Save Roman Southwell - Plan for Roman site opposed

Town councillors have objected to fresh plans for housing on the former Church Street site of The Minster School, Southwell.

Southwell Heritage Trust wants the site, where archaeologists have found a Roman villa said to be of national importance, to become a heritage park.

There were calls, at a meeting of Southwell Town Council planning committee, for Newark and Sherwood District Council to deal with the park proposal at the same time as the homes application.

The application is for nine homes, and proposes that the key archaeology be preserved in situ and not built on.

A Saxon burial ground has also been found at the site and could provide a link between the Roman occupation of Southwell and the minster cathedral.

The Southwell committee, whose comments are forwarded to the district council, objected to the homes for five main reasons.

These were the prematurity of the application, the proposed design and layout, the impact on the archaeology, the impact on views of the minster, and the absence of lower-cost housing.

The committee chairman for the night, Mrs Beryl Prentice, said the heritage trust application should be dealt with by the district council at the same time as the homes plan.

She said, and colleagues agreed, the homes plan was premature, because allocations mapping development in the district were being assessed by a planning inspector and the outcome wasn’t known.

Mr Peter Harris said it wasn’t a consideration as to whether the applicant made money from the sale of the homes or not.

He said that what branded the application a joke was the fact it was being suggested the homes would sell for £600,000 when he thought they would achieve seven figures.

Mr Harris said: “I am opposed to this application because I fundamentally don’t think it is appropriate to have this level of development in what is essentially now an open space.

“Any other town with an adjacent cathedral wouldn’t get significant development. Having said that district council planners seem keen for this site to be developed.”

A member of the public, Katie Todd, of Church Street, feared the application could bring flooding.

She said in 2007 30-40 properties were affected and recent deluges had led to worry of a repeat.

Another resident, Mr Peter Kent, said at 21/2 storeys high, the houses would be massive and views of the minster would be affected.

 

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Plan-for-Roman-site-opposed

Event - Southwell Iron Age Day

Southwell Archaeology will be hosting an Iron Age Day on Saturday 17th November at the Old Courthouse, Southwell, 10am – 3pm.


The morning will be spent discussing the aims and objectives of the new Burgage Earthworks project and will include:

Introduction to the Project: Southwell Archaeology chairman John Lock will discuss the main threads of the project and how this exciting new ‘hands-on’ archaeology project will pan out over the next year or so.

Documents Research: Southwell Archaeology committee member Ellis Morgan, who will be leading the archival research and map work of the project, will discuss his plans for the coming months to research the early history of the Burgage. He will also be recruiting interested people who want to be involved in this research.

Archaeology Training & Fieldwork: Matt Beresford, of MBArchaeology, will be outlining the practical archaeology aspect of the project and providing dates for training days in surveying, excavation and finds analysis. He will also provide an overview of the archaeological aims of the project.

In the afternoon, a workshop will be held looking at the British Iron Age with an aim to provide those attending with a basic introduction to the period and how Southwell fits into the wider landscape.

This is an exciting new project for Southwell Archaeology and a great opportunity for the local community to be involved in finding out more about the early origins of Southwell.

Southwell Archaeology are always looking for new members. If you are interested in joining the group or being part of the project, contact info@southwellarchaeology.org.uk or matt@mbarchaeology.co.uk

From: http://www.mbarchaeology.co.uk/author/admin/

News - Rare ‘vampire’ skeleton unearthed in Nottinghamshire (Southwell)

A 1400-year-old ‘vampire’ skeleton with metal spikes through its shoulders, heart and ankles, has been discovered in Britain, a new report has claimed.


The skeleton dating from 550-700 AD found buried in the ancient minster town of Southwell, Nottinghamshire has shed light on rare ‘vampire’ burials in Britain.

Long dismissed as myth and legend, the vampire is associated with spooky stories, the Daily Mail reported.

It is believed to be a “deviant burial”, where people considered the ‘dangerous dead’, such as vampires, were interred to prevent them rising from their graves to plague the living.

Only a handful of such burials have been unearthed in the UK till now.

The discovery is detailed in a new report by Matthew Beresford, of Southwell Archaeology.

The skeleton was found by archaeologist Charles Daniels during the original investigation of the site in Church Street, which revealed Roman remains.

Beresford said when Daniels found the skeleton he jokingly checked for fangs.

