Military veterans help solve castle mystery
AGROUP of military veterans, including those injured on operations in Afghanistan, the Falklands and other parts of the globe, are taking part in an archaeological project to help assist with their recovery.
Project Valhalla, which is taking place on the former site of a medieval castle near Ormskirk, West Lancashire, has been set up to help solve some archaeological mysteries.
It has long been known that the 18th century mansion designed by Giocomo Leoni and known as Lathom House, stood on the same site as its much larger predecessor, a large medieval palace fortress of the same name.
However, the form of this earlier building complex has long been a mystery.
The intent of the project is to excavate part of the medieval palace fortress site at Lathom near Ormskirk, which was the home of Sir Thomas Stanley, 1st Earl of Derby, and his wife, Lady Margaret Beaufort, who was the mother of Henry VII.
Stanley is immortalised as one of the heroes in Shakespeare’s Richard III as “The King Slayer’” as well as crowning Henry Tudor king at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.
In addition to its Tudor links, Lathom was also the site of one of the largest and longest sieges of the English Civil War and the only battle that was commanded by a woman, Lady Charlotte Stanley, Countess of Derby.
The priorities that may be addressed by the excavations are:
An examination of the home of Thomas Stanley, 1st Earl of Derby, one of the main heroes of Shakespeare’s Richard III and a patron of the playwright.
Explore the Great Sieges of 1644-45 a key event in the English Civil War.
To gain an understanding of Cromwellian siege works that were a key part of the siege.
Evidence for trade and exchange will be sought through the distribution of cultural material including pottery, metal work and the changing face of the castle layout.
An examination of the layout, form and development of the castle as no known plan or accurate drawing remains.
To examine the links between Lathom and other sites in a 20-mile radius.
The Lathom Castle project team will be assisted on site by military veterans from the Forces Archaeological Heritage Association (FAHA).
The association gives veterans the opportunity to learn a series of skills including excavation, land survey, drawing and mapping techniques and building recording on a site of national importance.
It also helps rebuild self-esteem, learn skills that will help in securing employment and helping build community cohesion.
The majority of veterans taking part have injures connected with their service from places as diverse as the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.
The participants have suffered a broad range of injuries, including physical and psychological trauma.
They will be using their skills to help the local community to acquire skills to access and investigate their local heritage.
The session of excavation at Lathom started on July 29 and will run until August 13 and involve more than 20 locals and veterans.
Paul Sherman, head of the Lathom Castle project, said: “Lathom Castle is one of the most significant post medieval archaeological sites in the north of England. It also occupied a prominent role in the political and social history of our nation.
“This project is a unique opportunity to cast new light on some of the key people and events that shaped our history and culture.
“It also gives people the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Richard III, the Tudors, Shakespeare, the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War.
“By taking part, participants can not only learn about the rich heritage of the area, they can be a key part of the team making ground breaking discoveries to add to that rich heritage.”
“The team at Lathom are especially grateful for the assistance from Diarmaid Walshe and the military veterans who are helping ensure that the project runs with military efficiency”.
Diarmaid Walshe, FAHA project manager, who is also a qualified archaeologist, said: “This unique project provides an opportunity to demonstrate the skills of veterans in helping the local community to preserve, explore and record their heritage.
“It is engaging veterans with the local communities of which they are a key part.
“We want communities, especially employers, to look on veterans as skilled individuals rather than victims.
“Additionally, it provides a programme that helps prepare veterans with training and experience, allowing them to make considered choices on education and employment.”
Garry Philips, a local veteran and community volunteer, said: “One of the best things I have done since I left the Army.
“To be able to handle artefacts from the Tudor and Civil War periods is amazing.
“It also has helped my recovery process and I love coming to the site.”