Newsletter 57

Small Brook Resistivity

As you can see, the results from last month's resistivity survey of the Small Brook site are looking quite positive. You may recall, Mark Hayward spotted indications of the Roman Road here on an aerial photo, which we reported in Newsletter 51. They corresponded with 19th century reports of it as it crossed the fields at this point. Our survey covers an area of 50 by 45 metres and the emerging picture is complicated. However you may be able to detect a distinct linear feature running across the page from right to left (getting wider towards the left). The darkness of the linear feature suggests a sunken way which may tie in the description given by the Reverend Sibson in his 1845 report. This spoke of a hollow track in the adjacent Brook Meadow and also leading up the hill towards Dangerous Corner. The feature also corresponds with the line of the Road as indicated on the 1st Edition OS map of 1849. The dark feature at the bottom right is huge and maybe associated with remnants of a clay pit shown on this 25 inch OS map of 1888/1892, which shows Small Brook Potteries located on the other side of the field. Clay extraction may have continued here well into the 20th century. There is also a deep depression in the top left hand corner, which may represent an old pit shaft. Geological maps show coal seams from the Bickershaw 7-Foot and others outcropping in adjacent fields, a distance of only a matter of a few hundred metres away. The survey was truncated towards the bottom left where the field boundary-ditch cut across to meet the Small Brook stream itself about 30 metres to the left. There is also a curiously high (light) resistance feature running at right angles to our linear feature. With the permission of the farmer, trial trenching in this field would confirm or otherwise our observations.

Twinning Project

Dear friend,
I confirm that the association and I would like to set up a twinning and come over to Wigan. I must admit that it is difficult to find a date available for everybody because of our jobs. But we will try to find out one.
Moreover, I contacted Mrs Dominique De Ferrières, Portfolio Holder for International Relations, who help us in our many actions. I think it would be easier for me if you could tell us the dates you and the Society are available in 2002-2003 to arrange the meetings.
Thank you for your comprehension,
Best Regards
M. Brodeur Chairman

This is the letter Tom has received from M. Brodeur of the Angers Archaeological Society confirming that they want to twin with us. M. Brodeur has also sent us a gift of a book on the Troglodyte caves in Doue-la-Fontain. It has been suggested we return the gesture with a suitable book on some aspect of Wigan's history - any suggestion?

Dutton's Farm Field Trip

Ron Cowell of Liverpool Museum Services has kindly invited the Society to visit his current excavations at Dutton's Farm near Lathom House on Sunday 6th October. For the last few years Ron has been working on the site during the summer months. It was first discovered in 1998 when the Transco gas pipeline was being installed in the area. Since then Ron and his team have uncovered late Pre-historic and Romano-British occupation in the form of round houses and sunken track ways. The visit on Sunday has been arranged for 11.00am and should not last longer than a couple of hours. If you are interested please contact a committee member or me so that we can arrange a meeting point.

Next Meeting

Wednesday 2nd October at the BP Centre (Scout HQ) in Greenough Street, at 7.30 pm as usual. This month's speaker is John Darlington who is the County Archaeologist for Lancashire and his talk is on 'Aspects of the Lancashire Archaeological Services'.

Hope to see you there - B.A.