East Lancashire scouts dig back into the past (From Lancashire Telegraph)

East Lancashire scouts dig back into the past

12:00pm Wednesday 25th July 2012 in News By Jessica Cree, Education reporter

BUDDING archaeologists have been digging up the past as part of a history project at a former stately home.

Volunteers have been gathering at Arden Hall, in Plantation Road, Accrington, to learn excavation techniques, and how to document their exciting finds.

Children and amateur diggers have got involved with the excavation, managing to unearth everything from a cast-iron boiler and bathroom tiles, to old coins and fireplaces.

Among those taking part yesterday were six scouts from the St Paul’s Barnfield group, which is based just along the road from the hall.

Their leader John Allen said it was great for the kids to learn a bit more about their local history.

He said: “It went really well and is part of a project that we have got involved in just for today for our 100th year celebration.

“Everybody really enjoyed themselves and the weather really helped.

“It was so interesting because you never know what you are going to find.”

Andy Bates, from Oxford Arch-aeology North, which is based in Lancaster, said: “Arden Hall is significant because of Benjamin Hargreaves, who built the house.

“He was important because he built what is now Benjamin Hargreaves School and the building which is now the town hall.

“The emphasis has not been for us to do the work.

“It has been to train the volunteers to do it, so that if they want to progress, they have the skills they can take forward with them.

“Everyone has really enjoyed the dig and that was the most important thing.”

The hall was demolished in 1948/49, but the footings still remain visible, preserving a direct link between Peel Park and one of the town’s bigg-est historical figures.

The dig continues every day, from 10am to 4pm, until this Friday, and everybody is welcome to go along and help.

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