Blackstone Edge Causeway: Supposed Roman Road And Scheduled Monument
This well-preserved road at Blackstone Edge has been the subject of intense debate as to its origin.
Crossing the escarpment is Blackstone Edge Long Causeway, also known as Blackstone Edge Roman Road, a partially paved road on the Greater Manchester side, becoming a holloway through peat as it runs into Yorkshire.
It was championed in the 1920s by the legendary Professor Ian Richmond as Roman.
However, local amateur, James Maxim, had the audacity to challenge the professional wisdom.
His book, A Lancashire Lion (1965), examined the evidence and found a medieval pack-horse track passing UNDER part of this road and therefore older than it!
He always referred to this road as the Blackstone Edge Long Causeway and it now appears his contention was almost certainly correct with this road being a very early Turnpike dating to 1735 - a little late to be Roman.
This theory by James Maxim was widely accepted until 2012, when investigations by Archaeological Services WYAS led them to a different theory.
It conclude that "The archaeological surface evidence...suggests that the route of the road is unlikely to have originated as part of a turnpike scheme.
”Probable medieval and post-medieval features, including a packhorse road, appear to overlie the substantial road cuttings in a number of places.
”If the road does not originate in the 18th century, then the scale of construction of the road cuttings suggest a level of engineering skill, planning and use of resources only otherwise normally associated with Roman roads."
This report confirms the original Roman date.
The route is designated as a scheduled monument in both Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.
The Aiggin Stone, a gritstone pillar, possibly a way-marker, stands alongside the road, which may also have seen later use as a packhorse route, and marks the county boundary.
The stone has a cross and the letters I and T cut into it.
Its name is said to derive from the French aiguille for a needle or aigle for an eagle.
During the English Civil War, the Parliamentarians sent 800 men to fortify Blackstone Edge; John Rosworm came from Manchester to direct the construction of defences.
It was successfully held against an attack by Royalist cavalry.
In 1660, the churchwardens of St Chad's paid 24 shillings for eight loads of "great stones from Blackstoneedge" for Rochdale church steps.
Celia Fiennes travelled over Blackstone Edge and described her journey in about 1700.
A meeting of supporters of Chartism from the surrounding industrial towns of Lancashire and Yorkshire was held in 1846, attracting up to 30,000 people.
Today, lots of walkers and clclyist visit Blackstone Edge of its lovely scenery and countryside views.
Rating the destination on TripAdvisor, one recent visitor said: “An enjoyable place for a walk with stunning views over the valleys.
”Afterwards you can always call in at the White House pub for a cold beer and a bite to eat.”
Another person added: “Love it here very peaceful and beautiful walks and fabulous climbing. The landscape is clean and tidy and the views are beautiful.”
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