Huddersfield in Roman Times
By Ian A. Richmond
CONCLUSION
The Romano-British relics and records have told their
tale. Parts of the story are fairly complete; some chapters
are written only in outline; others can hardly yet be planned.
But it is worth note that excavations have provided most
material for the pen, and expert work with the spade can
be the only solution for many problems. An important question
which awaits solution is the meaning of the site at Greetland.
But another cause has curtailed the narrative at several
points. Pottery or coins stowed away in cupboards, or inscribed
stones used as gate-posts or as building stones in farm-buildings,
boundary walls, or rock-gardens, have been torn from their
associations and environment, and, since they have little
intrinsic interest, lie thus neglected until they are forgotten,
thrown away, or sold to someone who has no care for their
historical value. Much valuable evidence from the Huddersfield
district has perished in this way; and if more is in danger
of disappearance – it is for the preservation of such
objects that the Tolson Memorial Museum exists.
In conclusion, the writer wishes to thank all who have
helped while the handbook has been in preparation. So far
as the text is concerned Dr. Woodhead and Mr. A.M. Woodward
have proved most kindly and candid critics. Without the
help which Miss M.V. Taylor, M.A., affords to students of
Roman Britain, research would have been more arduous and
less complete. And Mr. R.G. Collingwood has given invaluable
help and encouragement throughout the work.
So far as field-work is concerned it is a pleasure to record
the untiring energy of Mr. W.H. Sikes, whose photographs,
often taken amid most difficult conditions, provide a feast
for the eyes. Dr. Woodhead has mentioned in the preface
the help received in many ways all over the district; and
especially the generosity and hospitality of all concerned
with the excavations at Meltham. While I wish to take this
opportunity to acknowledge the active interest of the Rochdate
Literary and Scientific Society, and the permission of the
Lord of the Manor of Rochdale, which have enabled me to
publish new details about the construction of the Roman
road across Blackstone Edge. But the reader will have been
able to judge for himself by now how much more information
still lies buried. Continuation of this kind of work will
be the best proof of local interest in local research. And
I venture to hope that it may be in time the best argument
for the production of a new and enlarge Handbook.
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