Treasure Uncovered at the Cross Keys.
The old Cross Keys in Delph is a building full of history. At one time, it was an important inn on the highway between Oldham and Huddersfield. Many wayfarers would have rested their horses there after a hard day’s travelling, spending their mud-spattered shillings on a mug of ale before hunkering down beside the fire to smoke a pipe and swap news. More recently, the building has served as a modern pub as well as a Chinese restaurant, however, it’s currently undergoing renovations which will see it transformed into three beautiful homes. But as the builders working on the current renovations will attest, the building’s historical roots aren’t so easily forgotten. Read on to find out about the marvellous treasures that have been uncovered during their work.
I recently spoke over zoom to project manager, John Broadbent, who was kind enough to show me some of their discoveries, as well as answer a few questions. He told me that for a few months now they’d been developing the Grade two listed building into housing, trying to retain as much of the original features as possible. He described the work as, “a unique opportunity”, and that they hoped to be finished by Summer 2021.
He explained that the items in question were discovered while removing floorboards, skirting boards, and carpets from the property. They must have slipped down the cracks and been lost for years.
First, are a trio of 18th-century coins bearing the image of George 4th, who reigned before Queen Victoria. By the look of his side profile, he was even more unfortunate-looking than Prince Charles! The oldest coin is dated 1769.
They also found this vibrant array of small cigarette and match packets still in fabulous condition; they certainly didn’t cover them in gruesome pictures in those days. Of course, there wasn’t many people who knew how bad smoking tobacco was for your health. In the top left, there’s also an old pin packet.
Perhaps the creepiest of the discoveries: a little girl’s rag doll. I wonder how long the owner searched for it in vain. It looks as though it was home-made, maybe using the pins from the previous photo?
As mentioned, the cross keys used to be a busy coach-house and inn, so it makes sense that the huge horseshoe encircling the doll was also uncovered at the site.
I’m not sure what this packet held but the cover depicts a charming village, albeit one too flat to be anywhere local. Maybe one of our knowledgeable readers can tell us what sort of product it formerly held?
Finally, there are these two tins, one of which I’m guessing held tobacco, the other, maybe oil?
When I asked John what they were planning on doing with the discoveries, he told me they’re considering either putting the items into a glass cabinet to be displayed inside the properties or donating them to the local museum. For now, though, they’re safely locked away in the office, where they can rest after years of lonely darkness. Formerly owned, used, then cast away or lost, only to be brought out into the light of day to find a world entirely changed. Maybe not for the better!
Stay safe everyone and try not to feel too forgotten yourselves! And please feel free to share any further information you might have on any of the items. Both me and John would love to know more.
Patrick Bell
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Author: Patrick Bell
Drawing stories from the people, communities, history, and wildlife of our local area. Weaving all into a landscape we know and love as home.
