Page:Roman Manchester (1900) by Charles Roeder.djvu/148

 level, in the silt of the ancient channel of the Medlock (lost). Once in possession of Alderman Clay. Gallienus, 253–268; Claudius Gothicus, 268–270; Aurelianus, 270–275; three third brass of Alexandria Imperial Greek.

We have still to consider the area comprised between the Hanging Ditch, Toad Lane (now Todd Street), and the Irk and Irwell, a site which has been the perennial battlefield, ever since Whitaker's times, of our local antiquaries and historians, for it is here he established his famous summer station of Mancunium, but without being able to give actual proof that the Romans really occupied this area.

In its original appearance, before the Hunt's Bank was deprived of its picturesque, steep, and rocky western face; its quondam, almost peninsular character, as it towered from the river, was more conspicuous. The older views and maps still give us a good idea of its imposing appearance. Where we have now solid Cateaton Street and Hanging Ditch, a deep ravine or gully divided Deansgate from the Cathedral, and its waters, still further increased by the small rills and channels that carved their way down Toad Lane and Hanging Ditch from the constantly rising ground to the east, which formed Snow Hill and the Shude Hills, poured their whole united volume into the Irwell near Salford or Victoria Bridge.

Unexpected and entirely new light has been thrown on the site in question quite recently during the progress of the excavations which have been executed at various points. I shall take them in proper order, beginning with—