2024
NEWS & EVENTS
December 2023 Newsletter is now available under Publications. Open Newsletter
Report on bridges over the Congresbury Yeo, a locally large river with multiple
crossing points. The area covered is from Wrington to the sea. Open Report
Report on pioneering unpublished papers by Derek Lilly on Clevedon Moor,
clearly based on long experience of the Northmarsh, seeing its landscapes and
archaeology through the eyes and thoughts of a man with a lifetime's
experience. Open Report
Report on a documentary and photographic study of Congresbury Great Moor
which shows complex landscapes, beneath the geometrical planned landscapes
of the Inclosures, telling us that these have aways been part of the agricultural
economy and livelihoods. Open Report
Report on the Survey of the Yatton Jury of Sewers in the Parishes of Kingston
Seymour, Kenn, Yatton, Brockley, Chelvey and Backwell taken in 1848. The text
is a key into which rhynes were important for the maintenance of agricultural
land in good heart and able to feed the population. Open Report
Report on The New Cut, at the lower end of Little River, which was an unusual
effort by the Wrington Commission of Sewers to undertake new engineering
works for flood control purposes. Open Report
Report on further notes on the Kingston Seymour Tide Mill site, based on salvage
records and documentation. Open Report
2023
Report on the first documentary and photographic study, covering Clevedon,
Kingston Seymour and Wick St Lawrence, concerning the cartographic evidence
for coastal change in Woodspring Bay since the 16th century. Open Report
Report on a written Scheme of Investigation for archaeological trial evaluation
on West lime kiln, Prestow Wood, Wrington. Open Report & Appendix 2
Reports on a documentary and photographic study of the inside and outside of
Kenn church, which revealed a fascinating range of objects. Open Reports Inside
& Outside
June 2023 Newsletter is now available under Publication Open Newsletter
Report on gouts, a somewhat unregarded, practically ubiquitous monument in
the landscape used for moving waterways between enclosed fields and tracks
/roads reaching them. Gouts at Congresbury and Yatton are represented. Open
Report
Report on geophysical surveys at Rushy Ground / Bowshers Ten Acres. Kingston
Seymour which probably indicate features within the known post - Roman
alluvial Tidal Flat Deposits (TFDs) but indicate no human occupation or industrial
activity. Open Report
Report on a geophysical survey at Blackey Lands, Ham Land, Kingston Seymour,
which did not indicate significant evidence of occupation or industry. A large
area was affected by the construction/removal of the early 20th century light
railway and modern grypes. Other features are demonstrably post-Roman and
pre-Domesday in date. Open Report
Report on three crosses in Wrington, in churchyard, market place and A38 road
junction. While well documented, no physical remains are currently known. Open
Report
Report on geophysical surveys at Longworth, Kingston Seymour which found
evidence for the canalisation of the Broadstone Rhyne and possible evidence of
salt making. Open Report
Reports on a landscape survey into the Little River. Part 1: Sluice Stile to the
Boarden Bow, Part 2: Boarden Bow to Congresbury Yeo. Open Reports Part 1 &
Part 2
Report of a 2013 photographic record of spectacular crop marks recorded at
Woodspring Priory. Some revealed previously unknown evidence of building and
structures, subsequently confirmed by geophysical survey. Open Report
December 2022 Newsletter is now available under Publications Open newsletter
Report on documentary and photographic research into the Inclosure of Kenn
Moor, Somerset 1810-1815: Part 2. The maps of Kenn Moor and Cleeve Hill
Inclosure Award. Open Report
Report on four excavations in Congresbury including a Roman site. Open Report
Report on a documentary and photographic study into the inside of Wick St
Lawrence church. Open Report
Report on geophysical surveys carried out in two fields to the east of Kenn Road,
Yatton which revealed a potential pre ridge-and-furrow enclosure. Open Report
Reports on a documentary and photographic study of the outside of Yatton
church which revealed a fascinating range of objects. Open Report
2022
Reports on the repairing and repointing of walls and structures at Woodspring
Priory which illuminated the history of the site and was very worthwhile in
conservation terms. Open Reports Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3
Reports on a documentary and photographic study of the inside of St Mary’s
church Yatton which revealed a fascinating range of artifacts. Open Reports,
Foreward, Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3
Report on a documentary and photographic study into the Kenn River. The
bishopric of Bath and Wells were probably involved in the process which led to
the current Kenn River. Open Reports Part 1 & Part 2
Report on geophysical surveys undertaken in a field south of Ham Lane, Yatton
revealed no obvious archaeological features, other than parallel grypes. Open
report
Summer 2022 Newsletter is now available under Publications Open newsletter
Report on geophysical surveys in Upper East Park, Blagdon, which revealed a
wealth of anomalies including a potential banjo enclosure and possible
structures. Open report
Report on geophysical surveys south of Ham Lane Yatton which revealed in one
field a possible rectangular building and a small square anomaly. Open report
Report on a resistivity survey carried out to the west of Woodspring Farm which
confirmed the location of a medieval fishpond associated with Woodspring
Priory. Open report
February 2022 Newsletter is available under Publications. Open newsletter
Report on documentary research on the Inclosure of Kenn Moor, Somerset 1810-
1815: Part 3: The allotments. (Part 2 to follow) Open report
Report in documentary research into the Inclosure of Kenn Moor, Somerset,
1810-1815: Part 1: Open report
Report on a geophysical survey outside of the orchard at Woodspring Priory.
