A fascinating archaeological excavation is under way at Eccles Parish Church, giving visitors a rare chance to see centuries of local history being uncovered beneath one of Salford's oldest buildings.The dig forms part of a major restoration project to address structural issues within the church's chancel. Archaeologists from the University of Salford are overseeing investigations beneath the floor while specialist teams carefully preserve the church's historic Minton tiles, ready to be re-laid once restoration work is complete.As part of the project, the church is opening its doors for a series of Heritage Open Days, allowing visitors to see the excavation, explore the building's rich history and, on selected dates, climb the bell tower and join guided heritage tours.Eccles Parish Church dates back to the 12th century and has been expanded and adapted over the centuries, creating layers of history that are now being revealed through this important work.Whether you're interested in local history, archaeology, church heritage or simply curious to see this remarkable project for yourself, all are welcome to visit and discover more about the stories hidden beneath Eccles Parish Church.Read more and check the Heritage Open dates here: https://www.manchester.anglican.org/eccles-parish-church-opens-its-doors-as-archaeological-dig-reveals-hidden-history/?utm_source=Diocese+of+Manchester&utm_campaign=bacb96fe04-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_06_03_01_38_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-60095a9ca9-481216086
The oldest part of Eccles Parish Church goes back to the twelfth century but the Chancel was rebuilt as recently as 1861 - when the roof was raised, new windows installed and Minton tiles used to cover the underlying ancient burial chambers near the altar. A few years ago cracks appeared in these magnificent tiles and the floor began to sink.Historic England put the church on its Buildings at Risk Register stating:“The church appears to be suffering from a localised sub floor collapse of a burial chamber in front of the communion rail and altar. This is allowing the floor tobdeflect. Immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric.” But what is causing this collapse? It could simply be that the walls of the graves are crumbling, or perhaps there are deeper vaults below - no one knows.To find out, a group of experts has been brought together from the Diocese, Salford City Council, Greater Manchester Archeological Advisory Service and Civic Heritage, an archeology and heritage consultancy based in Manchester. They are about to start opening up three sites in the chancel to understand how it is constructed and what is going wrong. Once we understand the nature of the problem we can put together a plan to rebuild the floor and reinstate the tiles - but that will be for another day. Right now we are focussed on the archeological exploration. Drone photography has already been used to record the exact position of all the tiles. The choir stalls are to be moved out on 22nd August and the slow careful lifting of the tiles will begin on 24th August. By early September we should be ready for the archeological dig to begin in earnest.Coincidentally this work will be live throughout the Heritage Open Days week (12th to 20th September). You can find details and opening times here.bWe hope to be able to offer some limited involvement for members of the public throughout the dig but right now we cannot be specific. We will certainly offer guided tours and regular small group presentations to update visitors on progress - probably held over lunchtimes
The Eccles Team Ministry comprises of St Mary's Eccles Parish Church, St Andrews on Chadwick Road, Christ Church in Patricroft and St Paul's Church in Monton. There is now a team ministry email address: office@ecclesteamministry.org.uk and phone number: 0161 533 7836Team Rector Revd Jez Wisdom comments "You may be asked to leave a message when calling this telephone number but rest assured that your enquiry will be answered as soon as possible."
Revd Jez Wisdom is taking steps to make prayer the heart of the Eccles Team Benefice. All are welcome to join a new group formed specifically to pray for the church, the community and everything and everyone around us. The first meeting is on Wednesday, 12th February 2025 at 10am at St Andrew's Church on Chadwick Road in Eccles M30 0NZ but the meeting day, time and venue may change. For up to date information contact Revd Jez on 07999 500448
