Flowing Sunday

We had an excellent turnout from the general public on Sunday 19th July, when many came down to see what we had on offer for the Festival of Archaeology.  What with a sandpit to forage in for the very young, taster opportunities for budding archaeologists, printing onto sandbags and informed tours by our expert guides there was something for everybody.  However the real highlight for regular diggers was the emptying of the water from the Engine House which has stopped progress in that area of the dig for many months.  We knew there had to be a drain but where was it?  Believing for months that the drain must cross the site and head straight for the River Goyt we had tried and tried to find it without success.  We now know that it actually runs in the opposite direction towards the high ground before turning south and following the line of the drive-shaft back to the Wellington Wheel Pit.  Once we realised this John Glithero and I started to use drain rods to clear the drain from the wheel pit end.  After about 5 metres of pulling out very matted and fine roots the water began to flow. Slowly at first and then finally a torrent as hundreds of gallons emptied from the Engine House into the Wellington Wheel Pit.  Very exciting indeed.  The day flowed well in every sense and we can now get to complete the excavations in the Boiler House and Engine House without fear of getting our wellies full of water!                                                    

The Pit, the cameraman, and John Glithero. Filming by 'ThatsManchester' tv company.