Results possibly indicated a further structure relating to the former garden at the
Priory. Open report
2021
Two part report on a Banwell excavation in 1954-6 which revealed a rare post-
Roman burial site with over 50 inhumations, cut into the scant remains of Roman
buildings. Open Report Y9. Open Report Y9A.
Report on geophysical survey north west of Ham farm Yatton which revealed
little of archaeological interest. Open Report
Report on further facts about the archaeology and history of Woodspring Priory.
Open Report
Report on a documentary and photographic study into crosses in three Mendip
parishes Open report
August 2021 Newsletter is available under publications Open Newsletter
Report on a documentary and photographic study into three reputed crosses and
one suggested cross in Wraxall and Failand. Open report
Report on a documentary and photographic study into three possible old stone
crosses in the Weston-super-Mare area. Open Report
Report on a documentary and photographic study into three known ancient
crosses in the current parish / town of Clevedon. Open report
Report on geophysical surveys in two adjacent fields at Kingston Seymour, which
indicated in part potential Roman activity. Open report
Feb 2021 Newsletter is available under publications. Open Newsletter
Briefing Note detailing further geophysical action at Woodspring Priory, Action
again curtailed by coronavirus. Open Report
2020
Updated report on Woodspring Priory wall repairs, now with photos of completed
repairs. Open Report
Report on a terrain modelling survey at Iwood undertaken to investigate a linear
feature. Open Report
Report on a documentary and photographic study of the outside of Wick St Lawrence
church. Open Report
Updated report of a grophysical survey and terrain modelling of the Roman road at
Haydon Grange, Priddy. Open Report
Report on a watching brief on wall repairs at Woodspring Priory identified the reuse of a
16th century fireplace fragment. Open Report
A leaflet titled “YCCCART - A Brief History” is available under publications. Open Leaflet
June 2020 Newsletter now available under publications. Open Newsletter
Briefing Note detailing geophysical action at Woodspring Priory. Sadly, the action was
curtailed by rain and then coronavirus. Open Report
Reports on a photographic and documentary study of Puxton church in three parts. A
little gem of a building church in a rural setting. History Open Report, Inside Open Report,
Outside Open Report
March 2020 Newsletter now available under publications. Open Newsletter
Report on a geophysical survey at Burnt House Ground, Yatton which revealed no
significant archaeology. Open Report
Report on a documentary study of three possible overlooked decoy ponds in Congresbury,
Nailsea and Tickenham. Open Report
Report on a gradiometry survey in Kenn which revealed a large palaeochannel but nothing of
archaeological significance. Open Report
Report on archaeological watching brief at Iwood Farm, Congresbury, which revealed
Mesolithic flints and pre-Conquest pottery. Open Report
2019
Report on gradiometry survey in another field in Kenn, named 'Brickyards' on early maps,
which revealed no evidence of brick making. Open Report
Report on a geophysical and terrain modelling survey at Haydon Grange near Priddy
which appears to have established the line of the Roman Road. Open Report
Reports on a photographic and documentary study of Kingston Seymour church in three
parts (History, Inside & Outside). A fascinating church in a lovely setting. History Open Report,
Inside Open Report, Outside Open Report
Record of animal bone found during an excavation at St Andrew's church Congresbury
in 2011. Open Report
December 2019 Newsletter now available under publications. Open Newsletter
Report on a documentary study of a 1539 map of the coast of North Somerset, which
recorded, from the sea, coastal defences and seamarks between Portishead and Porlock Weir.
