Runcorn's Norton Priory Museum launches new archaeological dig to mark 50th anniversary

A major archaeological research dig has been launched by Norton Priory Museum and Gardens in Runcorn this week to celebrate the Museum Trust’s 50th anniversary.

Leading archaeologist and museum director Dr Patrick Greene FSA OBE (78), who in 1971 became director of the original excavations as a young 24-year-old, has returned for a few days at the start of the four-week dig, hoping to inspire volunteers to find new historical treasures at what has become the ‘most excavated monastic site in Europe’.

More than 20 would-be archaeologists are getting out their trowels to take part in the hope of uncovering a medieval infirmary, a canon’s burial ground and the southern wing of a 19th century mansion.

The modern museum and walled gardens, which are open to the public, now showcase 900 years of fascinating history, featuring the ruins of a former 12th century Augustinian monastery, Tudor manor house and Georgian stately home.

But all this would have been lost without a community project initiated by Runcorn Development Corporation in the early 1970s to unite the incoming Runcorn New Town residents with their new neighbours.

Norton Priory’s chief executive Rob Sanderson-Thomas explains: “The community excavations which took place at Norton Priory between 1971 and 1987, under the direction of Patrick Greene, were ground-breaking in many ways.

“The move to uncover the remains of this monastic site brought together members of Runcorn’s existing community with newly arrived residents of the still-developing new town.  The aim was to provide a shared sense of history and experience, to connect the two communities.  Many locals engaged in the process, watching progress and actively helping to excavate the site.

“At the time, it was an innovative and forward-thinking move by Runcorn Development Corporation to create this community cohesion project. The archaeological excavations clearly left a legacy; the excavations gave rise to the museum which stands on the site today and many visitors still regale us with stories of their own involvement over four decades ago.”

Special public guided tours are being hosted every Friday until 5 September and all visitors over the next month are invited to get a special view of progress in the museum grounds. To mark the Golden Anniversary of the Norton Priory Trust, Archaeology and Collections Director Lynn Smith has compiled a special booklet, containing old photos and Dr Patrick Greene’s recollections of the 1970s excavations.

Lynn says: “We are delighted Patrick is able to join us for a few days at the start of this special Golden Anniversary Archaeological Dig. It will be wonderful to recall the inspiring days, under his leadership, when excavations led to the incredible discoveries of medieval Priory buildings, including a church, cloister, chapter house, kitchens, refectory, stone coffins, skeletons and beautiful mosaic tile fragments.

“The Norton Priory Museum Trust was established in 1975 and opened the first small museum on the site to showcase the amazing discoveries. Fifty years on, there is still much to learn. And this time we will be harnessing the power of 21st century science and technology to delve deeper into what hidden secrets the dig might reveal in Norton Priory’s latest exciting chapter.”

For more information about visiting Norton Priory Museum and Gardens or joining one of the Friday guided archaeology tours, please visit www.nortonpriory.org.