“Throughout the Anglo-Saxon period the punishment of being buried in water-logged ground, face down, decapitated, staked or otherwise was reserved for thieves, murderers or traitors or later for those deviants who did not conform to societies rules: adulterers, disrupters of the peace, the unpious or oath breaker,” said Beresford.

“Which of these the Southwell deviant was we will never know,” he said.

Beresford believes the remains may still be buried on the site where they originally lay because Daniels was unable to remove the body from the ground.

John Lock, chairman of Southwell Archaeology, said the body was one of a handful of such burials to be found in the UK.

“A lot of people are interested in it but quite where it takes us I don’t know because this was found in the 1950s and now we don’t know where the remains are,” Lock said.

The discovery comes five months after archaeologists found remains from a third grave in central Bulgaria linked to the practise, the report said.

The skeleton was tied to the ground with four iron clamps, while burning ambers were placed on top of his grave.

From: http://www.firstpost.com/fwire/rare-vampire-skeleton-unearthed-in-nottinghamshire-515052.html

News - Diggers move on to site (Southwell)

Further archaeological investigation is taking place at a site in Southwell that is believed to contain Roman remains of national significance.


Work taking place on the Church Street site.There had been no activity on the former Minster School site on Church Street since a planning application for 29 homes was rejected.

But concerns were raised when heavy machinery, including JCBs, were spotted carrying out work.

The site is believed to contain the remains of a Roman villa and archaeologists hope it could provide the link between the Roman occupation of Southwell and the building of the minster.

Town councillor Mrs Sue Rodgers, a former member of Nottinghamshire County Council’s archaeology team, said the county council’s archaeologist Ursilla Spence was aware of the investigations taking place.

Mrs Rodgers said: “There are no worries about the archaeology on site. The work is further archaeological work being carried out, not building work.”

Mrs Rodgers said she had been liaising with the landowner, Caunton Properties Limited, and heritage groups to try to reach a compromise over the future of the site.

She said: “No one has come forward to say they are interested in a compromise so for the time being it is all on hold.”

Mr Peter Kent, a member of the Roman Heritage Park campaign group, which wants to see the site turned into a heritage park, said the group had concerns about the work taking place.

He said: “I have been approached by several people enquiring about what is happening.

“Ursilla Spence has assured me that it is all under control and the work is being carried out by Preconstruct Archaeology, which is a reputable firm.

“There have been a lot of rumours going around about the site.”

Mr Kent, also a member of Southwell Archaeology, said the group would like there to be more information available about work taking place.

He said: “Some of the treatment looks pretty brutal but it looks as if it is quite an extensive archaeological investigation.

“There is so much speculation there and that would be much better if the groups were involved.”
  From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Diggers-move-on-to-site

Article - Oldest RAF veteran meets memorial campaigners (Halam)

A 99 year old RAF veteran has given his seal of approval to a memorial erected to seven airmen killed in a plane crash in Nottinghamshire during World War Two.


The crew of a Lancaster bomber died in 1943 when their plane crashed in the village of Halam near Southwell. Last year a granite memorial was unveiled in their honour after two locals - Andrew Paris and Tony Denyer - campaigned for the crash site to be recognised. Relatives of the crew from Australia, Canada and the UK were present at the blessing.

Jim Flint is the oldest and most decorated surviving RAF war veteran and Bomber Command pilot. He flew 56 missions and became a Commanding Officer. During his career he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), the George Medal and the Aircraft Efficiency Medal (AE). Jim received the George Medal for bravery after his plane ditched in the sea off the coast of Norfolk. His navigator was trapped and Jim swam back to rescue him.

Today he spoke about the need to remember the war dead.“"There was many a mission I flew that I honestly didn't know if I would return home from. I lost so many dear friends during the Second World War and to have colleagues recognised with these special memorials is marvellous."

The memorial at Halam is one of a number of RAF crash sites that have been recognised by Nottinghamshire County Council through their Local Improvement Scheme. Over the last eight years the Council has spent around £500,000 to fund the restoration and creation of more than 35 war memorials across Nottinghamshire, including the village of Staunton near Newark, and Milton near Retford.

From: http://www.itv.com/news/central/2012-09-25/oldest-raf-veteran-meets-memorial-campaigners/

Event - Children invited to dig into the past of town (Southwell)

ENTHUSIASTS will be digging into the past of historic Southwell next month – and everyone can join in.


