Published March 11, 2020 at 15:42
We’re all aware that the industrial revolution had a dramatic effect on the valley over the last 250 years but were there people living here in earlier times? In the Middle Ages? Roman times? Prehistory?
The recently formed South Pennine Archaeology Group (SPAG) based in Rawtenstall are determined find out and have already made some interesting discoveries.
“Broadclough Dykes have puzzled people for centuries” said Catherine Rousseau-Jones, Chair “but there are other potentially interesting sites which may also be far older than originally thought.”
Established just prior to Christmas 2019, the group already has a membership of over 20 members but is keen to increase numbers by recruiting young people wishing to study archaeology at university as well as local residents wanting to know more about their heritage.
Their first event was a talk in Januaryby Neil Coldrick of Holcombe Moor Heritage Group who enthralled the audience with his story of medieval iron smelting in the Holcombe valley. Held in the comfort of Ashday Lea Masonic Hall in Rawtenstall the event was a great success.
The next talk is 7.30pm Thursday, March 12 at the same location (behind St Mary’s Chambers). Buckden Bill, a Yorkshire Tragedy when Richard Matthews will unravel the mystery of a skeleton found in a Dales lead mine! A great story told with wit and humour by a master storyteller. Suggested donation £3.00. Pay on the door.
A Leap Year coffee morning at Ashday Lea Masonic Lodge, Rawtenstall was well attended and resulted in several new members and some interesting finds being brought in for expert assessment.
In addition, digs, field walks, experience days, trips and visits to other sites plus online and archive based research will all be taking place over the coming months. If you’d like to know more please email spag@chro.co.uk, call Roger Grimshaw on 07798 582225 or follow them on Facebook @southpenninearchaeology.