Open Report
September 2019 Newsletter now available under publications. Open Newsletter
Report on a gradiometry survey by Kingston railway bridge, which revealed an enigmatic
anomaly. Open Report
Report on gradiometry survey, off Kenn Road, Kenn, which may have revealed the site of
"The Old Brickyard" first recorded in 1821. Open Report
Report on an earthwork survey in King’s Wood, which uncovered the remaining three walls of
a possible 19th century beer house. Open Report
Report on trial pitting at Stallard's Batch, Cleeve, which failed to find any substantial Roman
buildings, despite the large number of Roman finds in the area. Open Report
Report on resistivity and terrain modelling surveys at Towerhead House, Banwell, which
have confirmed the documentary references to the demolished Elizabethan house being in the
former orchard. Open Report
Report of an earthwork survey at Charterhouse, Mendip, carried out after walls were
revealed which were identified as part of Cheddarford Mills. Open Report
Report on gradiometer surveys over land to the NE of Ham Farm, Yatton which revealed
features, assumed to be ditch complexes, with features indicating domestic and/or industrial
activity. It is highly likely that this dates to the Roman period. Open Report
Report on photographic and documentary study of a limekiln at Sander's Down, Mendip
which is well preserved, but out of bounds to the public. Open Report
Report on a manual earthwork survey on a former cottage in Velvet Bottom, Mendip,
which revealed something of the structure. Open Report
May 2019 Newsletter now available under publications. Open Newsletter
Report on the manual survey of an isosceles triangular bank / lynchet enclosure at
Beercroft, south of the Charterhouse Centre, Mendip. No parallel for this earthwork has
been seen elsewhere and its purpose is unknown. Open Report
Report on a survey of The Mindry House, formerly located to the east of the old
Charterhouse School. It was referred to in the late 17th to the early 19th century, and destroyed
in November 2017. Open Report
Report on a documentary and field study of the settlement at the Millgreene Gate,
Mendip, which lies on either side of the Shipham to Charterhouse road, around 1200m east of
Tynings Farm, Cheddar. Open Report
Report on a survey of a small earthwork at the foot of a small cliff opposite Cheddar
Head Farm, Priddy, thought previously to have destroyed or badly damaged in the 1930s. Is this
the Falda Latronum of the 1181 perambulation of Charterhouse-on-Mendip? Open Report
Report on undated enclosure south of the former Piney Sleight Farm, in Cheddar,
surveyed in 1987. It's date and use remain unknown. Open Report
Annual Review of 2018 now available under Publicatiuons/Documents. Open Review
February 2019 Newsletter now available under publications. Open Newsletter
Report on two excavations at Iwood. A historic farmhouse, south of Iwood Farm depicted on
an 1840 map but removed by the time of a 1885 map, coincided with a patch of large stones, some
bearing mortar, in the side of re-cut ditch. In addition, a nearby length of recently re-cut ditch
revealed an apparently previously unknown wall. Open Report
Report of a photographic and documentary study on the Congresbury mills. Research has
established that the West Mill at Congresbury and Iwood Mill can be traced back to at least 1086.
