Archaeologists bid to home in on mansion

Dr Hugh Willmott is leading the project, which will see members of the public working with staff and students in excavations at Monk Bretton Priory in Barnsley.

The priory was founded in 1154 and passed to the ownership of the Blithman family following the Act of Suppression of the monasteries in 1536. The land was sold to George Talbot, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, and passed through his family. However the status of the priory diminished in the 18th and 19th centuries, and has been unoccupied since the 1930s.

Archaeologists are hoping to rediscover evidence of a "lost" Tudor mansion, built by the Earl of Shrewsbury. Any trace of the building has disappeared although other properties built by the Earl still survive, including Manor Lodge in Sheffield and Rufford Abbey in Nottinghamshire.

The team expects to reveal the "substantial" remains of a building of similar size and status, as well as numerous artefacts associated with the Talbot family.

Dr Willmott said: "Lundwood, where the site lies, is often unfairly classed as a socially deprived area with little heritage.

"Archaeology is one of the few ways people can physically touch the past, so that's why I believe letting people take part in the excavation of artefacts is a great way to enable them to re-engage with their past."

People can get involved with the dig each day from July 10 to July 15 and again from July 17 to July 22, between 10am and 4pm each day. For details email [email protected]