 We are all getting
quite excited about the developments in Wigan town centre with the start of the Grand
Arcade project. As previously reported (Newsletter 79), Oxford Archaeology North have
carried out a series of evaluation trenches around the Millgate area. Just before
Christmas I received an E-mail from Ian Miller, director of the project, with the exciting
news that they had found substantial Roman material as well as evidence of late Medieval
activity. Ian said that the Roman deposits were found near the Civic Centre across
the road from where previous excavations revealed substantial Roman remains in 1982/4.
They have also uncovered remains from the car park at the other side of Pennington’s
furniture shop. As this was an evaluation exercise, they did not formally excavate any
Roman material, but have left it in situ for later explorations. Remains exposed this time
include part of a rather nice hearth/furnace, and a couple of postholes. Interestingly, a
good selection of Roman roof tiles were recovered, suggesting that a fairly substantial
building once occupied the site. The small assemblage of pottery included Samian ware and
mortaria, indicative of a military supply base. This is great news as it means that
extensive excavations will take place before the main development begins. The remains
found in the Ship Yard (behind what was Yates' Wine Lodge) represent continuous occupation
from the 16th century as well as some Medieval activity. It is hoped that a lot more
information will emerge about this period and also about the later Civil War defences
which were reputed to be in this area. Plans are afoot for full-scale excavations in the
spring but in the mean time Ian has initiated a watching brief to cover the project’s
preparation work.
Lancaster University
The Centre for North-West Regional Studies is running a one-day seminar entitled The
First World War: a North-West perspective on Saturday 5th February. Papers will
include; the issue of recruitment in Liverpool, soldiers from Lancashire in the trenches,
a case study of the Border Regiment at Gallipoli and finally an examination of First World
War memorials in South Lakeland. The price is £16 which includes tea or coffee and
biscuits. Full details at the meeting.
| February |
(A.G.M.) Roman Roads in the Wigan area. |
Bill Aldridge |
| March |
Portable Antiquities Scheme in the North West |
Nick Herepath |
| April |
Chester Roman Amphitheatre |
Dan Garner |
| May |
South Trafford Archaeological Group |
Derek Pearce |
| June |
Forensic Archaeology |
Anne Worsley |
| July |
Egypt (recent research) |
John Johnson |
| August |
Summer Trip |
TBA |
| September |
Secondary or "B" Roads in the Roman North West |
Jack Smith |
| October |
Romans in Persia |
Dr. Martin Charlesworth |
| November |
Archaeological Aerial Photography |
Dr. David Woolliscroft |
| December |
Excavations in Central Wigan |
Ian Miller |
Programme
As you can see we have another fine selection of speakers this year covering a wide
range of subjects (although there does seem to be a distinct Roman feel).
As well as these dates, Jack Smith from Chorley Archaeological Society has opened their
society’s field trips to us. These include; Horwich, Wilderswood (27th March),
Worthington & Haigh (17th April), The Great Hill of Charnock (15th May), Anglezarke
and Lead Mine Clough (19th June). If you are interested in any of these please see me at
the meeting.
Suggestions are open for our society’s summer trip this year (though a return visit
to Angers has already been mooted).
Next Meeting
Wednesday 2nd February at the Baden Powell Centre (Scout HQ) in Greenough Street,
starting at 7.30 pm as usual. This month the meeting will be held in the back room
(straight on as you enter). This is because the 10th Wigan Scout Group are currently
having a crisis with their venue and temporarily need to use the main hall.
It is also our AGM this month, but after the usual formalities I will be presenting a
summary of our research into the Roman Roads in the Wigan area. This was
one of the original projects undertaken by the society when it first formed in the early
1980’s, but recently we have carried out a lot more work in the area with some
success. The talk will hopefully explain some of the work we have been doing.
Hope to see you there. B.A. |
