A team of keen archaeologists from the University of Manchester have started a dig at a 5,000-year-old tomb that’s linked to King Arthur.
And they’re hoping to answer some of site’s ancient mysteries in the process.
The Manchester-based experts are working in partnership with English Heritage – which is responsible for looking after Arthur’s Stone in Herefordshire – to remove turf to expose and record what are some particularly-sensitive archaeological remains.
In case you’re unfamiliar with it, Arthur’s Stone is a Neolithic chambered tomb that’s never previously been excavated.
Like many prehistoric monuments in western England and Wales, this tomb has been linked to King Arthur since before the 13th century, and according to legend, it was here that Arthur slew a giant who left the impression of his elbows on one of the stones as he fell – but today, only the large stones of the inner chamber still stands
ADVERTISEMENT
The chamber is formed of nine upright stones, with a huge capstone that’s estimated to weigh more than 25 tonnes on top.
— The University of Manchester News (@UoMNews) July 1, 2022
English Heritage say that similar examples of chambers in the same region have been found to contain incomplete skeletal remains of several people, as well as arrowheads, pottery, and more, so it’s definitely worth preserving.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Arthur’s Stone is one of the country’s most significant Stone Age monuments, and this excavation gives a really rare and exciting chance for members of the public to come and see archaeology in action,” said Ginny Slade, Volunteer Manager at English Heritage.
“Our team of wonderful volunteers will be on hand to explain the latest findings as they happen.”
The dig follows research undertaken by the Universities of Manchester and Cardiff immediately to the south of the monument last year, which has already changed the thinking about the orientation and origins of the site.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 5,000-year-old tomb has been linked to King Arthur since before the 13th century / Credit: University of Manchester
Professor Julian Thomas from the University of Manchester will also lead the upcoming excavations, with a little help from some students from Cardiff University and a number of American institutions too.
“Arthur’s Stone is one of this country’s outstanding prehistoric monuments, set in a breathtaking location, yet it remains poorly understood,” Professor Thomas said.
“Our work seeks to restore it to its rightful place in the story of Neolithic Britain.”
The inflatable floating obstacle course you can splash around on near Manchester
Daisy Jackson
There’s a giant inflatable floating obstacle course less than an hour from Manchester, where you can slide, jump, and fall straight into a lake.
At Wild Shore Delamere, you can tackle obstacles like monkey bars, the ninja-jump, the tyre run, and a giant 3.8 metre-tall inflatable tower, all floating on the surface of the picturesque lake.
The adventure hub opened back in 2019, offering families a chance to play on Delamere Lake, or try new watersports right here in the North West.
Let’s head to that inflatable Aqua Park – even as a full-grown adult, this is one of the silliest afternoons you can imagine.
Squeeze yourself into a wetsuit then launch yourself into the lake, ready to clamber all over a course that is essentially a gigantic floating bouncy castle.
The trickiest part is managing to stay on your feet as you slip and slide your way around the course in your 50 minute session – but really, where’s the fun in staying on your feet?
Monkey BarsThe Ninja JumpThe Tyre RunThe Figure EightFeatures of the Aqua Park at Wild Shore Delamere
While you’re on the lake, you can also try other activities like the Ringo, which whips you up and down the water on a huge inflatable, while the operator seems dead-set on flinging you off.
As well as the inflatable Aqua Park, there’s the Aqua Chimp ropes course for the more gymnastic types, plus wakeboarding, paddle boarding, and open water swimming.
Wild Shore Delamere has also added a new sauna this year, which overlooks the water – you can enjoy contrast therapy, switching from the warm sauna to the lake itself.
Wetsuits and life vests are included, so all you need to pack is a swimsuit, towel, and a bit of reckless abandon as you crash beneath the surface.
Paddle boards at Wild Shore DelamereThe sauna and cold plungeThe RingoAqua Chimp
Family behind Salvi’s launch new concept, weeks after iconic restaurant closure
Daisy Jackson
Just weeks after the closure of its iconic, 16-year-old Italian restaurant in the Corn Exchange, the family behind Salvi’s have revealed a brand-new concept.
And this time, the reins are being handed over to the next generation.
Salvi’s founder Maurizio Cecco has helped to shape Amò, but it’s all the brainchild of his daughter, Sienna.
Sienna will run the business out of a unit up on Deansgate Mews, serving fresh pasta dishes, pizza sandwiches, tubs of tiramisu, and two-for-£10 spritzes.
The deli aspect of the original Salvi’s has been carried over to Amò too – you’ll find shelves almost to the ceiling filled with Italian pasta, wine, olive oils, pistachio spreads, and more.
Sienna has grown up in restaurants, with her parents launching Salvi’s when she was just two years old.
She said she wants the space to be a livelier, fresher version of the Italian restaurant that has been so loved by Mancs for so many years.
Sienna outside AmòFresh pasta dishesInside Amò by Salvi’sTheir viral frozen crema di caffeLemon granitaInside Amò by Salvi’sTiramisu pots
Amò, which is Neapolitan slang for ‘my love’, will have loads of fresh Italian dishes, including arancini, gnocchi, and hearty pasta plates.
At lunchtimes, guests can order from a £10 lunch menu, with dishes changing daily depending on the best produce the kitchen can get – it could be a pizza sandwich with proscuitto and tomato, a spicy pasta, or a gnocchi bake, always served with your choice of soft drink.
With its position on Deansgate Mews, Amò basks in the sunshine at lunchtimes.
And while it’s definitely a different concept to the original Salvi’s, Amò looks set to carry the family’s Italian food legacy into its next generation.
Emily Sergeant -
4th July 2022 
