Rochdale heritage project shortlisted for top archaeology award

Posted by on 22 Jul 2026

The Broadfield Park Slopes activity programme, which included three major archaeological digs, has been shortlisted for a national heritage award.                                                   

The project was centred on the restoration of the slopes behind Rochdale Town Hall, but it also delivered a huge community engagement programme, which included three archaeological digs.

A staggering 8,500 people have engaged with history and archaeology as part of the activity programme, which has now been shortlisted for the community archaeology project of the year award at the Marsh Community Archaeology Awards.

Part of the Council for British Archaeology awards awards, the accolades are seen as the gold standard in the industry.

Delivered by RDA and supported by Rochdale Borough Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), the restoration of the Broadfield Park Slopes included two major digs on site, which helped to uncover the foundations of an 19th century corn mill and a public weighing station at the foot of the slopes. In addition, a 17th century property and an 18th century solicitor’s chambers were also uncovered.

More recently, the dig team, led by RDA with support from Elder Archaeology CIC, excavated land close to Tonge Hall in Middleton, which hails from the Tudor period. The team found evidence of post Medieval farming techniques, such as ridge and furrow, a historic agriculture system which used ox and plough to improve drainage on land and divide communal land between households. They also discovered archaeological features which suggested the site may have had a Medieval hall there, which predates Tonge Hall.

In total, 26 archaeology work placements completed more than 1,000 volunteer hours, with participants gaining new skills in excavation, finds cataloguing and conservation and interpretation. Working alongside them were 11 local volunteers, who also clocked up more than 1,000 volunteer hours. Hundreds of visitors also took up the trowel and dug into Rochdale’s past.

In addition to the digs, local community groups and schools helped to create historic interpretation on the Slopes, including carvings and benches. The project also engaged a number of local schools, including Broadfield Primary School, on a cross curricular programme which introduced children to careers in the heritage sector through careers fairs, classroom sessions and outdoor activities.

Local resident, Lauren Davies, who was an archaeology research volunteer on the project, credited the dig with helping her overcome some health challenges.

She said: “The archaeology I’ve been involved with has been amazing for my physical and mental health. Although I can find digging tiring at times, digging also helps me to feel stronger, both mentally and physically. I never feel as strong as I do when I’m digging.

“I have been able to socialise with like-minded people who also have a passion for archaeology and meet people from all walks of life, from primary school children to adults. It is exhilarating, being able to get out of the house and have some independence and do what I love to do, while helping people experience archaeology for the first time or the hundredth time.”

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and cooperation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Restoration is not just about making things look beautiful again, it’s about unlocking the door to our past, with all its fascinating stories and getting people excited about those stories and all those lives that came before us.

“The success of the Broadfield Park Slopes activity programme has been fantastic to see. It’s given thousands of local people, including our youngest residents, another reason to be proud of our heritage and the opportunity to find out about something completely new and different. This shortlisting is very well deserved and I’ve got everything crossed for the win.”

The winners will be announced on Tuesday 28th July.