During the 18th century West Mill was surprisingly a slitting mill where iron bars were turned into
rods for nail making. Open Report
2018
A guide to St Andrew's Church, Congresbury is now available under publications. Open guide
October 2018 Newsletter now available under publications. Open Newsletter
Report on geophysical surveys at Goblin Combe Farm where results were surprisingly largely
negative. Open Report
Report of a photographic and documentary study of the old stone crosses in Kingston
Seymour. It is unusual for a parish to have remains of both village and churchyard crosses
surviving. Open Report
Report on an attempt to locate a stone wall at Iwood seen by a metal detectorist. A
small excavation was unable to locate this feature. The finds seem to indicate a modern dump
consolidating the track from the field to the nearby bridge over the Yeo. Open Report
Report on the old stone crosses of Wick St Lawrence. which is one of those rare villages that
possesses both a village and a churchyard cross. Open Report
July 2018 Newsletter now available under publications. Open Newsletter
Report on a documentary and photographic survey of Congresbury bridge. Research has
established that there was a bridge at Congresbury earlier than 1551. A new stone bridge was built
in 1710, which by 1904 had a raised parapet and steel girders. This was replaced in 1924 by the
current bridge. Open Report
Report on a number of minor discoveries and finds that have been made at Woodspring
Priory in the 21st century and since the geophysical studies were carried out in 2012. Open Report
Report on the research undertaken regarding the ruins of a windmill on Cleeve Hill,
Cleeve. Conflicting accounts of the origin of the current structure appear unresolvable, other than
to say it is probably 18th century in date. Open Report
1598 Survey of Congresbury. Thanks to Vince Russett the survey has been transcribed in full
Open Document
Report on Terrain modelling in fields bordering Ham Lane, Yatton. Results indicated that
the features were subtle, and showed some correlation between resistivity (RM15) findings and
terrain modelling. Open Report Open Appendices
1596 Survey of Congresbury. Thanks to Vince Russett the survey has been transcribed in full
Open Document
1567 Survey of Congresbury. Thanks to Vince Russett the survey has been transcribed in full
Open Document
2017
Congresbury Parish Survey. We are extremely pleased that Dick Broomhead, the author of the
Congresbury parish survey, which was carried out in the late 1980s, has allowed us to publish it on
the YCCCART web site. Open Foreword by V Russett Open Report
Updated report regarding small carved boundary stones, marked TW, in King's Wood,
Cleeve and Congresbury. Additional stones have been found and it is now believed that the
stones were the private boundary stones of Thomas Wickham, vicar of Yatton, in the third decade
of the 19th century. Open Report
Reports on Gradiometry surveys at Kenn Moor Road Yatton, which revealed a buried
plalaeochannel beneath the latest alluvium in the area, not visible at the surface and probably of
Roman or earlier date. A circular magnetic anomaly alongside it could be a Roman or earlier round
house. Open Report
Report on a gradiometry survey in a paddock to the south of Congresbury which has
revealed a possible Romano British kiln. Open Report
September 2017 Newsletter now available under publications. Open Newsletter
Report on survey undertaken as part of a presentation to the public attending a
community event at the Masonic Hall, Yatton. No evidence was found of any pre-19th century
structures. Open Report
Updated report on the Old Stone Crosses of Yatton. New documentary research has found
evidence for building accounts for the cross in 1524-6, a nationally important find. Open Report
Report on a gradiometry survey at Wrington Road, Congresbury which revealed possible
evidence for iron smelting or pottery kilns. Other features recorded may indicate occupation,
potentially of prehistoric date. Open Report
Report on gradiometry survey off Moor Road, Yatton which revealed that a segment of the
field has intense activity, potentially of Roman date. Open Report
Report on an enclosure near Moor Lane Geophysical surveys revealed little or no internal
structures, and the enclosure is potentially a medieval stock enclosure, with a possible role in the
management of pre-enclosure Kenn Moor. Open Report
June 2017 Newsletter now available under publications. Open Newsletter
Report on gradiometry and resistivity surveys in fields bordering Ham Lane. northwest
of Yatton, which revealed a wealth of enigmatic features possibly resulting from a Romano - British
industrial site, with potential evidence for temporary enclosure and drainage in the medieval period.
