Funding secured to reveal Rochdale’s medieval history

Posted by on 16 Jul 2024

The rebirth of Rochdale town centre continues with the announcement of £879,390 support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to take the restoration of Broadfield Slopes to the next stage.                                                                   

Putting heritage at the heart of the regeneration of Broadfield Slopes and the future of Rochdale’s townscape, it is hoped this next stage of funding which is made possible by National Lottery players, will provide the missing piece to the jigsaw and unlock the secrets of the past, bringing with it another layer of new life to the transformation of the town centre.

The development phase of the project involved an archaeological dig that uncovered traces from the towns ancient past, with finds from the areas natural history and signs of medieval structures, revealing the story of the site reaching back to the early medieval period.

Records suggest that Rochdale has a significant medieval history which is, as yet, only partly corroborated by the archaeological evidence revealed in phase one of the project. However there is strong evidence of Rochdale being of strategic importance to the Normans in showing their dominance over the Saxons in post-conquest Britain, lending more weight to the fact that Rochdale was an important medieval settlement. St Chads Church, whilst completed in 1100, it is referenced as early as the late C7th, with potential that an area close to the Slopes was home to a medieval market site around 1251.  If this next restoration stage can substantiate this initial research then Rochdale could become known as one of the most important medieval settlements in the North West.

Councillor Danny Meredith Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing at Rochdale Borough Council said “Building on the success of the reopening of the town hall, the project aims to raise local awareness of the restoration efforts and emphasize the historical significance of Broadfield Slopes. From its medieval roots to its pivotal role in Rochdale’s evolution, this next stage of the project embodies the rich tapestry of Rochdale’s heritage.”

The space is for the community which can get involved in the space through a number of projects and volunteering opportunities.  A full activity programme will include a programme for volunteers to explore the historic trades buried in St Chad’s graveyard, Archaeological work placements, apprenticeship opportunities and a Young Archaeologists Club.

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We’re delighted to support the next stage of this exciting project to restore Broadfield Park Slopes, thanks to National Lottery players. Following the restoration of the Town Hall, this work will continue the heritage-led regeneration of Rochdale, uncover the town’s medieval story and ensure the Slopes can be enjoyed by local people and visitors from further afield for years to come. We know heritage has the power to further a sense of pride in place for communities and this project is sure to do just that.”

In true cooperative Rochdale style, the project will continue its links with, Broadfield Community Primary School, located by the park, who have been involved in the development of the project and the archaeological dig, and will continue to involve the school by aligning a range of activities associated with the slopes to the pupils’ curriculum. Furthermore, a Design Engineer Construct (DEC) programme has been developed by Class of Your Own and will be delivered to students at Matthew Moss High School.

Seria Bellanti, teacher at Broadfield Community Primary School, said, “This project is important for so many.  For the young who are able to immerse themselves in nature and learn how to appreciate and cultivate plants, or become budding treasure hunters by getting involved in the archaeological digs; to the older generation who can enjoy their passion for gardening and volunteering, having purpose whilst creating a real community hub limiting loneliness and social isolation, whilst uncovering the secrets of Rochdale’s past.”

From its medieval roots to its pivotal role in Rochdale’s evolution, the slopes embody a rich heritage and the restoration plans will change the landscape and create a welcoming and accessible community space, which is safe, interesting and appealing, highlighting the rich heritage through the landscape proposals whilst maintaining environmental sustainability and allowing the area to be enjoyed by local people and visitors from further afield for years to come.