Dig this - Mirfield gets historical

The dig, which takes place this weekend, has been organised in association with English Heritage, and will take place in the grounds of Mirfield Parish Church on Saturday and Sunday.

The dig will be the first of its kind in Mirfield for over a century, and will give archaeologists a unique insight into life in the town for the past thousand years .

Town councillor David Pinder said there had been numerous uses on the site over the centuries, including a tavern and a castle.

He said: “There have been so many different things on this site since the conquest in 1066 that it will be fascinating to see what is found there.

“There are literally layers of history.”

The dig starts today with as pupils from Castle Hall School before Dr Stuart Wrathmell and his team of archaeologists continue into the weekend.

Helen Walker, secretary of the Friends of St Mary’s Church, said: “A geophysical survey has recently been carried out to the rear of the current church and adjacent to the hill. The results look extremely promising and we are hopeful to make some finds.”

The event has been put on as part of English Heritage’s Heritage Days, which take place at churches and historical areas of interest all over the country on Saturday.