The project to uncover more information about the town's past will be led by Southwell Community Archaeology Group and the University of Nottingham's Department of Archaeology.

Plans for the day include the excavation of two archaeological 'test pits' where it is hoped finds or features will be brought to light. There will be plenty of opportunity to speak to the archaeologists and excavators about what has been found.

There is no charge and youngsters under parental supervision are welcome to take part in activities.

Southwell Archaeology will present a display including more information about the Burgage Earthworks Project.

The university will display finds from last year's test pit project in the town as well as offering an opportunity to sign up for this year's season in June.

Visitors are invited to bring in any object found in the garden and get it identified. There will be a prize for the most interesting.

The Community Archaeology Day takes place at the Hearty Goodfellow pub, Church Street, on Saturday, May 12.

For more information contact info@southwellarchaeology.org.uk or call 07786 521512.

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Children-invited-dig-past-town/story-15959153-detail/story.html

News -Dig report reveals Dark Ages link (Southwell)

Human remains that could date back to the Dark Ages were among the finds on a site in Southwell earmarked for homes.

A report into the archaeology discovered at Platts Orchard, Southwell, which has planning consent for three homes, has been released by Newark and Sherwood District Council.

The report by Pre-construct Archaeology gives further details of archaeology found on the plot, owned by the Gascoines Group, and explains how it will be protected during development.

It believes the site was part of a large Medieval burial ground surrounding Southwell Minster, extending from the former site of the Minster School, Church Street, where Roman remains and Saxon burials were found.

A charnel pit, used to deposit bones or bodies of many dead people, was discovered, along with ditches dating back to the Roman period.

A grave was found that included a body laid on its side with head, legs and arms drawn up in a crouched position, along with an iron object believed to be a hinge.

The report suggests the body could have been buried in a domestic chest, as was common between the 8th and 10th centuries.

It said: “If this was the case at Platts Orchard then it could explain why this individual was found in the crouched position and the apparent over-sized nature of the grave cut.”

Other finds included shards of Roman, Medieval and Iron Age pottery, a fragment of antler believed to form part of a comb, and a copper dress fastener from the 15th or 16th Century.

A body from one of the burials has been carbon dated to between 665 AD and 866 AD, which covers the early medieval period known as the Dark Ages, named for the lack of historical information.

The body would pre-date the building of the nave of Southwell Minster.

Members of the town council’s planning committee called for the land where the body was found, which will remain undeveloped, to be opened to the public.

Mr Julian Hamilton called for the council to take action to ensure the land was not lost to the public forever.

He said: “Are we going to take any position to have that open space available for the public?

“There has been a Saxon burial found and we should make sure the town has a say over what happens to that.”

Mr Peter Harris said as planning permission for the site had been granted there was not much the council could do.

The committee referred the matter to the town’s heritage group.
 
From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Dig-report-reveals-Dark-Ages-link

Event - Titanic SOS man helped save lives (Louthwell/Lowdham)

A wireless operator hailed a hero for his part in the operation to pick up survivors from the Titanic could be honoured with a plaque in his native Nottinghamshire.


The first SOS call from the Titanic was received by wireless operator Mr Harold Thomas Cottam, 21, of Southwell

Mr Harold Cottam — a little-known son of Southwell who later lived in Lowdham — was just 21 when he was first to pick up the Morse code distress call from the stricken liner.

Tomorrow marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, which hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic on its maiden voyage on the night of April 14/15, 1912.

About 1,500 men, women and children perished in the icy waters, but Mr Cottam’s fast actions are credited with saving hundreds of lives.

Mr Cottam, who was born on Church Street, Southwell, and attended the Minster Grammar School, was working on the SS Carpathia, a passenger steam ship sailing from New York City to Fiume (then in Austria-Hungary, now Rijeka, Croatia).

On receiving the SOS call, he woke the skipper, Captain Arthur Henry Rostron, who ordered the vessel to steam to Titanic’s aid.

It was three hours before the Carpathia reached Titanic, which had already sunk.

Despite the terrible loss of life, experts agree if it was not for Mr Cottam, who lived in Lowdham for many years before his death in 1984, aged 93, many of the 705 survivors would have also perished.

On the three-day trip back to New York after the tragedy, Mr Cottam worked with barely any sleep sending wireless messages to survivors’ loved ones.

