Archaeological Evaluation: Dig Greater Manchester: Close Park, Radcliffe, Bury

This report presents the results of an archaeological evaluation of the Radcliffe Historic Core area, Bury, (centred SD 797 076; GMHER 354.1) in July 2012. This evaluation excavation was undertaken as part of the Dig Greater Manchester community archaeology project funded by the ten councils forming the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities with Blackburn and Darwin. Two sites were investigated in the historic medieval core of the town and these were situated on the former site of 'Radcliffe Close' mansion, within Close Park, and on an area adjacent to the medieval Radcliffe Tower previously occupied by a row of terraced housing on Church Row. The foundations of the southern elevation of Radcliffe Close, a 19th century factory owner's house, were located in Close Park but the rest of the house had been removed during demolition in the 20th century. Significant remains were located associated with the 19th and early 20th century Church Row north of Radcliffe Tower. An earlier building was also discovered beneath the workers' housing, probably associated with the tower complex.