 Last month saw the return of
archaeologists to Wigan, excavating once more in the town centre. Not this
time in search of Romans, but looking for evidence of Wigan's industrial
heritage. The archaeologists are digging a site in front of the
Trencherfield Mill in Pottery Road, opposite the Pier, in preparation for
a new development there. Site director Chris Wild, from Oxford Archaeology
North, told me that they are excavating a Blacking Mill which is shown on
the 1849 OS map and which was probably built in the 18th century.
This is
very interesting for us as we excavated a 'blacking mill' in the mid 90's
at Arley Hall Golf Club near Blackrod. These mills, our research found,
were used for crushing charcoal to a fine powder for iron founders who
used it to dust moulds before casting (see Newsletter
No.29). We have also
found other examples at Adlington and Blackburn. The excavations in Wigan
have revealed extensive remains of this mill lying about a metre below the
present surface. The mill floors were made of brick and stone slabs and in
some areas wooden beams (even an old door in one place).
The mill was
ideally positioned right alongside the canal where its produce could be
transported to where it was needed. What is not obvious, however, is the
power source as nothing even suggesting a steam engine could be detected.
This is in contrast to excavations carried out down the side of
Trencherfield Mill where the archaeologists have found massive stone
foundation blocks in evaluation trenches that suggest a huge beam engine
was being used. This is probably connected to the original mill which was
built on this site in 1823. Unfortunately this site will not be fully
excavated as the new development will be built above the remains, leaving
them untouched.
CBA Spring Reports Meeting
Saturday 6th May at Euxton Parish Community Centre (on the A49 near
Papa Luigi's). Jack Smith and I have been involved in the organisation of
this meeting and we are both scheduled to give talks on the work we have
been doing over recent years. Also on the programme are John Rabbitt and
Dot Waring who will be telling us about their excavations in search of the
Roman roads in Eccles and Darwen respectively. The afternoon is given over
to the professionals, who this year include John Zant (Wigan's Bathhouse),
Mike Nevell (recent activities of the UMAU) and Dan Garner (Chester's
Amphitheatre). If you are interested in attending please see me at our
next meeting.
Egyptology Day School
If Egyptology is more to your liking, also on 6th May John
Johnson is running this event at the Orwell (10am till 4pm). The price is
£20 but lunch is included. If you want more details contact Christine
Fishwick on 01942 517958.
Mystery of the Headless Romans
 On Friday night, 21st April at 9.00 pm, BBC2 are broadcasting
this programme which is about a graveyard excavated on the outskirts of
York. First discovered in 2004 alongside the Roman road to Manchester,
this mass grave has revealed over 56 skeletons dating to the early third
century AD. What is unusual about the bodies, however, is that the
majority were large males in the prime of their lives and most had had
their heads cut off. This would normally suggest a war grave similar to
the one found at Towton a few years ago. The bodies, however, show no
signs of battle trauma, which points to execution. Patrick Ottaway, head
of fieldwork with the York Archaeological Trust, says that the heads were
removed in a very violent way, in one case taking 13 blows. Patrick's
interpretation is that these victims were a result of the accession of
Emperor Caracalla who was well known for his vindictive cruelty. He could
well have ordered revenge on the local governor for his previous lack of
cooperation.
Next WAS Meeting
Wednesday 5th April at the Baden Powell Centre (Scout HQ) in Greenough
Street, starting at 7.30 pm as usual. Our speaker this month is Mike
Clarke, who will be presenting a talk on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Mike is the chairman of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Society and is an
expert on all aspects of waterways, both in this country and on the
continent. His talk has been highly recommended so hope to see you there.
B.A.
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