History hunters to dig trench at Shrewsbury Flax Mill site
A large excavation trench will be dug around a group of former outbuildings on the historic Shrewsbury Flax Mill site, it was revealed today.
The 10-day archaeological dig in Ditherington will be held around the cluster of former outbuildings including a stable and a wash house.
It is being paid for through the £465,000 first-round funding awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund last May to develop a bid for £12.1 million towards the costs of regenerating the oldest iron-framed building in the world.
The trench will be dug on Tuesday and the archaeological dig will last until April 26. The Friends of the Flax Mill Maltings and Oxford Archaeology North have urged volunteer diggers to get involved.
A week of post-excavation work will then take place from April 29 and there will be opportunities for volunteers to be involved in cataloguing and drawing finds, photographic tasks and producing a record of the event.
Organisers say they hope the work, which will involve at least two local schools, will raise awareness of the site's rich heritage and the project to transform it into an area for businesses, arts groups, bars, restaurants and homes.
Alan Mosley, chairman of the friends of the Flax Mill Maltings, said: "We are delighted to be able to offer these opportunities thanks to finance being made available by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Already Sundorne and the Grange schools are bringing pupils for four sessions and youth groups meeting at the youth activity centre Flaxivity are getting involved.
"This is an opportunity for individuals, other organisations and families to participate, subject to available time slots. Beginners and those with experience have a great opportunity to play a part in revealing the fascinating heritage surrounding the world's first iron frame building."
The building has been disused for nearly 30 years. If the Lottery grants the funding regeneration work could begin as early as September.
People can sign up for half day sessions or for the two weeks. Contact Fay Bailey on (01743) 360213 or fay@flaxmill-maltings.co.uk
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