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Manchester
On Line
Face to face with Cheshire's Romans
December 13, 2002
ANCIENT treasures pinpointing a tiny Cheshire village as the site of a
Roman settlement have been unearthed by archaeologist James Balme.
Having already uncovered a small Roman fort at Warburton, near Lymm, Mr Balme has extended his search of farmers' fields in the area and
discovered further important artefacts.
The fort was constructed during the mid first century. But he believes his latest finds prove that a separate settlement grew in the Warburton
area during the second and third centuries.
He said: "My initial work on the new areas has already started to produce major new finds, and confirms my suspicions that a Roman
settlement did develop in the Warburton area itself.
"I have recovered various Roman artefacts, which include a rare pewter bust of a Roman citizen. This could be the face of one of the Roman
people who once lived at the settlement at Warburton."
He has also recovered a pewter spout from a vessel, possibly used for wine or oil.
It is cast in the form of a classic Roman fish or dolphin. Another important find is a bronze belt plate of the classic Greek key design.
Meanwhile, Mr Balme, in association with Paul Walker Productions, has released a video detailing the story of his finds, entitled The King's
Grave.
It follows the story of how he first discovered a settlement dating back to the early bronze age, circa 2000BC, in Warburton.
Subsequently he discovered evidence of the previously unknown Roman fort and, more recently, the separate Roman settlement.
The documentary is presented by Fred Talbot, who is well known for his work on Granada Tonight, with Mr Balme as co-presenter.
Excavations at the Warburton site have been carried out jointly with South Trafford Archaeological Group and Manchester University
Archaeological Unit.
The video, priced £14.99, can be ordered online at the website
www.warburtonvillage.co.uk
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