News north-west Twice-yearly newsletter of the CBA north-west regional group

Council for British Roman tombstone Archaeology North West Regional Group found at Lancaster

Registered Charity Excavations at Lancaster by No 1081620 the University of Manches- ter Archaeological Unit last Chairman November brought to light Dr Jennifer Lewis, several large fragments of 43 Freshfield Rd, Formby, the tombstone of a Roman Liverpool L37 3HL. auxiliary cavalryman. Email: [email protected] The discovery was made near the line of the Roman Hon Secretary road from Lancaster to Wal- Julie Edwards, c/o Chester ton le Dale; cremation Archaeology, 27 Grosvenor burials had been found near- St, Chester CH1 2DD. by in 2001. Email: [email protected] The name of the soldier was probably Lucius Nisus Tombstone of Roman cavalryman found at Lancaster Hon Treasurer Vodvileius or Vodvilltius of Marlene Nolan, 7 Roughlea the Treveri, a tribe centred on Avenue, Culcheth, Warrington the modern Trier in Germa- CBA North West Spring Meeting and WA3 4NU. ny. He served in the Ala Augusta, possibly a known AGM Saturday 6 May 2006 CBA North West publishes unit with links to Lancaster two newsletters each year, in and Chesters on Hadrian’s This year’s Spring meeting and AGM will be at the the spring and summer/ Wall. Another stone naming Euxton Parish Church Community Centre at Euxton autumn. Contributions are a Treveran who served in the near Chorley. There will be talks on new discoveries invited from Cheshire, same unit was found at Lan- and recent work in the region. For more information Greater Manchester, Lanca- caster in the eighteenth please see the enclosed programme and booking form. shire and Merseyside on all century but is now lost. The aspects of archaeology in the recent stone was dedicated North West. If you wish to by Domitia, probably the New committee members needed contribute information which wife or daughter of the de- you feel would be of interest ceased. Every year a third of the CBA NW committee have to to members of CBA NW, Further information on retire, so we are always looking for new people to help please contact the Hon the stone can be found in run the Group. Do you think you can help? You do not Secretary. Please note that British Archaeology March– need an encyclopaedic knowledge of archaeology. contributions may have to April 2006, page 6. At the be edited. time of that publication the If you or someone you know would like to be nominated developers stated that their for election at this year’s AGM, please complete the intention was to auction the enclosed nomination form. Or if not this year why not stone in order to recoup the think about next? cost of the excavation.

CBA News north-west | Spring 2006 | 1 CBA North West autumn meeting 2005 CBA North West grants for archaeology

