 |
A huge Roman
building complex is being unearthed in Wigan in the area around Millgate and there is
substantial evidence of a hypocaust.
This is really exciting news, as it may well prove the existence of a fort in Wigan in the
Roman period. Hypocausts were the Roman equivalent of modern central heating systems, with
under-floor heating and box flues in the walls. They are usually associated with
bathhouses, which are found mostly in connection with Roman forts. This is just
speculation at the moment, but David Shotter of Lancaster University has visited the site
and is happy with this interpretation. Alternatively it could be a large house or Mansio,
which was the Roman equivalent of a hotel. Now that the multi-storey car park at the
bottom of Millgate has been demolished, it is obvious this would have been the ideal spot
for a substantial building with clear views across the Douglas looking both east and
south. |
| All that is left of the complex are back-filled foundation trenches that, in some
cases, are more than half a metre wide and stretch all across the site. Mark Bagwell, who
is currently in charge of the excavations, is amazed at the size of the structure
uncovered. He says he has yet to find its full extent as it continues both north and east
of the current workings. Telltale Roman mortar in the bottom of the trenches confirms that
the buildings were stone or brick built. This is in contrast to the less-permanent wooden
structures found in the Wiend in the 1980’s. Roman pottery, roofing tiles and Roman
brick are appearing everywhere on the site. Most exciting of all, of course, is the
hypocaust, which is mainly still buried but some of its brick floor columns (pilae) can be
seen protruding from the debris of later occupation. Much of it has been destroyed by a
17/18th century bell pit (not a mine but a pit for casting bells) but hopefully enough
will survive to show the full extent of the structure. Besides the extensive Roman
material, there are significant quantities of Medieval pottery being found, which is
extremely rare despite Wigan’s
rich Medieval history. Later structures are also emerging such as 18th century cellars and
a 19th century road. Current work on this site is planned for another couple of weeks but
Mark estimates he will need much longer to complete the excavations properly.
|  |
 There is to
be a meeting on Wednesday between GMAU and Modus, the developers, but, I fear, a time
extension is unlikely to be granted. At our meeting on Wednesday, Nicky Gaskell, who is
one of the excavating team, will be there and has promised to bring along some of the
finds including a fine example of a Samian ware bowl.Ellesmere Park Project
Residence of a housing estate in Eccles are getting very excited about the prospect of
excavating a Roman Road which runs through their area. They are going to do it as part of
Time Team’s Big Roman Dig which will be going out in late June/early July. The format
this year will be different in that there is to be one theme, Roman, and major projects
nominated with associated minor ones. Our society, although not directly involved, will
have the chance to take part, as the road being investigated happens to be the same Roman
Road we have been looking for over the last few years in Atherton and Ince. John Rabbitt,
the treasurer of the Eccles Residence Association has asked for our help and, in the first
instance, we will be able to do a resistivity survey for them and then later in the year
perhaps help them with the excavations. If you are interested please contact me at the
meeting.
Next Meeting
Wednesday 6th April at the Baden Powell Centre (Scout HQ) in Greenough
Street, starting at 7.30 pm as usual. This month the speaker is Dan Garner,
from Chester Archaeology. Dan is in charge of the excavations on
Chester’s amphitheatre. He will be updating us on latest developments.
Hope to see you there. B.A.
|