Among the messages was one to his mother, Mrs Jane Cottam, which read: “Am safe and well. Detained in New York for Senatorial exhibition.

“Am leaving for Washington tomorrow. Home as soon as possible. Love from Harold.”

On the ship’s arrival in New York, Mr Cottam was hailed a hero with a headline in the New York Times reading: “Boy Wireless Saved Them. Rescues Resulted From Cottam’s Untiring Devotion To Duty.”

Maritime historian Mr Graham Anthony, of Cambridge, hopes to have a plaque in memory of Mr Cottam erected in Lowdham in June, and is also looking to have one at The Minster School, Southwell.

Mr Anthony said: “There are some 700 memorials to Titanic people around the world, but not a single one to 21-year-old Harold Thomas Cottam.

“It was his diligence and skill that picked up the SOS call and it was his courage to alert his captain.

“Without Harold Thomas Cottam there would have been no story because everyone would have frozen to death.

“In my opinion he is the most important person in the whole of the Titanic saga, and that is why we should be celebrating his achievements.”

The chairman of Southwell Town Council, Mr Roger Dobson, said he was previously unaware of Mr Cottam’s connections to the town but thought he should be recognised.

Mr Dobson said: “It’s a lovely story and it will definitely be something I raise with the local history groups.”

Mr Cottam served on several more ships before going on to work at the ROF Gun Factory in The Meadows, Nottingham.

Despite becoming a hero he tried to avoid the limelight.

Nottinghamshire Archives has a Titanic display this month documenting those from Nottinghamshire related to the disaster, including Mr Cottam, and three men who were missing presumed dead.

The men working on board at the time were William Moss and Albert Edward Lane, both saloon stewards, and William Ewatt Caunt, a grill cook.

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Titanic-SOS-man-helped-save-lives

News - Digging for clues of the past (Southwell)

Mysterious earthworks in Southwell are set to be investigated by the town’s archaeological group.

Southwell Community Archaeology Group plans to work with Nottingham and Leicester universities and Nottinghamshire County Council to investigate the earthworks that encircle part of the town, including the Burgage.

They appear to follow Newark Road to the north then turn south and east, following Potwell Dyke, before returning to the west past the rear of Burgage Manor and Rainbows depot.

Currently nothing is known about the extent, age or purpose of the earthworks but experts believe they are not a natural feature.

Archaeology group chairman Mr John Lock said: “There has been a resurgence of interest in the origins of Southwell. In part no doubt caused by the ongoing discoveries on Church Street.

“Other exciting developments are proposed at the Archbishop’s Palace and National Trust workhouse.

“There has never been a better time for capitalising on and being part of this surge of community and professional engagement.”

Mr Lock said they could potentially be looking at Iron Age earthworks, which would pre-date the Roman settlement.

He said: “It might be that there is nothing there but let us put it to the test.”

The project will be in two parts. The first is establishing funding and research using maps and archive material.

The group then plans a detailed survey of the earthworks, a geophysical survey and digs in test pits to try to discover who built them and why.

Mr Lock said: “The objective is to identify the location and extent of the earthworks, establish their origins and purpose and throw light on their significance and relevance in the development of Southwell and its locality.”

Mr Lock hoped to involve the wider community in the project through community days.

The project is part of a wider investigation run by Nottingham University’s archaeology department, which is digging test pits around Southwell to try to discover more about its past.

More information about the project will be available at a talk organised by the archaeology group at the Old Court House on Saturday.

Rachel Hall, an archaeologist for the National Trust based at Clumber Park, will give a talk on National Trust archaeology in the East Midlands.

The presentation starts at 10am and admission is £2.50 for non-members of the archaeology group.

The former Church Street site of the Minster School is believed to contain Roman remains of national importance.

Experts believe it could have been the site of one of the largest Roman villas in the East Midlands or a temple and it was later used as a Saxon burial ground.

Medieval burials were recently discovered at Platts Orchard, just off Church Street, which could provide a continuous link in burials in the area from the Saxon period to modern times.

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Digging-for-clues-of-the-past

News - Medieval remains revealed (Southwell)

Evidence of extensive Medieval burials has been found on a site earmarked for homes in Southwell, it can be revealed.

The graves could prove a continuation of burials in the Church Street area from at least the late Saxon period to modern times.

The results of an interim evaluation of what has been found at Platts Orchard, which has planning permission for three homes, is expected to be made public next week by Newark and Sherwood District Council.

