynn Smith, Norton Priory senior keeper, said: “This is a great chance for people to come and see the Halton Castle skeleton for the first time.
“The new display also ties in with ● Two skeletons dated to the late Middle Ages were discovered during the 2015 Halton Castle dig this year’s community excavation at the castle, which we hope will uncover more about these unusual burials and what this might tell us about medieval castles nationally.”
The display and the excavation are funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund with thanks to the players of the National Lottery.
“Salford University’s Centre For Applied Archaeology has been commissioned to supervise the excavation supported by volunteers from the area.
The Halton Castle Community Dig will run from July 17 for two weeks.
An open day will take place at the castle and at Norton Priory museum on Sunday, July 30, from 10am to 4pm. ●