Buried skeletons throw up mystery
THE mystery of two skeletons discovered buried within the grounds of Halton Castle in Runcorn have left researchers scratching their heads after a follow-up up dig this summer raised more questions than it answered.
Archaeologists from Norton Priory and the University Of Salford’s Centre For Applied Archaeology had hoped to dis- cover why the remains had been interred in such an unusual location, but the enigma is still unsolved.
Frank Hargrave, Norton Priory director, said skeletons within castles are highly unusual and archaeologists had speculated that there may have been a graveyard for a chapel.
But no more burials were found making this hypothesis unlikely.
The skeletons’ pathologies suggested that they were more likely to have been ordinary ● residents than aristocrats, raising the question of why they were buried in such an exalted location where space is a premium.
Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the University Of Salford’s Centre For Applied Archaeology was commissioned by Norton Priory to lead the community excavation that took place in July.
Ninety-eight volunteers took part and excavated the base of a tower and area around the two skeletons that were discov- ered in 2015 and explored a section of huge post holes.
Frank Hargrave, Norton Priory director, said a silver coin of Henry III hinted at an earlier phase of the castle but more mysteries were unearthed in the form of three large square pits cut directly into the bedrock.
Archaeologists believe they are remnants from medieval industrial processes such as tanning or pottery making.
Mr Hargrave said that if so, they are yet another highly B SE ES LL T E R unusual feature within a castle.
Nearby, the postholes are likely to represent the foundations of a large timber framed hall.
It adds to the picture of a crowded and busy bailey and one of potentially significant industry.
The dig also uncovered features from all of the different periods of the castle, from the medieval tower and evidence of industry to the edge from the 19th century bowling green and platforms from the Second World War nissen huts.
One of the skeletons is being exhibited at Norton Priory along with a temporary display of other finds.
Sarah Cattell, Centre For Applied Archaeology project officer, said: “The dig has been a great success and has given us more fascinating evidence of what was going on in the castle throughout its history.
“Despite a second season of excavation we still have more questions than answers so it’s going to be really interesting work to try to unravel the mysteries of the castle!”
Lynn Smith, Norton Priory Museum & Gardens senior keeper, said: “This was yet another amazing community dig. The enthusiastic support from volunteers and funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund meant that many important discoveries have been made.
“These will be thoroughly investigated in the post-excavation phase.”
More on the excavation can be viewed on Norton Priory’s YouTube channel.