VOLUNTEERS have come forward to join an exciting town heritage project.

Jo Lane, Bailey Hill project officer, has welcomed the first research volunteers to work on the Bailey Hill project in Mold.

Seven enthusiastic residents keen to explore and reveal the history and secrets of Bailey Hill have decided to support the project.

The induction session, which took place last week, included a talk on the history of Mold and Bailey Hill from renowned historian and local author David Rowe.

Mr Rowe said: "Following the Norman invasion William the Conqueror, in 1086, commissioned the Domesday Book to detail all the locations within his newly conquered realm.

“Gwysaney and Bistre are listed but not Mold, so the building of the motte and bailey castle sometime after Domesday, also saw the establishment of a new town we now know as Mold. "Bailey Hill changed hands a number of times in the succeeding years and when purchased by Mold Town Board in 1871, it was the beginning of the public park we know today.

“However, we actually know very little about its history. Was it ever built of stone? Whose skeletons were those found on the site?

“The volunteer researchers have a wonderful opportunity to seek out the answers to these and other questions so that we can all learn more of the town's birthplace."

Over the next few weeks the research volunteers will take part in a number of workshops to upskill and fully prepare for the exciting challenge ahead.

The sessions will include a visit to Flintshire Archives, Hawarden, a workshop on Object Interpretation with Sophie Fish, Museums, Culture and Heritage Manager for Aura Leisure and Libraries and a workshop from the People’s Collection, Wales.

Jo Lane, Bailey Hill project officer, said “There has been plenty of interest in the first volunteer role.

“I am so happy to meet the new research volunteers and appreciate their support.

“I hope they have enjoyed the first session, and look forward to getting to know everybody better over the coming weeks.”

All research collated by the volunteers will be used for the new Interpretation on site at Bailey Hill.

“This will include interpretation panels which will be placed around the park, interpretation in the new Bailey Hill Centre (Custodian’s Cottage) and on the new website and leaflets.”

More research volunteers are welcome to join in future workshops.

Anyone interested in becoming one of them, or anyone looking for information on the Bailey Hill Project, can contact Jo Lane on 01352 758532 or follow the project on Facebook: @BaileyHillProjectOfficer and twitter: @bh_officer.

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