ONE of two skeletons unearthed at Halton Castle is on view for the first time in a new display at Norton Priory Museum.

The skeletons were found buried in the lower bailey of the castle during a community dig.

More than 300 adults and children helped to uncover fascinating finds in 2015.

Archaeologists say the man is believed to have been in his 40s when he died around 400 years ago.

He had endured a hard life having broken both his legs in different incidents which led to complications and infections.

The man also had terrible teeth and an abscess in his jaw.

Radiocarbon analysis has dated the male and female skeletons to the late medieval period when the castle was at its peak. The display coincides with the launch of a new community excavation at the castle which will try and shed further light on the mystery of the bodies in the bailey.

Lynn Smith, Norton Priory senior keeper, said: “This is a great chance for people to come and see the Halton Castle skeleton for the first time.

“The new display also ties in with this years’ community excavation at the castle which we hope will uncover more about these unusual burials and what this might tell us about medieval castles nationally.”

The new display and the excavation are funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund with thanks to the players of the National Lottery.

Salford University’s Centre for Applied Archaeology have been commissioned to supervise the excavation supported by volunteers from the community.

The Halton Castle community dig starts on Monday, July 17 and runs for two weeks.

There will be a special open day at Halton Castle and at Norton Priory Museum on Sunday, July 30, from 10am to 4pm.