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Uncovering the past

Louise Nicholson
16/ 7/2004

FOUR hundred North Manchester schoolchildren have again teamed up with a group of archaeologists to uncover Moston's past.

Pupils from nine local primary and secondary schools took part in the second Big Dig on the site of the former Moston Hall at Lower Broadhurst Park.

Councillor Jeff Smith, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Education said: "The dig really brings local history to life and is an excellent way of teaching children about Moston's medieval past.

"This is the second year running that we have been involved in this exciting project, and it shows that Manchester's curriculum is far broader than just reading, writing and arithmetic."

Last year's dig was billed as a huge success, with burnt materials uncovered that were carbon dated between 1170 and 1400, pottery dating back to the 13th century and some well preserved parts of 18th and 19th century outbuildings as well as part of the original old hall.

Simon Askew, Site Director at the University of Manchester Archaeological Unit said: "The local schoolchildren and teachers have helped give Moston 2004 an excellent start.

"Working together with professional archaeologists, the schools have helped uncover the buried history of the site and further our understanding of the lives of the people of Moston over the past 700 years."

Schools involved include Briscoe Lane Primary; Broadhurst Primary; St Matthew's RC High; Charlestown Primary; Christ the King RC Primary; North Manchester High School for Girls; Moston Fields Primary; Moston Lane Primary and St Dunstan's RC Primary.

Each group spent half a day at the site, which has had specific areas targetted as likely to yield the most treasures.

Now the site is getting ready for its next big community dig next week, where local residents can help uncover more local history at Moston Hall.