Newsletter 286

Treasure: History Unearthed

Despite Liverpool's Half Marathon taking place on the same day, our trip to see this exhibition at the Museum, turned out to be a great success. Once we'd all negotiated our way around the runners and spectators, Vanessa Oakden our guide for the day, was able to gather us all up in time for the tour. The exhibition (now finished btw) was put together by the Museum's archaeology team, to celebrate the work of the Portable Antiques Scheme (PAS).

It was also an opportunity to showcase the many finds from antiquarian and others from around the Region. Many of the items were on loan from regional and national institutions including the British Museum and Museum Wales. The highlight for me was the fabulous Mold Cape. This stunning ceremonial gold artefact from the Bronze Age was discovered in 1833 by workmen quarrying stone. It was found in a burial mound lying crushed in a stone cist beside the fragmentary remains of a body. At the time its pieces were dispersed and it wasn't clear what it represented. Only when all the bits were brought together, and its restoration completed, was its true form realised.

One of the dominant features of the exhibition was the hoards from the Roman and Viking periods. The most fascinating for me was the Malpas hoard, which was found by detectorists in 2014. Significantly it consists of coins from before the Roman invasion, i.e. 28 silver denarii (Emperor Tiberius) and 7 gold British coins from the Dobunni and Corieltauvi tribes.

One theory is that they were linked to Caratacus, the British chieftain who fled to the Brigantes after his defeat against the Romans (only to be handed in by Queen Cartimandua).

It was also great to see the three famous Viking hoards from around our region on display together i.e. the Cuerdale, Huxley and Silverdale hoards. They all consist basically of hack silver, which was used as bullion, but there are some very finely decorated silver arm rings, particularly in the Silverdale hoard.

They all seem to relate to the expulsion of the Vikings from Ireland in the early 10th century. To test if there was a connection between them (and other Viking finds from the Region), the Museum commissioned analysis of their composition. This revealed a general similarity showing a mix of Western European silver with sources from the Islamic world.

In particular the Huxley hoard, as well as an ingot from the Silverdale hoard, revealed the likelihood of them being made from recycled Islamic coins i.e. the dirham.

If nothing else, it showed the Vikings had trading routes extending into the Middle East, far beyond Europe's borders. We all really enjoyed this tour and would like to thank Vanessa, on behalf of the Society, for the excellent work helping to put together this marvellous exhibition (you can find more details of our trip here).

Wigan History Festival

Just a reminder that this popular event is here again after a year's break. The date is the second weekend in April (Friday 10th and Saturday 11th) at the Parish Church as before. Again there will be plenty of stalls, run by a range of heritage groups and others from around the region. There will also be a full programme of talks on various historical subjects. Of course, we will have a presence showing off our fascinating Aspull Ring Ditch Project. Patrick will be presenting a talk on the subject during the Friday afternoon session. The whole event is free and will be open from 10.00am till 4.00pm.

Next Meeting

Wednesday 1st April - at the Real Crafty on Upper Dicconson Street starting at 7.30pm as usual. This month we have David Stanley from South Trafford Archaeological Group (STAG) presenting his talk entitled Medieval Defence Structures in the North. David will be explaining how The North became the final frontier in the 14th Century, and how the changes that occurred in that century came about. Sounds like a fascinating talk, hope you can make it - BA.