Newsletter 176

Sandal and Castleshaw Trip

Worries about the weather and traffic problems turned out to be unfounded, as our trip to Sandal Castle near Wakefield and Castleshaw Roman Fort went off without a hitch. There isn't much standing above ground now at Sandal but the earthworks and remaining stonework, show that this once must have been a magnificent structure. It started life in the early 12th century as a huge motte and bailey with wooden fortifications. It was built by William de Warenne, 2nd Earl of Surrey, who also built Wakefield Castle which lay north of Sandal on the other side of the River Calder. Work on the stone castle started towards the end of the 12th century and consisted of a curtain wall, great chamber and hall, inner barbican, gate house and keep. The castle stayed in the de Warenne family until the mid-14th century when, possibly due to the Black Death, the family line died out. The castle and lands then passed to the King (Edward III). In 1460, the castle played a significant part in the Wars of the Roses, being the place where Richard Duke of York stayed before confronting the Lancastrian forces at the Battle of Wakefield.

After a quick lunch we made our way to Castleshaw, for a tour by Norman Redhead of the recent excavations there. By the time we got to the site the weather had turned but this didn't dampen Norman's enthusiasm.

With a good number of trenches to show us, he was able to explained how they had been investigate areas within the auxiliary fort never seen before, as well as expanding on previous work carried out by Bruton and Thompson. The excavations were funded by a £70,000 grant from the National Lottery obtained by the Friends of Castleshaw. It's been a community run project with involvement of many schools and volunteers from around the area. For more details of our trip visit our blog site here.

Save Wigan Pier

This is a new campaign set up by Barry Titler and Brian Lowe to try to get something done about this famous site that has been allowed to deteriorate over recent years. This once thriving area, including museum and nightclub, is now in a sorry state and Barry and Brian are hoping that pressure on the Council and the Canals and Rivers Trust (who own the site) will prompt some action. They have set up a website and an on-line petition with over 750 signatures so far. The Council have responded saying plans are already underway to demolish the nightclub building, replacing it with community gardens and marina. A master plan for the rest is being prepared but support for this campaign maybe needed to push things along.

Wigan's Egyptology Collection

This little known collection has recently come to the attention of Dr Joann Fletcher who has recognised the significance of rare pieces it contains. Donated to the Wigan Museum by the Scott family in 1924, the artefacts include: a 3000 year old gilded face, coffin cases and a rare death mask from the Roman period. Joann and members of the Horus Egyptology Society are working with the Museum staff to get funding to be able to get the artefacts put on permanent display.

Next Meeting

Wednesday 3rd September - in the Standish Suite at the Brocket Arms (7.30pm as usual). This month we have John Armstrong from the British Milestone Society (http://www.milestonesociety.co.uk) giving us a talk on Mileposts and Boundary Markers in Lancashire, with particular reference to the dozen mileposts cast at the Haigh foundry in the1830's. This is of particular interest to us, as part of our Routeway Furniture project initiated by Eric Walter last year, we have been trying to record and catalogue as many of these as we can. Six castings still exist, although one was presented to the Earl of Crawford in 1974 and is located on his Scottish estate - he later donated a replica in its place. A few years ago the Charnock Richard milepost was stolen but was later recovered having been spotted at an auction. It is now well cemented in place. Sounds like a fascinating talk

Hope to see you there - B.A.