There will be plenty for visitors at Peel Hall Park in Wythenshawe to chew over this weekend when they are treated to a taste of the past.
Members of South Manchester Architectural Research Team (SMART), assisted by experts from Manchester University's archaeological unit, have been carrying out an exploratory 'evaluation' dig near the site of the 14th Century Peel Hall.
Traditional sour dough bread and Cheshire Cheese, made to centuries old recipes, will be available at the park from 11am to 2.30pm on Saturday 23. Meanwhile, dig volunteers will be on hand during from 10am to 3.30pm on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 to tell visitors about their findings so far.
They are trying to unearth more detail about a number of outbuildings, just beyond the former Hall's moat, which are shown on maps in the 1830s. Although the buildings were only demolished as recently in the 1970s the dig is hoping to delve deeper into how long they had been there, their original designs and what they were first used for.
It is hoped that the evidence uncovered will provide the springboard for a full community dig later this year.
SMART chair Andy Coutts said: "We all have places to go - I'd encourage anyone to come down to Peel Hall Park to find out where we're from. We'll also be looking for new recruits for our group."
Councillor Mike Kane, Executive Member for Arts and Leisure, said: "Popular archaeology TV shows such as Time Team have shown that people have a real appetite for learning about their area's past. Wythenshawe has a rich history and I'm sure this event will help shed new light on it."
The evaluation dig is being funded through a £10,000 City Council CAS:H grant. Bramalls Construction have donated much of the equipment being used.
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