AN ACCOUNT OF A ROMAN PUBLIC WAY. 549 
It was found, by Mr. James Richardson, of 
Ashton-in-Makerfield, at the place where it crosses 
Chanters’ Brook, in the next field beyond the 
Big Ely, on the north-east side of the willow 
plantation. ‘The Road appears to have descended 
to the level of the Brook ; and it is indicated by 
a layer of large stones, of the breadth of the Ro- 
man Road, imbedded in the clay, on both sides 
of the brook. In the same manner, the Roman 
Road crosses the Synsley Brook, and the Irwell 
at Woden’s Ford. And thus it appears, that, 
where a Public Way crossed a river, the Romans 
secured their road from quicksands, by making a 
paved Causeway across the bed of the river. 
The Road is found again in the field, behind 
Aldred’s Cottage, on the east side of Miller’s 
Lane. The field, near the lane, is strewed with 
the gravel and stones of the Road. 
It is found, by the gravel, in the next field, on 
the west side of Miller’s Lane. 
It is found, by the gravel and stones, in the 
field, on the east side of Atherton Parsonage, 
near the south fence. 
4D 
