Archaeological mystery

Work has commenced on Worsley Delph, funded by the national lottery.

The site is historically very important. From here in the 18th century the Duke of Bridgewater commenced the process that would kick start the industrial revolution in Manchester, and arguably the world.

In one direction a network of miles of underground canals - now far too dangerous to access - helped bring mined coal out. in another direction the Bridgewater Canal took that coal to the centre of Manchester, greatly reducing the cost of power. The rest, as they say, is history. .

The archaeologists are very excited. Removing banking in the location shown on the blip revealed a hidden wynch, and a previously unknown tunnel. First thoughts are that this led to a corn mill, with corn also being transported on the barges to Manchester. A bit of a mystery at present. The tunnel will have to be covered up again to enable the improvement scheme to be delivered, so this is a bit of a record shot.