One of the most romantic tales in Highburys folkore has been
given a new twist by a recent discovery by workmen currently
redeveloping Arsenals old stadium.
Until the early 1990s, it was strongly rumoured that a horse was
buried under Highburys North Bank Stand, with stories suggesting
that a horse, together with the cart it was pulling had
accidentally tumbled to its death while the foundations of the
original North Bank construction were being laid in 1913.
However, no equine remains were discovered when the North Bank was
redeveloped in 1992, seemingly scuppering this part of Highbury
heritage. That is until now!
Further to Arsenals move to Emirates Stadium last summer, the
development of the Clubs old stadium into Highbury Square has
meant further digging has been necessary. And, deep below the
surface, workmen from main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine,
discovered two horseshoes alongside the remains of some timber,
believed to be the cart.
Pat Brennan, the workman who discovered the artefacts said: "We
were digging at the north end of the site, where we are excavating
for the foundations of the Highbury Square apartments and
discovered what looked like two rusty old horseshoes. I took them
to the site offices and one of the lads, who is an Arsenal fan,
mentioned the story about the horse. Its great to think that I may
have found some items which have a place in Arsenals
history."
Ninety per cent of apartments are now sold at the development of
711 high-spec one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and
penthouses, all of which will all be completed by summer
2009.
Demolition at Highbury started in August last year, with two of the
four stands being completely demolished by the end of January this
year. The Art Deco façades of the existing Grade II-Listed East
Stand, with its famous Marble Hall, and the locally-listed West
Stand remain as construction currently continues around them.
Over half a million man hours have now been completed on site since
work began, and just over 800 workers will be on the development at
the peak of construction. A concrete batching plant has been
constructed at the centre of the former pitch, 145,000 m3 of
material has been excavated and approximately 14,000m3 of concrete
has been poured.
