VIDEO: A new community-led heritage and archaeology project is underway, exploring one of Warrington’s most intriguing historical mysteries — the possible remains of the town’s long-lost medieval castle.
The Warrington Castle Project, which is seeking £15,000 in donations to kick-start the project, will combine local history, cutting-edge survey techniques and public engagement to investigate what may lie beneath the ground near St Elphin’s Park.
Drawing on drone surveys, terrain modelling, historic mapping and digital storytelling, the initiative aims to shed new light on a site that has remained largely overlooked for centuries.
Historical records, earlier observations, visible earthworks and recent survey work all suggest that significant archaeological remains could still survive beneath the surface in this area.
However, despite these indicators, the site has never been fully explored using modern archaeological methods. This project aims to change that — and answer the long-standing question of “what lies beneath.”
The initiative is being led by Keith Myers, founder of AVimmerse and the Warrington Castle Project, who has been working with archaeologists, researchers and local historians to prepare the next phase of investigation.
The next step in the project is a £15,000 Kickstarter campaign, launching today, 16 June, which will fund careful and professionally guided archaeological work. It offers residents and businesses the opportunity to support and engage with the process and play their part in bringing Warrington’s hidden past back into the spotlight.
Keith Myers said: “This project is about revealing Warrington’s hidden history but doing it carefully and responsibly. We are not claiming to have found all the answers yet. We are asking the community to help us fund the next proper archaeological investigation, with the right permissions and professional guidance in place.
“Warrington has a much deeper story than many people realise, and this is a chance for local people, schools, businesses and heritage partners to be part of finding out what lies beneath.”
Central to the campaign is a strong emphasis on responsible heritage practice, with a strict commitment to ensuring that any investigation is carried out with the necessary permissions and expert oversight. Organisers have made clear that there should be no independent digging or metal detecting at the site.
Beyond the archaeological investigation itself, the project aims to reconnect people with Warrington’s rich history, support greater public understanding of the town’s medieval heritage, and create opportunities for schools, residents, businesses and community organisations to get involved as the story unfolds.
While the potential discovery of forgotten remains is exciting, those behind the project are clear that its wider purpose is equally important – fostering a deeper connection between the community and the history beneath their feet.
Warrington Borough Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for communities, culture and leisure, Cllr Jean Flaherty, said: “This is a wonderful community project and a brilliant example of how we can come together to explore and celebrate our shared heritage. Warrington has a rich and fascinating history, and initiatives like this help bring those stories to life for residents of all ages.
“Projects like this not only deepen our understanding of the past but also strengthen community pride and engagement, reconnecting people with the history that shapes Warrington today.
“We’re pleased to support responsible heritage investigation that works with professional archaeologists and follows the proper processes, ensuring that any discoveries are protected and properly understood. While community involvement in the project is welcomed and encouraged – it’s important that people do not attempt any digging themselves, as this can damage important archaeological evidence.”
Support for the project will enable the team to carry out further surveys and carefully targeted archaeological evaluation, subject to permissions, funding and professional advice.
With growing interest and a strong community focus, the Warrington Castle Project represents a unique opportunity to rediscover a forgotten chapter of the town’s story — and to bring its medieval past back to life for future generations.
Visi the project website HERE Find out more and get involved on the Warrington’s Lost Castle Kickstarter page.
Join the community update event on 25 June HERE
