Town returns to its 'bustling' Medieval roots
BBCA town has turned the clock back hundreds of years with a weekend of events including a medieval fashion show.
Rochdale Medieval Fair, which also included an encampment and historic re-enactments, was organised by the local council with the aim of teaching people about the town's history.
It followed a community archaeological dig held last summer in which artefacts which could be medieval were uncovered on the slopes behind the town hall.
Archaeologist Jordan Perris from Rochdale Development Agency, who claimed the town was "bustling" and "hectic" hundreds of years ago, said a sword belt and pottery had been discovered during the dig.
"We did some large-scale community digs here where we invited thousands of people from Rochdale to come and have a go," he said.
He said they found what could be some medieval pottery and a sword belt fitting which could also be from the period.
Perris said Rochdale would have been "quite a bustling hectic place" during the Middle Ages, with a market around the church.
Mark Dandy, a re-enactor from Historia Normannis Lancashire, said the event was "a chance for us to explain some of the more in depth bits [of history], correct some of the misconceptions that people might have about history and educate the public".
Visitor Lyndsay Tate said the archery was "loads and loads of fun" and added: "I can't wait to watch them doing the Medieval fighting."
The event has been taking place around Rochdale Town Hall and included a chance to sample Medieval-style food and music from the period.
It was organised as part of the Broadfield Park Slopes Project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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