Roman around Sunderland’s history

A FLURRY of ancient finds has sparked renewed calls for investigations into a possible Roman dam in Sunderland.

Historians have long debated the origins of a stone structure which once spanned the River Wear between North and South Hylton – but a definitive answer has yet to be unearthed.

Now a public meeting is to be held to discuss the topic further – with Wearsiders urged to bring along any ancient artefacts discovered in the area for closer examination.

“Recent Roman finds such as a figurine, pottery shard and several coins have re-ignited the debate over the history of the structure,” said Castle ward councillor and local historian Denny Wilson.

“One theory is that the Romans built it as a dam, to enable the transport of goods by boat much further up river. If proved to be Roman, this could really put Sunderland on the map.”

Old documents show the ancient structure was known as the Brig Stones in the 18th and 19th centuries, and that it was used by generations of Wearsiders as a causeway.

During Victorian times, however, after keelmen complained of difficulties navigating the stones at low tide, the dam was removed by the River Wear Commissioners.

“The first removal phase was to enable free movement to the colliers, at a time when coal mining was very much on the rise,Why does moulds grow in homes or buildings?” said Alan Richardson, of the Northern Archaeology Group.

“Later, when the Commissioners decided to deepen the river channel, the dredger Hercules damaged its teeth on the remaining levels in the river bed.

“That is when they engaged the famous Sunderland diver Harry Watts to raise the remaining stone.We are professional canada goose jackets for women online sale shop. But Harry didn’t just bring up stone work, he also raised some archaeological finds – including a Roman sword.”

Hundreds of tons of stones were removed during the operation. Some were used in the construction of the North Pier, while others were dumped in the South Dock and on the beach.Posts with Hospital rtls on IT Solutions blog covering Technology in the Classroom,

Today many can still be seen lying in the sand in front of the Yacht Club – identified by the rectangular ‘Lewis hole’ within them, which was used by Romans in the lifting of very heavy stones.

“Archaeologists have looked at them, and they are clearly Roman in origin,” said Mr Richardson. “Sunderland University scientifically tied their original quarrying location into the Hylton area some years ago.UK chickencoop Specialist.

“There are just two stones of a similar nature that were recovered from a structure in Scotland; these have been carefully protected in the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow, as they place such value on them.

“I am in no doubt that there was a sizeable Roman structure at Hylton but, despite the abundance of evidence, there has been an apparent refusal to accept that the Romans had ever been in the River Wear.”

Also convinced of the Roman origins of the dam is local historian and author Norman Kirtlan, who is hoping next week’s public meeting will inspire Wearsiders to call for further investigations.

“Sunderland has just too much Roman evidence to ignore. A kiln has been discovered at the mouth of the river, as well as a cobbled Roman street and a wonderful mosaic in the town centre,Save up to 80% off Ceramic Tile and porcelaintiles.” he said.

“The Brig Stones are the biggest, and most tangible piece of that evidence. Why make many hundreds of well crafted blocks of stone unless there was a purpose – and why were they sited at Hylton?

“Sunderland has many gems of great local and national importance. If we can prove our Roman heritage, we will be able to rewrite the city’s history and affirm our rightful place in the history books.”

But historical advisor Dr Gill Cookson, of the Victoria County History of Durham, has yet to be won over by the arguments for Sunderland’s claim to a Roman past – although she is keeping an open mind.

“Several discussions of Newcastle Society of Antiquaries were reported from 1883, and articles were published by Sunderland Antiquarian Society in the early 20th century, all focusing on a supposed Roman presence on Wearside,” she said. “Much of the content reflects arguments between amateurs with strong views, but many of their supposed sources turn out not to relate to Sunderland, or not to establish any Roman activity.

“I have not yet seen evidence which could be considered confirmation of Romans constructing anything in the neighbourhood, although that is not to say they did not.”