Preserving city's past by all manor of means

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG UNDER WAY WHERE BRUM'S LORDS ONCE LIVED

- ALEXANDER BROCK

William Westley's 1731 map of Birmingham showing the moated "ancient seat of the Lord of Birmingham" A drawing of of the old Manor House, the foundations of which were uncovered during an archaeological dig in the 1970s

ARCHAEOLOGISTS are hoping to dig up some of Birmingham's earliest history before work on the huge Smithfield development starts.

The “once-in-a-generation” Birmingham scheme is set to transform the former Wholesale Markets site, turning it into a landmark destination. The £1.9bn plans, which were given the green light last year, include homes, shops, civic squares, a market, leisure facilities and a park.

This week the city council confirmed archaeological works have begun at the site. It says an investigation, led by Cotswold Archaeology, will provide an insight into Birmingham's medieval past.

The area being explored sits just north of the city's ancient moated manor house, once home to the Lords of Birmingham. “Any findings will be carefully documented and preserved in line with national guidance,” the council said.