Radcliffe Tower Archaeological Dig, Foundations of Tower Farm

Image: © David Dixon Taken: 16 May 2015

St Mary's church and the nearby ruins of a pele tower are normally the only visible remains of the medieval Radcliffe Manor. The site was mentioned in the Domesday Book, because of its importance and today this is recognised because the site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and the church is Grade I listed. Radcliffe Tower was once three storeys high and is the only visible remains of the de Radcliffe family’s ancient manor. The tower was built by James de Radcliffe who, in 1403, ordered an ambitious rebuilding of his manor house. Little is known of the manor house prior to that date, although excavations in 1979-80 by the Bury Archaeological Group suggested that it stood on the site of the later building. Although the surviving tower is now free standing, when it was built it stood next to the timber framed great hall which projected to the west. The tower had fallen into disuse and been converted to a farm building by 1700. The present gabled roof shape is a result of, and dates from, that agricultural usage. The tower is now a Grade I listed building (English Heritage Building ID: 210639 http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-210639-radcliffe-tower-non-civil-parish-#.VTkAkmd0x_s British Listed Buildings) and a Scheduled Ancient Monument as defined by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. Archaeologists from Salford University initially excavated the site in October 2013, exposing the foundations of the 17th century Tower Farm and 19th century Tower Street cottages. A follow-up dig in September 2014, uncovered a 15th century doorway and floor and stone plinth bases from the great hall which once joined onto the tower. Another dig to excavate underneath the former Tower Street cottages and work out the extent of medieval floor remains took place between April 13 and May 15, 2015. An open day to view the project’s excavations was held on 16th May before the trenches were filled. This end of the site shows the foundations of the 17th century farm which was built using material from the tower. Some of the larger stones can be seen in the photograph. http://www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/bury-council/pressreleases/latest-works-at-the-historic-radcliffe-tower-1119833 Bury Council Press Release

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