‘Distant horizons: maritime & marine influences CBA North West is able to provide small grants on the culture of north-west England’ to members or affiliated groups to assist with archaeological activities in the region. Here we The CBA NW autumn mentioned by Jack Manning reports meeting took place of the Cowp Scar Research report on how MAD YAC used their money in the Storey Institute, Lan- Group. In 2000 Mr Man- caster on 15 October 2005. ning, a Flookburgh Visit to Caer Drewyn After a hike to the top of To celebrate Sea Britain fisherman, found wooden (Corwen) the hill we were confronted 2005 and the 200th anniver- posts from fish-traps and a by the remnants of a high sary of the Battle of possible holding tank on a The Mersey and Dee Young stone wall which encircled a Trafalgar, the meeting’s recently uncovered expanse Archaeologist’s Club (or large compound. Within this theme was the region’s mar- of rocks on the western side MAD YAC as it is affection- were numerous dips in the itime heritage. of the Cartmel peninsula. ately known), spent the surface, where round houses Virginia Dellino-Mus- There was no local memory greater part of 2005 in the used to stand. For some grave of Wessex Archaeo- of fish traps there and den- Iron Age, and for one meet- members of the group, par- logy spoke about English drochronology gave a ing abandoned its usual ticularly the younger, this Heritage’s Historic Seascape fourteenth-century date. haunt of Norton Priory, in- was their first encounter with Characterisation project. Documentary research sug- stead setting out to terrorise an Iron Age site, and for the This follows on from the His- gests that they might have North Wales. rest our first encounter with toric Landscape Charac- been associated with Cartmel On arrival at Caer one of such proportions. The terisation Project and aims to Priory and that they could Drewyn, we met Fiona Gale, site’s stone wall (over 600 provide a management tool have been in use until the Denbighshire County metres long) is an unusual that can contribute to govern- middle of the seventeenth Archaeologist, who was to feature, as many Iron Age ment agendas. It is being century. be our guide for the time we settlements are known to piloted for the inter-tidal Vix Hughes of Oxford spent there. have had only wooden pali- shoreline and seabed from Archaeology spoke about re- sades and ditches. Was it Fleetwood to the Dee estu- cent work on Liverpool’s old made of stone to defend ary. Data gathered from port, carried out as a result of Neolithic passage graves against heavy opposition, or existing bodies of informa- the city-centre development. were near or within sight of, was it a prestige feature? tion, such as NMRs, Excavations at the site of the the sea. He proposed that Caer Drewyn is an ideal historical and geological old Pool, an estuary of the the decorations were part of vantage point, with views for charts and marine environ- Mersey which runs under the a repertoire of signs which miles around over the sur- mental data will be used to modern city centre, have re- had widely understood rounding rivers and valleys. generate character maps of vealed the eighteenth- meanings, partly linked to Although primarily an Iron varying levels of detail which century Customs House, the arrangement of the Age site, Caer Drewyn may can be interpreted for archae- while work on the Chavasse stones. The fact that some also have a Bronze Age his- ological potential, such as Park site has uncovered cel- stones were decorated on the tory, shown by the traces of submerged historic land- lars and street fronts. back, hidden from sight, sug- a smaller, earlier and less de- scapes. Mike Roberts, University gests that the designs were veloped hill fort. Dr Ada Pringle, Lancaster of Bangor, talked about pre- not just for the living to view. Several excavations in the University, described an in- historic sea level changes in By dismantling and re- 19th and 20th centuries have depth study of Silverdale salt the Irish Sea from around erecting the Calderstones in yielded evidence of the site’s marsh, on the eastern side of 18000 BP. By analysing Liverpool, the narrative flow purpose as an agricultural / Morecambe Bay, based on cores drilled in the Menai of their decoration has been trading settlement and not personal observation for the Straits he surmised that ma- lost but it might be possible solely as a fortress. The lat- period 1964–99 and oral and rine conditions fluctuated to deduce it by comparison ter history seems to indicate written sources going back to more than has been sup- with other stones still stand- that it was abandoned during the mid-nineteenth century. posed. For example, marine ing at Barclodiad Y Gawres the Roman occupation and There are indications that the conditions were present in and Bryn Celli Du in Wales. then little used afterwards. salt marsh has changed size the Menai Straits around Carvings of similar decora- There is however evidence of several times during the pe- 13000–14000 BP, which is tive motifs on natural a medieval structure, which riod of study. Dr Pringle earlier than the presumed features in the Bronze Age may have been a farmhouse linked periods of erosion and date of 8000 BP, and the might be a continuation of – the site makes an ideal deposition to the changing coastline was much further the same artistic tradition. sheep pen. courses of river channels inland around 10500 BP than The day was very inform- emptying into the Bay. the orthodox date. Julia McLaughlin Cook ative, and while spending The changing channels of George Nash of Gifford Merseyside Archaeological lunch inside unexplainable Morecambe Bay were also noted that 80% of decorated Society hollows in the ruins of the

