![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/community-dig-reveals-rochdales-victorian-corn-mill/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/130659936_7e15efff-952c-44db-a2ae-13d0f34bf229.jpg&description=Image source, Rochdale Council Image caption, Volunteers are working with archaeologists in Rochdale The foundations of a Victorian corn mill and a public weighing station have been found at a major archaeological dig in Rochdale. Archaeologists and volunteers are digging on the Broadfield Slopes. Over 450 volunteers and trainees have joined experts from the University of Salford as part of the Big Dig 2 in the town. Dr Colin Elder said the finds show the area would have been "a hive of activity". Image source, Rochdale Local History Image caption, Foundations of a Victorian corn mill have been revealed in the dig The Slopes and the surrounding area played a key role in the development of Rochdale town centre, and the team have discovered the foundations of the Charles Kershaw Central Corn Mill. "This site would have been a hive of activity in the industrial period, with people who would have worked in the corn mill living in houses, now long gone, which lined the steps which run up the Slopes to St Chad's Church," Dr Elder said. "We've also found part of a public weighing station, where people, including merchants, would have gone to check whether they had been sold the right amount of cotton, wool or, in this case, probably corn." Image caption, Dr Colin Elder said the area would have been "a hive of activity" The event is one of a number of public activities which are part of the wider redevelopment of Rochdale Town Hall . It is undergoing a multi-million pound restoration project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the council. The area is earmarked for redevelopment and proposals include the restoration and repair of the Grade II listed Packer Spout fountain and installing new lighting and landscaping. A similar community dig took place in 2021 in Town Hall Square which revealed remains of Victorian homes and businesses . Image source, Rochdale Council Image caption, Over 450 volunteers have been involved in the project Councillor Janet Emsley, ca){kind=link}
The foundations of a Victorian corn mill and a public weighing station have been found at a major archaeological dig in Rochdale.
Archaeologists and volunteers are digging on the Broadfield Slopes.
Over 450 volunteers and trainees have joined experts from the University of Salford as part of the Big Dig 2 in the town.
Dr Colin Elder said the finds show the area would have been “a hive of activity”.
The Slopes and the surrounding area played a key role in the development of Rochdale town centre, and the team have discovered the foundations of the Charles Kershaw Central Corn Mill.