Newsletter 134

Bottling Wood Excavations

In March Oxford Archaeology North (OAN) carried out a series of excavations in the Douglas Valley on the site of the 19th century Bottling Wood village settlement (which disappeared in the 1930's - see our Newsletter 117). The investigations and recording are in advance of the flood alleviation scheme, which, when finished, will consist of flood barrier across the valley at this point (see our Newsletter 132). The work has been commissioned by Axis acting on behalf of the Environment Agency who are funding the development. An interim report has now been produced which, together with a final report, will find its way to our new Museum of Wigan Life. In the meantime, however, Amada Stobbs, from the Agency, has kindly sent us a copy for our perusal (I know Ian Miller will be keen to hear our comments and observations).

Four Phases

The archaeologists have excavated an area of 342m² either side of the terraced footpath leading south out of the valley. (The photo, by the way, was taken by an 'Unmanned Aerial Vehicle' or UAV supplied by Suave Enterprises.) The excavations have revealed the remains of 6 buildings, representing 4 phases of construction. All the houses were terraced into the natural sandstone and shale bedrock with the earliest seemingly dated to the 18th century. This was a sandstone building, probably representing a small workshop which was later modified into a dwelling. The 2nd phase of construction comprised 2 brick-built houses, separated from the earliest building by a flagged footpath. The 3rd phase was another building, divided into 2 properties, which probably date, according to map evidence, from between 1851 and 1892. Another building was constructed during the later 19th century, which again comprised 2, tworoomed properties, represented the final phase of development.

Further excavations are not planned but a watching brief has been commissioned and, if significant remains are uncovered, they will also be investigated and recorded. If you want to find out more, the full report will be available at our next meeting.

Summer Trip

As mentioned last month we are arranging a visit to the Hungate Excavations in York. The proposed date is Sunday 15th August (this is not yet set in stone but will need to be confirmed at our next meeting).

We estimate the cost to be about £15 which will include a guided tour of the site. Hungate is situated just to the northeast of Coppergate where the Jorvik excavations took place in the early 80's. The present investigations started in 2006 but it is only now that the Viking and Roman levels are began to reveal themselves.

The site visit will be in the morning which will leave us free in the afternoon to visit York itself. One suggestion is that we visit the newly opened Barley Hall which is stunning medieval townhouse. It was once home to the Priors of Nostell and the Mayor of York. It was rescued from demolition in the 1980's and has now been lovingly restored to its former glory.

If you are interested in joining us on this trip, then please return the attached form (or reply to the E-mail) with your details. You can find out more about Hungate from their website - http://www.dighungate.com/ or the Barley Hall at http://www.barleyhall.org.uk/

Next Meeting

Wednesday 5th May in the concert room of the Upper Morris Street Working Men's Club (off Greenough Street), starting at 7.30 pm as usual. This month we have Ron Cowell of Liverpool Museum Services who will be telling us about the excavations which took place a few years ago at the end of the M62 (I'm assuming it's the Liverpool end of the M62 but I don't know for sure).

Hope to see you there - B.A.