PB | CBA News north-west | Spring 2006 wall several of us put for- Community One member raised the ly, being made to? Commu- ward suggestions as to their spectre of archaeology being nity archaeologists beware. purpose, all of which in- archaeology: controlled mainly by those If we cannot engage the volved bearded men with or, a community of who are ‘male, middle-class country’s young, how can we spears complaining about the and middle-aged’; another of engage the ‘New Britons’. weather ! archaeologists? archaeology as dominated by Do minority groups , even This site is worth a visit, ‘grey beards’. Lady mem- though born here, see Brit- particularly if the Iron Age After the excellent CBA bers swiftly challenged these ain as foreign and therefore is your thing. Members’ Weekend in perceptions, yet looking of no historical interest? Is Leicester I was invited to around the room there did the Government and the na- Chris Blundell submit an article for the seem to be a valid point: tional curriculum trying to Newsletter. As ours is a white, middle-class, male force British history onto [Editorial note: If you would community society the sub- specimens most definitely people, thereby alienating like to know more about ject was a dear one. While were in the majority – and I them? Are they just too new Caer Drewyn, there is a the subject was dominated by might say ageing at that. to Britain? Would many An- page on the Clwyd-Powys Peter Liddle’s talk about Professor Palmer noted that glo-Saxon or Norman Archaeological Trust Leicester’s archaeology so- most new Leicester intake children have been interest- website: www.cpat.org.uk/ ciety, the last day’s debate was made up of older people ed in the preceding history of educate/guides/caerdrew/ really set people thinking. changing careers (myself their new homeland? caerdrew.htm. Questions were raised not among them). How many of And yet, there is no rea- only about the state of the members present were son why non-white people A grant was also given to archaeology today and where Asian, Black or other than should not enjoy British ar- South Trafford Archaeologi- it is going, but also about white British ? None. chaeology. cal Group for publication of archaeologists themselves. Obviously archaeology is Archaeology is a science, their excavations at This set me thinking about not just a white British yet unlike most sciences it Timperley Old Hall. We are archaeologists; hence the ‘sport’. Most countries in the actively engages people. It grateful to them for sending title of this article. world have museums and is a discipline, yet also a a report, which we hope to teach an awareness of their pleasure. Most people think print in a later issue]. own histories. Most have it is about treasure first, then indigenous archaeologists. artefacts, then the past. It is The days of British archae- not and should never have ologists lording over gangs been. Archaeology is about of labourers have long gone. people, for people and by Archaeology is a popular people. More than that, it is activity, particularly among Fun! the young. Our last dig at- tracted hundreds of young Peter Lange people keen to get involved. Moston & District The Young Archaeologist’s Archaeology and Social Club is always well attend- History Society ed. Yet the profession has a kind of ‘crusty’ image. Why Editorial note: Members is this ? Is it seen as too ‘oth- may wish also to read the er worldly’, too academic? article ‘Roman Wall: Aerial view of Caer Drewyn hillfort Another member raised the Barrier or Bond?’ in the July possibility that archaeolo- 2004 issue (no 77) of British Archaeology, by CBA North-West grants for archaeology gists are themselves the Richard Benny, which CBA North-West is able to provide grants of up to £100 problem, in not being open, noted that some of the to members or affiliated groups to assist with archaeo- secretive even. Is it really Roman immigrants to logical projects in the region. ‘us’ versus ‘them’, where Britain were African. If you would like to apply for a grant, please write to the ‘they’ cannot get a look in Richard recently completed Honorary Secretary (address on page 1) detailing the unless they obtain a degree, his PhD research at project that you are running or hope to run and describ- and maybe not even then. Liverpool University and his ing how the grant will be used. The application will then Do communities feel this doctoral thesis was entitled be considered by the Executive Committee. Successful way? Do volunteers, who Black identity and social applicants will be asked to write a report on their project make up the majority of inclusion through archaeol- for Archaeology North West and/or if appropriate tell community groups, feel in- ogy and heritage. CBA North-West members about the project at one of ferior to those leading the the Spring reports meetings or in this newsletter. digs or the field walks? Are they, perhaps subconscious-