The private company, Pre-Construct Archaeological Services Ltd, with oversight from the county council archaeological team, was commissioned to conduct an investigation by site owner, Gascoines Group Ltd, eight months ago.

Six trenches were dug. According to the company’s report, Trench Five revealed the presence of an extensive area of human burials, which the district council’s planning services manager, Mr Pete Wilkinson, believes are Medieval.

Samples taken from the trench have been sent away to be carbon-dated.

Since the burial area is proposed to be gardens under the development plans, it is recommended to leave it undisturbed and the remains preserved in situ.

Mr Wilkinson said Trench Six did not reveal human remains, leading the archaeologists to believe the burial ground ended before reaching it.

Four more trenches were dug in locations where the three homes can be built.

These revealed archaeological remains within 50cm of the surface, but no further evidence of burials.

It is proposed the topsoil be removed from this area when earth-movers return to site, and what is found examined, excavated and recorded.

The district council told the Advertiser it intends to publish the interim archaeological report in full when the carbon data results are returned.

It is an interim report because the topsoil removal has not yet taken place.

The district council insisted on a full archaeological study in 2007 when a planning inspector granted planning permission on appeal for three dwellings it had refused.

There was no requirement to carry out archaeological investigations until construction work started.

Mr Wilkinson said if important discoveries were made as a result of the carbon-dating or topsoil removal and the site had potential to become nationally significant, then English Heritage could step in.

Any planning consent could be overridden by such a discovery, he said.

English Heritage were called in when a Roman wall on the former Minster School site on Church Street was unearthed during a similar study.

The site, close to the minster, contains the remains of what is believed to be a Roman villa, which, linked to Platts Orchard, could provide evidence of continual burials through the ages to modern times.

Nottinghamshire County Council was accused of not keeping the people of Southwell informed of what was happening with regard to the archaeological investigations at Platts Orchard.

A Southwell district councillor, Mr Julian Hamilton, described the non-publication of the evaluation report as an inordinate delay and said the county council should give timely reports on this, and other similar evaluations in Nottinghamshire.

Sally Gill, the county council’s planning manager, said: “The owner of the piece of land formerly known as Platts Orchard in Southwell commissioned Pre-Construct Archaeology to carry out an archaeological investigation of the site last June.

“The vast majority of archaeological work that takes place in the UK is carried out by commercial archaeological companies commissioned by developers.

“The role of the county council’s archaeological team has been to monitor the investigation at Platts Orchard on behalf of Newark and Sherwood District Council and ensure that it has been carried out to the best possible standard.

“We look forward to seeing the final report which is expected shortly.”

A spokesman for Gascoines Group said: “Gascoines Group took the best possible archaeological advice which it followed to the letter to the complete satisfaction of the district and county councils.

“We then commenced development and as it progresses we shall continue with the advice of our archaeologists.”

 

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Medieval-remains-revealed

News - Calls to protect brewing heritage (Southwell)

Calls are being made to have a building connected to Southwell’s brewing past listed for protection.

The town council’s planning committee has asked for The Maltings, Lower Kirklington Road, to be considered to be added to the list of protected buildings.

The Maltings, now a family home, is the last remaining example of a maltings building, complete with its kiln, that remains in the town.

Mr Roger Dobson, the town council chairman, said it was a historic building.

He said: “I am very surprised it isn’t listed. Southwell had five maltings in the Victorian period and this is the last one remaining with the original kiln behind it.

“The kiln is where, after the germination of the malt in the maltings, the firing would take place.

“This is a historic building. Why isn’t it listed? I think it should be.”

The council was considering a planning application to install three lights on the rear of the building.

Mr Dobson said he could not see a problem with the plans and the building’s owners were within their rights to submit the application, but he thought it was important the building was considered for further protection.

He said: “If the building is not listed, an owner who isn’t sensitive — and I think the present owners are — could get away with making big changes to it.”

Deputy clerk Mrs Carole Williams said the application had come before the planning committee because the building was in Southwell’s conservation area so any exterior changes had to have consent.

Committee chairman Mr Andy Gregory said there were no planning reasons to object to the application.

The committee did not object to the application, but will ask for Newark and Sherwood District Council to consider submitting it to be added to the list of protected buildings.

