Sign up for fascinating historical dig
● ANYONE who has wanted to have a go at archaeology has been invited to volunteer for an excavation at Halton Castle in Runcorn coming soon that could help shed light on the origins of two ancient skeletons found within the grounds.
For two weeks which started from Monday, July 17, members of the public can take part in the followup dig to the one that took place two years ago and unearthed a cornucopia of exciting finds.
The Centre Of Applied Archaeology at Salford University has been commissioned by Norton Priory to supervise the excavations and is looking for volunteers.
In 2015, more than 300 residents and schoolchildren took part in an excavation at the castle and made some incredible finds including two skeletons that were discovered in the outer bailey and were radiocarbon-dated to the late Middle Ages.
Archaeologists said their presence within the castle walls remains a mystery and Norton Priory is keen to find out more contextual information to help to solve the enigma.
A priory spokeswoman said the discovery of the skeletons has few parallels in Britain.
She said the 2015 dig also found the foundations of a building in the vicinity and researchers are keen to explore what might have been there.
Lynn Smith, Norton Priory senior keeper, said: “This is another fantastic opportunity to further investigate Halton Castle and to help discover more about the skeletons that were found in 2015.”
For further information contact Claire Broadhurst at Norton Priory on 01928 569 895 or clairebroadhurst@nortonpriory.org
The excavations have been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.