Sandbach Network Tunnel project goes public

By Deborah Bowyer

12th Jul 2021 | Local News

A project to unravel a network of fascinating underground tunnels beneath Sandbach's historic town centre has hosted its first public display.

Organisers of the Sandbach Network Tunnel project put on a display of artefacts already found and displayed a map at their stand at the Makers Market on Saturday.

A steady flow of people stopped to look at the project's stand – the first time it has held a public display in Sandbach.

Now organisers are poised to start delving deeper into the labyrinth of tunnels connecting various historical buildings in the town.

Owner of the Old Mill, John Jones, has a wealth of knowledge about the town and its history and is heading the exhibition side of the project.

And he is hoping one day a mini museum can be set up on his premises to help put the project and Sandbach on the map.

He has already found gaming tokens, presumably used by workers at the Old Mill in times gone by plus a host of other artefacts.

Finds so far include:

  • A rare clay pipe used by canal workers on the Sandbach to Liverpool network
  • Saxon Medieval strap ends
  • Georgian coins and gaming tokens c1800
  • A Saxon bronze ring
  • A late Medieval bronze pendant cross c1500
  • A crotal bell frog Viking/Anglo Saxon

Mr Jones values historical buildings and says another tunnel came to his mind when he went to buy a coffee in the town one day.

"I remembered going into the building and remembered a few things. It's got a low cellar and what we need to do is carry out further investigations."

John was joined by fellow Tunnel Project member Linden Burt at the weekend's display at the market.

Linden said: "We are really moving forward with the project."

The group has been given permission by Age Concern to investigate their street tunnel entrance adjoining Bold Street as well as several other sites in the town.

They will also be looking at a reported tunnel from Dingle Farm to St Mary's Church, farmland to search for hidden chests or a potential tomb of King Peada and monastery foundations off Crewe Road to search for a reported tunnel from abbeyfields to the monastery.

A dedicated Facebook page has been set up by Sandbach Tunnel Network which has already attracted 3,500 followers.

     

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