 

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/news/view.asp?id=f8cc93eb-a3b5-102f-b2bc-83945e1963a8&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

News - Improved access for historic hall (Southwell)

Plans to improve access to one of Southwell’s most historic buildings as part of a £1m project have been submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council. 

The project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, aims to allow more people to visit the Great Hall in the grounds of Southwell Minster and the remaining ruins of the Archbishop’s Palace, which now form a walled garden for Bishop’s Manor.

The Great Hall is all that remains of the Archbishop’s Palace, the majority of which was destroyed during the reformation.

As part of the plans, the level of the path leading to the main door would be reduced to remove the drop into the building from outside.

The application said: “The ground level rise in the churchyard appears to be due to successive burials over the intervening six or more centuries.

“The minster archaeologist has assessed that the current threshold has risen by some 350mm from its original level.”

An archaeological investigation of the area surrounding the door revealed it was probably originally a window and the existing door was installed in the early 20th Century using stones from another part of the building.

A lift to the first floor is proposed, which would mean drilling through a massive stone slab that forms part of the upper floor.

Ramped access would also be formed into the gardens in the ruins.

On the ground floor of the building more toilet facilities would be provided with different toilets for the public and school children and choristers.

A kitchen would be removed to allow a room to be used as a rehearsal space for choirs and for educational presentations and the Bishop’s chapel would also be converted into a rehearsal space.

On the first floor, radiators close to Edwardian oak panelling would be removed to prevent damage and underfloor heating installed.

A small kitchen would be extended into rooms used as a two-bedroom apartment to create a commercial kitchen.

The apartment would be reduced in size to one bedroom and would be used by the minster’s organ scholar and as a music store with office space.

Conservation work, including preserving and making safe stonework in the ruins, would also take place.

The application said: “The design is a carefully thought out development upgrading a protected building with sensitivity to enable it to continue, sustainably, with its current use.

“It will be an inclusive building, reasonably accessible and secure by design.”

Construction on the Archbishop’s Palace began in 1360 and when completed it consisted of a great hall, a state chamber and private rooms with a chapel and apartments for guests positioned around a large courtyard.

Cardinal Wolsey stayed at the palace in 1530.

During the Civil War the palace was used by the Scottish commissioners and was stripped for building materials by the Scottish army and by townspeople.

 

From http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Improved-access-for-historic-hall

 

Article - My great-grandad, the greatest hero of the Titanic (Southwell)

Next year marks the centenary of the great Titanic disaster. Andy Smart explores a key local link with the tragedy...

THE young scholars from Top Valley were mesmerised as historian Graham Anthony unfolded the tragic details of the Titanic.

1. ​
   Looking back: Nichola Gell, and historian Graham Anthony at Westglade Primary School.

But they got an even greater surprise when he told pupils at Westglade Primary that their teacher Nichola Gell was the great-granddaughter of a Titanic hero.

On the night of April 15, 1912, Notts-born Harold Thomas Cottam was the radio operator on the SS Carpathia when he received a Morse code SOS from the Titanic.

He alerted his captain and the Carpathia steamed at full speed to help the stricken liner.

But by the time the Carpathia arrived on the scene in the freezing north Atlantic, the Titanic was gone, taking more than 1,500 passengers and crew to their deaths.

But 705 survivors were rescued by the Carpathia and historians have agreed that, had it not been for Cottam's alertness and swift action, they may also have been lost.

Mr Anthony, a maritime historian from Cambridge who is planning a book on Cottam's role in the saga, has no doubts that he was the most important person involved that night.

"We need to get him positioned in history," he said.

He is hoping to unveil a plaque next year during the annual book festival in Lowdham, where Harold Cottam spent the last years of his life.

And, after talks with leading figures in Southwell – Cottam's birthplace – he hopes a similar project can undertaken there.

All of which has delighted Miss Gell.

"I want people to know what an amazing man he was," said Nichola, 37, who has only a vague memory of her grea- grandfather. He died in 1984 when she was only four years old.

"I have lots of books and, in my living room, a large picture. After the incident, he was told not to say anything about it, or about the part he played – he even turned down the offer to play himself in the film A Night To Remember because of that."

Mr Cottam was doing voluntary overtime on April 15, listening to news over the telegraph and monitoring messages his friend Jack Phillips was sending from the Titanic radio room to arrange a celebration dinner for when the Titanic arrived in New York.