CBA News north-west | Spring 2006 | 3 Continuing Education: does your local Obituary society have a project? Mary Higham 1935–2005 The role of archaeology in that would benefit from this Continuing Education is kind of training, please get in We report, with great sad- One of Mary’s particular changing. Archaeology is a touch with: ness, the death at the end of strengths as a teacher was the very popular TV subject and Dr Zosia Archibald November of Mary Higham, way in which her subjects there is a vast array of infor- Academic Organiser of one of the best-known fig- came alive, reflecting her mation accessible to amateur Continuing Education, ures in local history, own joy in those subjects. enthusiasts, as well as pro- School of Archaeology, archaeology and place- She was an outstandingly fessionals, on the World Classics, and Egyptology, names studies in the generous person: no request Wide Web. Some local soci- University of Liverpool north-west. The large num- for assistance or information eties and individual 12 Abercromby Square bers of people present for her would be turned down. With members of the public are Liverpool L69 7WZ funeral at Burnley on 2 De- students, she was encourag- becoming involved in ‘pub- Tel 0151 794 2441 cember provided abundant ing and patient, genuinely lic archaeology’ projects. Fax 0151 794 2442 testimony to the high regard wanting them to succeed. These have sometimes Email in which she was held She was, beneath her some- been initiated by people with [email protected] throughout Lancashire and times formidable exterior, a no expertise in archaeology, Another archaeology far beyond. woman of very great humil- but who are interested in and course for Mary grew up in Rossen- ity, wearing her learning dale. Soon after her marriage lightly and never forgetting knowledgeable about their Lancashire own localities. to Eric she began training as that she might be wrong and The future of archaeolo- East Lancashire Adult Learn- a teacher at Chorley College, others right. gy in the UK depends on the ing run ten-week beginners but her passion for history Mary was a Lancashire active engagement of ordi- courses in the Archaeology carried her on to an MA and woman through and through, nary people with the history of Lancashire. The courses then a PhD . The author of knowing much of the coun- and heritage of their own lo- are held at libraries and com- numerous publications, up to ty in intimate detail, Her own calities. Although profes- munity venues in Lancashire her death she was a leading deep satisfaction in discov- sional archaeologists are re- and can be run in response figure in adult education in ering rural Lancashire in the sponsible for managing this to local requests. the north-west and an active company of her husband and heritage, maintaining For further information supporter of many organisa- son was a subject to which records and conducting re- contact: tions. she often returned. Her life search, they and their Tina Gleaves Nobody who knew Mary was full, rich and varied. Her institutions frequently de- Tel 01772 799129 or could ever be in any doubt death is a grievous loss to her pend on local people for Tracy Driscoll that she was a woman of no- county, her profession, her information about new finds Tel 01282 417723 or table character. Over the past friends and colleagues, and and the developing status of www.eastlancsadultlearning.org.uk ten years she fought, with above all to her family. We old structures. dogged determination, a se- know how privileged we are Continuing Education in CBA North-West ries of battles with ill health, to have known her. the University of Liverpool, meeting venues and though this final illness whose remit extends to overcame even her strength, Alan Crosby Cheshire and south Lanca- CBA North-West is keen to she struggled against it to the shire as well as Merseyside, develop closer links with so- very end. Only a week before [With the permission of her offers courses to the public cieties in the region and to her leukaemia was diag- family, this is an edited on various aspects of archae- find out about their activities nosed, she taught a weekend version of the eulogy which ology, including training in and local archaeological residential course on medie- was given at Mary’s funeral] excavation techniques, sur- sites. We therefore have a val history. vey methods, and field- policy of inviting societies in walking procedures. These the region to host our Spring A second-hand but serviceable display stand is available have provided members of meetings and AGM. CBA to be donated to any local society that can use it. It com- archaeological societies, as NW would take responsibil- prises 8 panels (2 high x 4 wide) forming a display stand well as individuals, with val- ity for the advertising and approx 7 feet high by 8 feet wide. The stand needs to be uable practical skills that booking arrangements of the positioned with its outer panels angled for stability. enable them to participate in meeting but would collabo- It folds away into a carry bag 3.5 feet x 2.5 feet x 1 local research project. rate with the local society in foot, so the issue of storage should be considered. Local authorities may be devising a programme for If your Society is interested, please contact Carolyne keen to support projects orig- the day. If your society Kershaw: inating in local areas and can would like to host a future [email protected] support these financially. If meeting please contact the Tel 0151 280 2669 (evenings and weekends) you know of a project idea honorary secretary.

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