Open Report
Report making the case for the natural rock outcrop at Wrington Road, Congresbury
being the feature responsible for the place name 'Mansbury', known since 1567 at the
latest, and potentially, the meeting place for the Hundred of Congresbury during the period between
the middle of the 11th century and beginning of the 14th. Open Report
Report by R Broomhead of documentary & archaeological survey of two Moorland sites
In Yatton & Congresbury. The widening of an existing ditch and the excavation of a new pond
within the field in Yatton produced evidence of Romano-British activity. Open Report
March 2017 Newsletter now available under publications. Open Newsletter
Report on the recording and study of Gang Wall, the medieval drainage bank separating
Yatton and Congresbury Moor, and the associated Rennie's siphon. Open Report
A manual survey using an electronic, hydrostatic level (NivComp) revealed that some
surface features appeared to correlate with the previous resistivity results. Open Report
2016
December 2016 Newsletter now available under publications. Open Newsletter
Report on recording of an ox-house and its surrounding earthworks, at Claverham Court
Farm. The re-use of a post-medieval roof, and extraordinary details of the floor makes this more
than an ordinary agricultural building. Open Report
Report on resisistivity, gradiometry and Nivcomp terrain surveys at Locking Castle
which confirmed and enhanced previous surveys and revealed the structures on the motte for the
first time. Open Report
Report on a trial excavation and other unpublished records relating to Wemberham, Yatton,
discovered in the Keith Gardner archive. Open Report
Report on Taylor's Wood, Congresbury, containing archaeological sites from an undated, but
possibly prehistoric enclosure, a burial cave, a Roman building and later military history. Open
Report
September 2016 Newsletter now available under publications. Open Newsletter
Report on an evaluation excavation at Congresbury Cross, which revealed significant 14th
century basement structures. Open Report
Report on a number of small carved, apparently early 19th century boundary stones, in
King's Wood, Cleeve and Congresbury. These are believed to be the private boundary stones of
Thomas Wickham the vicar of Yatton. Open Report
Report showing the extent of potential Romano-British pottery kilns in Congresbury,
established by gradiometry and resistivity surveys. Open report
Report on gradiometer and resistivity surveys at Banwell. This revealed possible domestic
activity close to an area where Roman remains have been found. Open report
Report on gradiometry survey on Congresbury cricket pitch. This identified several service
pipes and two high level responses which could indicate potential archaeology. Open report
Report on a gradiometry survey at Iwood, which revealed possible Romano British kilns. Open
Report
Report on gradiometry and resistivity surveys to the south of Congresbury. Gradiometry
survey revealed possible enclosure, trackway and what may be the results of trench digging.
However, resistivity surveys revealed no significant archaeological features. Open report
Report of resistivity survey on St George V playing field, Congresbury which revealed a
rectangular high resistance anomaly worthy of future investigation. Open report
Updated report on excavation at Iwood which now incorporates preliminary reports on the
spur and bones. Open report
2015
Report on gradiometry survey in a field to the south of Congresbury, which seems to have
located the site of a possible Romano British pottery kiln. Open Report
Report on excavation at Iwood which confirmed resistivity results and revealed what may be
the foundations of a wall / structure and pottery suggesting an occupation site dating between 1580
and 1650. Open Report
Report on the use of an electronic, hydrostatic level (NIVCOMP) to record the three-
dimensional appearance of a stone fragment found in unconsecrated land by Congresbury church.
Open Report
Report on a further gradiometry survey south of Silverstone Way, Congresbury which
revealed no archaeological features. Open Report
A report on a gradiometry survey south of Silverstone Way, Congresbury, shows the
survey revealed 3 enigmatic parallel lines. Open Report
Dictionary of dialect words used in North Somerset has been updated with more words.
Open
Report on resistivity surveys, in a field bordering Ham Lane Yatton, has revealed what
appears to be a rectangular building as well as enigmatic circular features. Open Report
Report on further resistivity surveys in a field at Iwood which again revealed a wealth of
previously unrecorded features including a possible building. Open Report
Report on additional resistivity surveys in a field at Iwood which revealed a wealth of
previously unrecorded features. Open Report
Report on survey at Wemberham, Yatton using an electronic, hydrostatic level, which
produced contour and 3d images of the villa and other targeted sites. Open Report Appendices
Report on survey at Woodspring Priory using an electronic, hydrostatic level, which
produced contour and 3d images of features across the site. Open Report Open Appendices
Report on a resistivity survey in a field off Brinsea Road, Congresbury revealed possible
structures as well as enigmatic circular and linear features. Open Report
2014
Report on a gradiometry survey at
Cobthorn, Congresbury, which revealed
possible previously unknown Romano-British
potter kilns. Open Report
Reports on gradiometry surveys in two
fields off Brinsea Road, Congresbury
have revealed possible previously unknown
Romano-British pottery kilns. Open Report 1 Report 2