Then he switched wavelengths — just as the Titanic struck an iceberg.

Less than an hour later, Mr Cottam finally decided it was time to turn in.

But as he was about to leave the telegraph room, he thought about his friend and put the earphones back on.
What he heard was the ship's position being transmitted.

"Does this mean you need immediate assistance?" he sent back.

"Yes, yes, yes," came the desperate reply.

Mr Cottam ran to his captain Arthur Rostron's cabin and shook him awake. At Cottam's insistence, the captain ordered the Carpathia to change course and make for the Titanic, 58 miles away.

From the Titanic came only silence.

When the Carpathia arrived three hours later, they found a mass of wreckage floating on the surface: doors, cases, clothes — and frozen survivors.

For the next four days, Mr Cottam neither slept nor had a decent meal as he tapped out the names and addresses of the survivors to New York.

When the Carpathia docked, he was tricked into going ashore by reporters who told him Mr Marconi wanted to see him.

The lie enabled them to interview a man with a remarkable story, and the ex-Southwell Minster Grammar School boy became something of hero.

But he preferred to stay out of the limelight and, after his seafaring days, he returned home to Notts.

He went to work at the ROF Gun Factory in The Meadows, lived in Chaworth Grove, West Bridgford, and then in a nursing home in Lowdham, where he died in 1984 at the age of 93.

Almost a century on, his great-granddaughter, understandably proud of her illustrious ancestor, said: "Listening to the story again, I got goosebumps."

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Bygones-great-grandad-greatest-hero-Titanic/story-13951445-detail/story.html

Save Roman Southwell - Roman finds on display

Southwell Heritage Trust member Mr Peter Kent with a piece of the Roman plaster.

Roman plaster unearthed on the former Church Street site of the Minster School, Southwell, has gone on display for the first time.

 

The exhibition in Southwell Minster has been organised by Southwell Heritage Trust and features pieces of plaster recently rediscovered in the cathedral.

The plaster features sea creatures and two naked figures believed to be Hercules and his bride Hebe.

Pictures of other finds on the site including Roman mosaic floors and Anglo Saxon skeletons have also formed part of the exhibition.

The heritage trust is holding the exhibition to raise awareness about what has been found on the Church Street site.

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/news/view.asp?id=1ba679bc-5c34-102f-ad62-73917bb4195d&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Save Roman Southwell - Housing next to Southwell Roman settlement site rejected

Proposals to build houses next to a Roman settlement site in Nottinghamshire have been rejected by councillors.

Caunton Properties Ltd submitted plans to build 29 properties on Church Street in Southwell.

Officers had recommended that Newark and Sherwood District Council should approve the application.

More than 3,000 people, including several high-profile academics, signed a petition against the development.

Southwell Town Council also objected to the plans.

'Rare remains'

The district council planning committee voted to refuse the application on 8 November on the grounds of design and density of houses proposed.

The site is next to what could be one of the largest Roman villas in the UK, according to Dr Will Bowden, an expert in Roman archaeology.

The University of Nottingham lecturer said the discovery of "rare" remains dating back to the 7th or 8th Century made the site "wholly inappropriate" for development.

Campaigner Peter Kent said he was "highly delighted" with the outcome of the planning meeting.

"We want to develop the entire area as a heritage park, tying in Southwell Minster and the Archbishop's Palace which already has lottery funding to develop as an area of outstanding heritage," he said.

Caunton Properties Ltd was unavailable for comment.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-15655165

Save Roman Southwell - Homes turned down...

Just had an e-mail stating the planning application for 29 homes on the site have been turned down, more news as I get it....

Save Roman Southwell - Heritage park plan proposed

A rival planning application has been submitted for a site in Southwell that contains Roman remains believed to be of national importance.

Mr Trevor Wight, of Southwell Heritage Trust (centre) and Mr John Lock, of Southwell Community Archaeology Group (right) presents the petition to district councillor, Mr Peter Harris. (011111JT1-10)

Southwell Heritage Trust has submitted an application to create a heritage park on the former Church Street site of the Minster School to Newark and Sherwood District Council.

The district council’s planning committee is due to discuss an application for 29 homes on the site, submitted by the landowner Caunton Properties Limited, on Tuesday. It is recommended for approval.

Mr Roger Dobson, chairman of Southwell Town Council and a member of the heritage trust, said the group strongly felt that the heritage park plans were the best way forward for the site.

