Explore the archaeology of a moated Elizabethan hall turned japanning factory in Wolverhampton

A new online exhibition called ‘Excavating Wolverhampton’s Old Hall’ has been launched to coincide with the nationwide Festival of Archaeology (15th – 30th July 2023).

The exhibition is filled with photos, stories and highlights of archaeological excavations on the former site of Wolverhampton’s Old Hall in 2020-21, prior to the construction of the new City Learning Quarter (CLQ). Immerse yourself in the archaeology with interactive site maps and 3D models, or discover the tales told by key artefacts.

Anyone can access the exhibition for free from Worcestershire Archaeology’s website: Excavating Wolverhampton’s Old Hall - Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology Service (explorethepast.co.uk) The exhibition will remain available after the Festival of Archaeology.

Old Hall, also known as the Great Hall or Turton’s Hall, began life as a moated Elizabethan mansion before becoming a japanning factory making decorated goods in the 18th and 19th centuries. The story of this site reflects how society changed over the centuries, as well as Wolverhampton’s rise to be a major centre within the West Midlands.

Created by Worcestershire Archaeology, part of Worcestershire County Council, the exhibition has been produced for Turner & Townsend and the City of Wolverhampton Council as part of archaeological work prior to the construction of a multi-million-pound City Learning Quarter (CLQ).  This will establish transformational facilities for City of Wolverhampton College, Adult Education and Central Library, benefitting outcomes for skills and employment across the city.

City of Wolverhampton Council Acting Leader and Cabinet Member for Inclusive City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said: “This fascinating archaeological exhibition illustrates how significant this city centre location has been over hundreds of years. The City Learning Quarter is the latest chapter for this site and will provide bright futures for our citizens.”

Worcestershire Archaeology’s Learning & Outreach Manager, Nina O’Hare, said: “We’re delighted to be able to share the fascinating excavations at Wolverhampton’s Old Hall through this online exhibition. Archaeological reports are often very technical, so it’s wonderful to be able to share these stories another way and allow anyone to virtually step into the excavations.”