Newsletter 198

Brimlow Return

Last month we made another return to Brimlow. This time to extend the survey week carried out last time on the area near the duck pond. Roy Brandon, the farmer, is quite enthusiastic about our work in his fields in, and we very much appreciate him allowing us full access (even his horses showed great interest in our activities). Last time our survey in this area detected a large linear feature at a depth of between 50cm and 80cm on the east side of the survey area. It seemed to run roughly parallel with the projected line of the Roman road but a few metres away from it. We wanted to see if this feature continued or developed into something bigger. The results showed a continuation of the feature albeit with gaps. Roy has indicated that he is quite willing to allow us to excavate to determine what this anomaly represents. As the season is getting late, this will be arranged for next year.

The Kingmaker 1485 Project

Steve Baldwin, formerly of the Lathom Park Trust, has recently gained access to the gardens at Lathom where it is thought the original manor house was located. Steve is setting up a field-school with the intention of exploring the Medieval landscape around Lathom, and seeing if he can discover more of the remains of the famous manor house. It was home of Thomas Stanley, famous for influencing the outcome of the Battle of Bosworth Field. Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of King Henry VII and grandmother of Henry VIII also lived there in the 15th century.

His home at Lathom was more like a palatial fortress than a house. It is described as having 9 towers and a 6 foot thick curtain wall, surrounding a huge tower in the middle called the Eagle Tower. It also had a gate house and a huge moat said to be 8 yards wide and 2 yards deep. In the English Civil War, it survived 2 sieges by Parliamentary forces and only capitulated when supplies ran out. After the war the house was completely demolished and in the 18th century a Palladian-style mansion built on the site (of which only the west wing now remains).

Steve is having an official launch later this month and is keen to involve local groups such as ours in the project. With this in mind, last month he invited a group of us to an on-site meeting to discuss how our Society could get involved. The idea would be that we would work in collaboration with his group, Bluestone Archaeology, adding our skills and experience to the project. This seems like a very exciting project and in the next few weeks we will be discussing possible ways in which we can get involved in the excavations which are due to begin next year.

Christmas Meal

As mentioned last month, we are repeating the meal and quiz for our December meeting. The meal is booked but we need the numbers and meal choices. This year the menu has been simplified with just four choices on offer, Turkey Pie, Vegetarian Wellington (both £7.25) or Brie & Bacon Beef Burger, Brie & Cranberry Vegetable Burger (both £8.29). All are served with a drink (add a £1 for an alcoholic one). There are also starters and deserts available for £3.50 and a mince tart or muffin for £1. If you intend going please let me know asap.

Next Meeting

Wednesday 2nd November - in the Standish Suite at the Brocket Arms (7.30pm as usual). This month we have Stan Aspinall whose talk was meant to have been last March. However, Stan was taken ill just weeks before the date and we had to postpone his visit. Stan has made a full recover and is now able to give his talk which is entitled 'Skeletons in the cupboard at Sizergh Castle: the story of Cecilia Strickland 1760-1820'. As mentioned in our March newsletter, Cecilia Strickland was the granddaughter of Ralph Standish, who, in 1705, inherited Standish Hall. So there is plenty of local interest for us.

Hope to see you there - B.A.