Newsletter 266

More Roman Road Potential

In 2011 we investigated the line of the Roman Road from Manchester to Wigan in the area around Cleworth Hall (Newsletter 142 and Newsletter 149). The resulting resistivity survey, in the field just to the northeast of Cleworth Hall Farm, did show some evidence, but the result was generally inconclusive. At the time we weren't able to return, as the farmer was using the fields for local horse owners who weren't happy with our presence. We had targeted that particular field as the route is quite clearly represented on the 6-inch OS map (1864 revised edition) by two parallel lines. Fortunately, these lines continue in the next field to the east. At the time we were unable to get hold of the local farmer who was leasing the field from the owners, UK Coal plc. In 2013 the Lancashire Wildlife Trust acquired the whole area north of Cleworth Hall up to the railway line (excluding the field owned by Cleworth Hall Farm) turning it into Cutacre Nature Reserve (not to be confused with the large Cutacre site on the north side of the railway, which has seen a number of archaeological investigations over the years, the last in advance of major redevelopment).

Now Jim Meehan has been asked to research the history of the area which the Reserve covers. This will include 60 enclosures marked on the old Tithe Map, three lost farmsteads and the old colliery sites. It would be great if Jim could also get permission for another survey (or even a limited dig) - so fingers crossed.

Aspull Developments

At the end of last year, we applied for another sample to be radiocarbon dated by the CARD programme (which is free to amateur groups). I'm pleased to report that we were once again successful in our bid. Unfortunately, the sample we sent though turned out to be unsuitable as it was oak heartwood. This, we were told, would suffer from 'old wood effect' (i.e. the material can survive for hundreds of years after the wood has stopped growing). However, after making sure we could do it, we managed to secure a small sample of cremated bone from the urn we discovered earlier in the year. This has been duly sent off and we await the result with great anticipation.

Also, near the end our digging season, Phil Cox from the Border Heritage Group, who were helping us last year, found a most unusual stone. It is made of granite and spherical in shape (well almost - more like a tangerine) about 56mm in diameter. Unfortunately, Phil found the item while moving the spoil heap away from Trench 3a to enable the trench to be extend to the southeast. This means we don't have its context. Chris however, by analysing his drone footage, has been able to establish the area the stone most likely came from. He is fairly certain it came from the area where the grooved stones were discovered (see Newsletter 265). Many spherical balls of this size have been found mainly in Scotland with some found in a Neolithic context. These though are invariably elaborately carved, whereas ours is perfectly smooth. If it did originate from a prehistoric context, then it's another unprecedented find to add more mystery to our already enigmatic site.

Programme for 2024

As always, at this point in time, it's still a work in progress. However, already in March we have Peter Noble from Glossop Archaeology Society talking about their investigations of Bronze Age Cairns in NW Derbyshire area (quite relevant to our current work). In April we will be having Al and Al who are the Creative Directors of the Haigh Hall and grounds development programme. The last weekend in April will see another Wigan History Festival (similar to the one held in 2012) at All Saints Parish Church. As well as our stand, there will be many other heritage groups from the town represented.

Next Meeting

Wednesday 7th February - at the Real Crafty on Upper Dicconson Street starting at 7.30pm as usual and being the first of the year, it's our AGM. This year we're looking for two new committee members as both Eric and Mary are stepping down. Both have been long-standing so, on behalf of the Society, I would like to thank them for their outstanding efforts over the years. Fortunately we have two volunteers - Peter Cooke, who has been a regular on our site at Aspull, and Ashley Brogan who has volunteered to take over Mary's role as Treasurer (both to be voted in at the meeting). After the constitutional niceties, which hopefully won't last too long, we will be having a presentation on the last year's activities on our Aspull Ring Ditch project. Hope to see you there - BA.