BURY'S foremost archaeological treasure, which has given the clearest insight into the town's medieval past, is to go public next month.

While local authority bosses put the final touches to a day of celebration marking the opening of Bury's Castle ruins, a new booklet has been produced detailing the uncovered history of the site and the excavation work that kept archaeologists fascinated for three decades.

Relics dating from the 15th century have been reclaimed from the site and the foundations of the moat have been used to piece together Bury's hidden secret.

According to research, and supported by archaeological proof, Bury Castle dates back to the mid-14th century, although existing as a settlement before the Norman Conquest.

The fortified Manor House was built by Sir Thomas Pilkington, a powerful member of Lancashire's gentry. In keeping with his importance, the castle was among the most imposing buildings in the county at the time.

However, the lord found himself on the losing side in the closing stages of the War of the Roses and the castle passed into new hands. Over the centuries the walls were dismantled, so that the only remains were those which survived below ground level. And it was those foundations that sparked a major archaeological dig in 1973. Over a four year period Bury Archaeological Group excavated parts of the castle site, while boffins from Manchester University took samples to determine what Bury was like more than a thousand years ago.

A second dig also took place last year, as a first stage in the conservation and permanent display of the castle walling

And the findings are now featured in Bury's new booklet entitled: "Bury Castle. An introduction to the Scheduled Monument."

The book covers life in Medieval Bury, the introduction of the town's famous market way back in 1440, and speculative drawings of how the Manor House looked around 1485. The booklet will act as a guide once the permanent display opens to the public next month.

Mr Nick Grimshaw, Bury Council's conservation officer, said: "This is an exciting time for the borough. Our true history has been uncovered and people young and old will be able to learn much from it.

"The Bury Castle area will become a focal point of the town with themed events taking place in the future."

The historic site will be officially opened on March 8.

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