The plans would see the area left as an open space with interpretation boards giving the history of the site and what it would have looked like.

Mr Dobson said: “It would mean that the site would be open with no housing on it, so there would be an opportunity in the future for further investigation and further excavation.

“Through successive excavations, the story of the origins of Southwell has slowly come to be revealed.

“With only about 10% of the site having being excavated it is reasonable to believe that further excavations could be expected to fill in some of the gaps in Southwell’s early history.

“Clearly there would also be some tourism potential because the site would be open for people to visit and it could also be used as an educational resource.

“We want to show that it is a nationally important site.”

Although the heritage trust does not own the Church Street site, they are legally able to submit a planning application for the land.

The trust has been actively opposing the application for homes.

On Tuesday a petition against the housing development, containing 3,000 signatures, was presented to the district council.

Mr Dobson said: “We feel very strongly that there is no need for housing on that site because we have got sites in the town that could be developed so there is absolutely no need for houses there.

“Also, there should not be any housing at all in that location because it is an outstanding area of heritage.

“It should be retained as a heritage park for the best interests of the town.”

An exhibition featuring the history and some of the archaeological finds unearthed on Church Street began in Southwell Minster yesterday.

The exhibition will include Roman plaster recently rediscovered in the minster.

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Heritage-park-plan-proposed

Save Roman Southwell - 2,500 fight to save villa site

A PETITION to protect a rare archeological site in Southwell has been signed by more than 2,500 people.

The Save Roman Southwell (SRS) campaign was set up to oppose a planning application to build 29 houses on most of the old Minster school site.

The site in Church Street is home to the remains of one of the largest Roman villas in the UK, which protesters argue is key to understanding Southwell's origins.

Newark and Sherwood District Council is considering the proposal by Caunton Properties Ltd, who were unavailable for comment, to build houses next to the remains.

The SRS campaign says it is not only about stopping developments in the town, but also about creating a tourist attraction.

Southwell Heritage Trust member Trevor Wight said: "This groundswell of opinion puts the responsibility on all of us to make sure the mistakes of the past, when important heritage was destroyed, are not repeated."

SRS wants to return the site to community ownership and put up information boards.

Experts say that the site is of national importance.

The Rev Prof Martin Henig of Oxford University said: "This could be a five-star educational and tourist resource for the town.''

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/2-500-fight-save-villa-site/story-13004425-detail/story.html

Event - Minster's past on show (Southwell)

Visitors can learn about the history of Southwell Minster in an exhibition that starts today and runs until July 11.

Southwell Minster: Chapter, County And Country tells the story of the governing body, known as the chapter, through illustrated panels covering more than a 1,000 years of history.

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Minsters-past-on-show

News - Gem discoveries are declared as treasure (Notts)

A MEDIEVAL stud and a 17th Century ring found in Notts were among the items classed as treasure at an inquest.

The hearing at Nottingham Coroners' Court heard that the gold and garnet stud was found by Nigel Somerfield, when metal detecting in north Notts last year.

The exact location of the find was not declared to prevent others digging up the land.

The stud was sent to the British Museum, where experts confirmed that it was a button from a sword scabbard.

It has been dated to the early seventh century, probably between 600 and 650AD.

The stud is small, but similar to items discovered in the Staffordshire Hoard – the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork ever found, valued at more than £3 million.

As the stud was more than 300 years old and contained more than ten per cent precious metal, it was formally declared as treasure by Stephanie Haskey, Assistant Deputy Coroner for Notts.

She said: "The British Museum has said that museums are interested in acquiring the stud, but it is not clear exactly where it will go and whether it will join its more famous comparisons or stay locally."

Other items declared treasure at the inquest included a 18th Century silver thimble, found in Southwell by Gary Zdanowski and a gold ring found in Notts in July last year by Trevor Avis.

The ring has black enamel patterns on the outside and words engraved on the inside which roughly translate to say 'Let local amenity separate annuity'.

The court heard that it had been dated to the 17th Century and that similar items were exhibited in the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The rings were often given as gifts between lovers and friends, and were sometimes used as wedding rings.

Newark and Sherwood museum have expressed an interest in acquiring the ring. Its value was not disclosed.

Miss Haskey thanked Mr Avis for reporting the item.

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/news/Gem-discoveries-declared-treasure/article-3581919-detail/article.html