The Manchester Wordsquare (Acc. 1978.1014)

Found during the excavations in the centre of Manchester, this fascinating Latin inscription may be the earliest evidence of Christianity in northern Britain. It reads ROTAS OPERA TENET AREPO SATOR or 'Apepo the sower guides the plough with care.' The words read the same from left to right and right to left, as well as up and down. When re-arranged the letters form the words Pater Noster or 'Our Father.' This is the title of the Christian Lords's Prayer in the shape of a cross. The letters left over are the Latin forms of the Greek letters Alpha and Omega. In the Revelation of St John in the Bible, Jesus said: "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end." The wordsquare might have been used to demonstrate someone's belief in Christianity at a time when the Christian Church was being oppressed by the Roman authorities. Others think that the wordsquare is simply evidence of a pastime or a puzzle.

Eitoft Street, Manchester.