Digging into the history of the Bolton stately home that inspired Downton Abbey

Archaeologists are aiming to uncover secrets about the history of a 17th century hall that inspired hit ITV period drama Downton Abbey.

A team from Salford University are leading the dig at Bolton's Hulton Park Estate but volunteers of all ages have also been invited to come along and help, as the first event in a summer programme of family activities planned at Hulton Park by current landowners and developers Peel L&P.

The site and Hulton Hall itself has a storied history as the home of the town's Hulton family, including William Hulton, who in 1819 signed the order that led to the Peterloo Massacre. In more recent years, it served as the inspiration for Downton Abbey after creator Julian Fellowes - who is related to the Hulton family - searched through archives relating to the site.

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Graham Mottershead, project manager at Salford Archaeology, said: “Hulton Park and the Hulton family played an instrumental role over 700-years in shaping the history not only of Bolton, and indeed the society we know today. For those living and working around Bolton over the last 700 years, the Hultons were influential in their everyday lives. Excavations like this will help us learn a great deal about some of the most important periods of human history and provide the people of Bolton with an in-depth understanding of the heritage of their town.”

One of the archaeologists on site, Ashley Brogan, told the Manchester Evening News that some fascinating finds have already been uncovered. She said: "We found these clay pipes and with the time period these were used, it ties in really nicely with the construction of the hall in 1660.

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