 In 1929, having developed a keen interest in the Wall through his excavations, Birley succeeded in buying the Clayton Estate at Chesterholm that had belonged to Anthony Hedley, the 19th century antiquary.Nearby Houselands would also come up for sale; however, Birley could not afford the purchase of both properties, although he would eventually excavate them both.Chesterholm-Vindolanda would eventually be converted into a museum and research centre, in which the spectacular finds from Vindolanda would be displayed and interpreted.