A major community archaeology project exploring the ancient heritage of Burnley and Nelson – including the lost site of a legendary battle – has been awarded more than £100,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Burnley and Nelson Big Dig has secured a grant of £108,050, which will support local people in discovering and investigating the towns’ prehistoric and medieval past through hands-on archaeological work and historical research.

The two-year project will see volunteers, students and community groups working alongside professional archaeologists to explore four sites of historical interest across the area. Among the most intriguing is a location believed by some historians to be linked to the legendary lost site of the Battle of Brunanburh, fought in AD 937.

Often described as the second most important battle in English history, the clash saw the forces of King Athelstan defeat a coalition of Viking and Scottish armies, helping to shape the future of England. Despite its significance, the exact location of the battle remains a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists.

A possible Iron Age fort at Castercliffe near Nelson

placeholder image — A possible Iron Age fort at Castercliffe near Nelson

Alongside the potential Brunanburh site, the project will also investigate three other locations showing signs of Neolithic, Bronze Age and possibly Iron Age activity, offering a rare opportunity to learn more about the region’s earliest communities.

The initiative is being led by Bluestone Archaeology, which will provide training and guidance to volunteers taking part in the digs and associated research. Several local organisations are already involved, including Burnley Football Club in the Community, which supports a range of groups across the area.

The charity works with under-privileged residents and military veterans returning to civilian life, and the project will give participants the chance to develop new skills while connecting with the region’s shared heritage.

Students from Nelson and Colne College are also set to play a key role in the Big Dig, with many already expressing enthusiasm about being involved in the excavations and research.

The project is scheduled to begin in April this year and will run until 2027, culminating in a public exhibition showcasing the discoveries. A further exhibition is planned for 2028, aligning with Burnley’s Year of Culture celebrations.

David Fuller, director of Bluestone Archaeology CIC and project manager for the Big Dig, said the response from local people has already been extremely encouraging.

“We are extremely delighted with the interest from the local community, and our intention is to engage with as many people as possible,” he said.

“Our goal is to see people flourish as part of a team who share a common goal of rediscovering their ancient heritage.”

Bygone Burnley: Castercliffe, with historian Roger Frost MBE

Residents interested in taking part in the Burnley and Nelson Big Dig will have opportunities to volunteer, learn archaeological techniques and help piece together thousands of years of local history.

Bluestone Archaeology CIC was started by current director Stephen Baldwin to bring archaeology to the community and has inspired and engaged with many people and groups since its creation in 2015.

If you have an interest in the local history and would like to join the project for free, message via the project Facebook page – The Burnley and Nelson Big Dig or email [email protected]