This famous Roman fort was the subject of our summer trip in 2018 (included visits to the Chesters fort on Hadrian's Wall and Binchester not far from Bishop Auckland). In truth it wasn't a well attended trip - just Eric and I (accompanied by our better halves) made the overnight trip. We've been to Vindolanda a few times before of course but this is the first time I really got an understanding of the site and what went on there during its longer period of Roman occupation. New discoveries and a totally revamped museum made it a really informative experience (more details on our blog site here.)
- and I'm delighted to say that, as mentioned in last month's Newsletter, we will be having Dr. Andrew Birley, Director of Excavations there, for our next meeting in March (details below). Not only will he be updating us on all the latest exciting discoveries there but also telling us about his new Magna project. This Roman fort, also on Hadrian's Wall, is larger than Vindolanda but is in serious danger from erosion. It has the same potential for the preservation of organic material and Andrew and his colleague (the Trust's vice chair, Gary Calland), are trying raising funds for its excavation. To do this they are planning to travel to Rome and back on scooters (apparently recreating the journey a Roman postman had to make). Here is the website.
Arley Mill Update
In the late 1990s the Society carried out a series of investigations into the mills located in the Douglas valley near Arley Hall (i.e. between Standish and Blackrod - you can read the report on our website here.) One of the mills is marked on the 6" OS map of 1849 as 'Arley Mill (Logwood)' and an article appearing in a Wigan Observer in 1915, describes the activity carried out there as 'fustic and charcoal being ground, on a machine called a raft'. We know that logwood and fustic were types of wood imported from the Americas - ground down to extract black and yellow dyes for the textile industry but we never fully understood how this process worked. However, in the latest publication of the 'Greater Manchester: Past Revealed' series (i.e. No.25 Deansgate Square), there is an interesting section on the Knott Mill complex on the banks of the River Medlock. Much of the booklet in fact deals with the Roman excavations in nearby Castlefield. I was intrigued, however, to read that the Knott Mill site being described, in the late 18th century, as incorporating a logwood mill in its dye works - that had a machine for rasping wood. I'm fairly sure that this mechanism was the same as the 'raft' referred to in our newspaper article.
The image shown here is of a typical rasping machine drawn in 1820. It shows logs being forced by a rack and pinion system, onto a rotating drum mounted with blades. The wood is chopped into fine chips which can then be ground down to extract the dye. This fits well with the results of our investigations which revealed a stone lined pit with evidence of a rotating action. Also nearby, was a collection of grinding wheels.
Next Meeting
Wednesday 4th March as mentioned above, our next meeting is a special one i.e. a talk by Dr Andrew Birley on his Vindolanda Excavations. Due to the high level of interest in this event, we're holding the meeting in Mercure Oak Hotel. Also, as Andrew will be travelling back on the night, we will be starting at the earlier time of 7.00pm. We're also increasing the price to £3 for members and £5 for guests. (tickets for guests are available on Eventbrite and all proceeds will be going to Andrew's project). Please note there is a large car park which is Pay & Display but you won't need to pay as long as you register you car at reception.
Book Sale
Bob Dobson from Blackpool will also be at our event in March with his second hand book stall. Bob, having decided to retire, is selling up so you may want to bring some extra cash to take the opportunity of picking up a bargain or two (he's offering 30% to 50% off all his titles). Hope to see you then - BA.
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