Site Overview
The archaeologists are quite convinced now that there was a large bathhouse in Wigan in the Roman period dating to the mid 2nd century AD. The confirmation comes with the discovery of a stoke-hole connected to the hypocaust. In addition a further two hypocaust rooms have been unearthed together with what the experts believe was a plunge pool. Ian Miller the site director says he is overwhelmed by the quantity and quality of the finds from the excavations which include over 2000 shards of Roman pottery (many of the shards are of high status Samian ware) and 1.5 tons of building material. The stone walling, most of which has unfortunately been 'robbed out', was in some cases over one metre thick suggesting the building complex was at least two storeys high.
Site OverviewThe colonnade plinth of the bathhouse
The archaeologists also now believe that the bathhouse complex was connected to a much larger building which had a colonnade running around it. In fact a column capital, which could have originated from it, has been found in the debris of the hypocaust. The full extent of this building is not known as Victorian cellars have destroyed the remains on the east side. There is still no evidence for its function but the discovery of a series of beam-slot foundation trenches for dividing walls suggests it was most likely a Mansio (or Roman hotel). A deep channel running north-south on the west side of the complex is thought to have carried water to the site. Also, just to the north of the colonnaded building, an earlier workshop has been discovered with a series of hearths where lead was being process. It all adds weight to the bathhouse theory as much lead is used in these buildings for such things as piping and a pool lining (as at the Roman baths in Bath).
The bread oven and the medieval pit
Other significant finds include a medieval pit with pottery dating to the 13th century, and a bread oven dating to the 18th century (although some wit has suggest it was more likely a pie oven). The archaeologists have finished their work now and soon the whole area will disappear under a multi-storey car park. But all is not lost. All the tiling from the hypocausts has been collected and Shepherds, the developer, are keen on the idea of a reconstruction in the new shopping centre when it opens in 2007.
Summer trip
This year the trip will be on Sunday 7th August with a visit to the current excavations being carried out on the Amphitheatre at Chester. In April, Dan Garner gave us a fascinating talk on the developments there and broke the news of the discovery of a double phase when the site was extended with an extra outer wall. Excavations continue this summer and Dan will be giving us a guided tour of further developments. Additionally, in the morning, we will be treated to a tour of the Heronbridge site just south of Chester where Chester Arch Soc has been researching a multi-period site. This was the subject of the spring CBA NW conference which proved to be very entertaining. The site is situated just north of Eccleston and comprises a Roman settlement straddling the Roman Road into Chester. Adjacent is a huge Dark-age enclosure. In the 1930's a mass war-grave was discovered here which has recently been dated to the early 7th century. If you are interested in going on the trip please fill in the enclosed slip.
Greatacre
At last month's meeting Tom mention we had received information about a possible site near Greatacre in the Douglas valley. The story is that an allotment owner discovered something quite deep when he was digging a well. He thought it was a lead coffin and so covered it up as fast as he could and told his son not to tell anybody. Thirty years later, with his father long gone and the discovery of Roman remains in the town centre, his son's curiosity has got the better of him. We have visited the site and found out that United Utilities are currently installing sewerage overflow tanks in the area. These will not interfere with the site but they have kindly agreed to help us with our investigations with the loan of an excavator.
Next Meeting
Wednesday 1st June at the Baden Powell Centre (Scout HQ) in Greenough Street, starting at 7.30 pm as usual. This month our speaker was to be Anne Worsley with a talk on Forensic Archaeology. Unfortunately due to ill health Anne has had postpone her visit till later in the year. Instead, Jack Smith has kindly offered to bring his talk forward which is on his research into Secondary or "B" Roads in the Roman North West.
