Join in the Big Dig and discover hidden treasure with Tim Campbell-Green and Glossop Creates!
Earlier this year, Glossop Creates commissioned archaeologist Tim Campbell-Green to take part in a Pairings Residency, to develop a campaign in response to The Living Room; Glossop’s digital, community archive where residents and visitors can explore and document the past and present in a unique way together.
For his Pairings project, Tim has developed The Glossop Big Dig - an interactive campaign aimed at persuading Glossopdale residents to join in and become involved in the heritage of our beautiful area by discovering the treasure under their feet.
Anyone interested in taking part can collect a free mudlarking kit from Glossop Library on 25th April, between 10am - 3pm.
Kits available are on a first come first served basis and any surplus will be available from The Library, Dark Peak Books, KIN.DER and George Street Books from 26th April.
Tim says: “When we think of Glossop’s history, we think obviously of the Victorian mills. But the area has been occupied for 9,000 years, give or take: there are prehistoric remains in the hills, and bronze age and iron age close by, the town has two Roman roads running through it, there was certainly Anglo-Saxon activity here, and the area is criss-crossed with mediaeval and later trackways, hidden in plain sight, linking the farmsteads that now make up modern Glossop.
“There’s a lot of history here, and it’s all around us, in our parks, footpaths, and gardens, beneath our feet as we walk about. The Big Dig is a chance for you to not only get involved in it, and experience it first hand, but also to perhaps change our understanding of Glossop’s past. Here’s how.
“Firstly, pick a favourite spot in the Glossop, Hadfield, Tintwistle or Charlesworth areas. It could be anywhere - your back garden, a park, a footpath, an allotment, a stream, a molehill – but you must be able to see soil. Enjoy the moment and breathe deep.
“Next, have a close look around in the soil, and see if you can find the physical bits of Glossop’s past – pottery, glass, stone, metal, beads, bones, bottles, even leather – there’s lots to see all over. If you are planting potatoes in your allotment or garden, perfect – have a poke around, and you will almost certainly find something. Mole hills often have gifts sitting in them, so break out the spoon and go to town.
“Anyone who has ever paddled in Manor Park has found bits of treasure in it. Even walking down a simple footpath often reveals wonderful things. When you find something, no matter how small or uninteresting it seems, pick it up and pop it in the bag provided. When you have found everything you can, make a note of where it came from - write it on the bag, or fill out the enclosed form that will be in your kit. You could use the What Three Words app, OS grid reference, GPS coordinates, or simply put the address; this is important, though, as we are going to plot the finds on an interactive map on the Glossop Creates website.
“You can repeat the process as many times as you want – making sure to keep all the finds separate, though, and using a new bag each time. When you are done, drop the bag/s off at the place you collected it, or bring it along to a (soon to be announced) drop off event where we can discuss what you have found and explore other finds from the area. Why not bring along any other finds you have made in the past, too – anything at all - it all adds to the bigger story of Glossop’s past. All the material will be entered into a database, plotted onto a map, interpreted, photographed, and put onto the website to make a record of what has happened. And all of it will help fill out a picture of Glossop’s past.
“There are only a few rules to Glossop Big Dig 2023, but they are important. Firstly, although it’s a big ‘dig’, there is no real digging involved, it’s more poking around using the spoon, having fun – the simple joy of ‘mudlarking’ for bits of ‘treasure’. And honestly, it’s amazing what you might find sitting on the surface.
“Exercise common sense, and be aware of others around you. Be safe, and remember pottery, and especially glass, can have sharp edges. Respect private property; your neighbour’s garden may have a Roman vase in it, but sadly unless you have their permission, it’s theirs. But you might have something better in yours.
“It is especially important to stay away from Scheduled Ancient Monuments – Melandra Roman Fort, for example. We already know what is there, so you won’t add anything to the story, and digging anywhere near the fort is illegal, so please don’t!
“And a final message. If you fall in Glossop Brook, tear your trousers, get the whole family muddy - and end up with half an old plate to show for it... good! That’s exactly what Glossop’s Big Dig is all about!”
(Participants take part at own risk!)
Collect your free mudlarking kit from Glossop Library on 25th April, 10am - 3pm.
