Amidst a series of famines, plagues and wars, the 14th century was also a time of great progress, with the onset of the Renaissance period. There were new military developments and the introduction of new siege weaponary would have a huge impact on the architectural structure of fortifications.

One such fortified home was Bury Castle, held by Sir Thomas Pilkington in 1469. Recently uncovered in 1973 by Bury Archaeological Group it shows how Bury's rich history pre-dates that of the industrial Revolution