Google Earth seem to be updating their satellite images almost every year now which is great, especially as you can retrieve previous images. By scrolling through them you get see how a site has developed over a 20 year span. It was whilst scanning through images of Mosley Common recently, that I noticed a large housing development. It was creeping towards the fields where the Roman road from Manchester to Wigan is said to have ran. The 19th century antiquarian Sibson, said '…it was found here in 1831. A short length of the ridge of the Road was then visible; and the grass, on this ridge, was of a pale green. In cutting through this ridge, there was found a foot of yellow sandy gravel: below the gravel was found a bed of blocks of yellow-coloured freestone, six inches in thickness.'. This account was used to update the 1849 6" OS map, which shows it at Brick House Farm on Bridgewater Road and crossing the Common through Sheep Lane. At Honksford Brook it is shown crossing where there is now a foot bridge. In 1957 the road was reportedly discovered near here under the farm track by local archaeologists. Their excavated section was recorded as being constructed of 3 layers of rough sandstone fragments and gravel. When I checked the Wigan Planning site the development seemed to be planned to continue all the way to the brook thus destroying anything of the road that may have survived. I therefore contacted the Council to see what provision (if any) they had made to excavate and record any archaeology remaining. I got a very reassuring email from Dave Rawsthorne who said that the development area had been reduced. In fact it would go no further than the current extent. This had been decided to lessen the impact on the green belt and consideration given to the potential archaeology after consultation with GMAAS. In fact before the current development had started, Heritage Archaeology had been commissioned to investigate where the proposed line of the road crossed the corner of the site. They dug 3 large trenches which unfortunately drew a blank. The archaeologists however suggested that this could be due to past landscaping activity in the area. It's a shame that nothing was found but gratifying to know that NPP Framework procedures have been followed in this case and gives hope in the future cases where development threatens. The fields to the east of Honksford Brook are apparently owned by Peel Holdings, who lease them out to a local farmer. If we could find out who the farmer is, a resistivity survey might prove useful.
An Everchanging World
This is a musical play in radio play format written and produced by our very own Ken Scally. It's set in Wigan at the beginning of World War One and is about a young mill girl and colliery manager's son who, despite their class barriers, fall in love but are then torn apart by the onset war. Beautifully performed by local actors and musicians, it was recorded at Sunshine House in Scholes - and the performance is now available on a double CD with a companion booklet. The songs are mostly period with a couple which Ken wrote himself and set to period tunes. Thanks go to the Wigan Music Ensemble, an extremely talented group of local musicians who provided the music and vocals - and the 'On the Go Theatre Group' for their great performances with the dialogue. Thanks also to Mark Dowding and Pete Cunliffe, for their recording and production skills for making this recording possible. The CD and booklet cost £6 and for details of how to get hold of a copy you can message Ken on Facebook or ring him on 01942 732728.
Next Meeting
Wednesday 3rd November - in our new venue, the Real Crafty on Upper Dicconson Street (7.30pm as usual). A change of plan - we were to have Mark Adams but due to circumstances beyond our control we're postponing his talk till next year. In his stead John Johnson, at short notice, has kindly offered to talk about the fabulous tomb of Nefertari, wife of Ramses the Great. It's situated in the Valley of the Queens, and is the best preserved of all the tombs in Egypt. From the amazing images and writings on the walls, John is able to explain her belief in the afterlife. Sure to be a great talk, hope to see you there.
Christmas Meal & Quiz
Our current venue, the Real Crafty, doesn't do food, so we have booked the Royal Oak on Standishgate who do excellent meals (see attached Christmas menu). Unfortunately though, we are having to change our day as they have their own quiz night on our usual day. To keep it in he right month we have booked, therefore, Tuesday 7th December. We also need to pre-book the meals so please let me know if you mean to attend and which meal you would like.
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