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Archaeologists discover 200-year-old pub in Manchester City Centre

An ornament showing the pubs former name Credit: MEN Syndication

Archaeologists working at a site in Manchester City Centre have found evidence of a 200-year-old pub.

The team found crockery containing the former pub owners name, keys, pots for quills and unopened bottles of alcohol.

Builders say they are 'stunned' to discover the pub, which dates back to the early 1800s when Manchester was still a modest market town.

Some of the items discovered will be put on show at the Museum of Science and Industry.

A number of items have been discovered Credit: MEN Syndication

'We found pottery and bottle from the Astley Arms which actually has the name of the proprietor Thomas Evans, and the name of the pub written on it, so it must have been a commissioned piece for the pub."

"It’s brilliant because you can suddenly connect it to the local people in the area.

“It’s nice to be able to connect it directly to living people and their families.”

– Aidan Turner, senior archeologist on site
The site of the pub in Manchester City Centre Credit: MEN Syndication

Plans are underway for a 13 storey skyscraper to be built on the site.

The development will create 135 apartments and shops just at the junction of Great Ancoats Street and Port Street.