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
Report on gradiometry survey in field off Brinsea Road, Congresbury has revealed,
what appears to be, previously unknown Romano-British kilns. Open Report
Report on survey on Cadbury Hill using an electronic, hydrostatic level. This is the
first full description of the use of this equipment to survey in detail surface features and
illustrate them in three dimensions. Open Report Open Appendices
Report on gradiometry survey in Congresbury has revealed possible previously unknown
Romano-British pottery kilns. Open Report
Report on resistivity survey at Congresbury church which revealed the end wall of the
large building/buildings, previously revealed in the orchard, as well as several previously
unknown buildings/structures. Open Report
Report on gradiometry survey north of the river at Iwood, where no archaeological
features were revealed. Open Report
Report on resistivity survey by the bridge at Congresbury revealed a circular feature
worthy of future investigation. Open Report
Reports on gradiometry and resistivity surveys at Wemberham Villa have revealed
a potential dock area and evidence of further buildings. Open 601 Report / Open RM15
Report
Report on resistivity survey in Wrington. Survey followed the discovery of Bronze Age
artefacts but revealed no structures. It is assumed that this is an example of ritual deposition
in a wet place. Open Report
2013
December 2013 Newsletter now available under publications. Open Newsletter
New slide show section can be accessed from publications page. Includes a short slide show on
Woodspring Priory. more>
Report on a resistivity survey on the site of a demolished farm house at Iwood has revealed
track ways, the site of a well and a possible cobbled area and structures. Open Report
Report on a gradiometry survey at Iwood has revealed what appear to be two large
enclosures, containing signs of domestic activity, beside a potential track way running north to
south. Open Report
Report on a gradiometry survey at Iwood has revealed the continuation of the possible track
way revealed in an adjacent field and the site of what may be a hearth, close to this track way.
Open report
Report on a a gradiometry survey at Iwood has revealed circular features and possible ditches
either side of a trackway which may be associated with the Neolithic/Bronze Age flint scatter found
in an adjacent field. Open report
YCCCART report on gradiometry survey at Iwood which revealed paleochannels, which relate to
those recorded in an adjacent field. Open report
Open weekend at Woodspring Priory, Kewstoke, North Somerset (ST34316614)
on 18th & 19th May 2013, 10am - 4pm.
Woodspring Priory was a Victorine house, remote and rural, and always poor, although wonderful
medieval buildings remain at the site. It is owned and maintained by the Landmark Trust. Recent
geophysical surveys (See report Y12/2012 on this site) have provided stunning new insights into
the history of the site. The weekend will have exhibitions of the surveys, a 'Now and Then'
exhibition with 19th century images of the Priory, walks, and other events. This is also an
opportunity to see parts of the Priory normally not open to visitors. Please be aware that access is
over bumpy ground not suitable for wheel chairs and there is livestock so dogs must be kept on a
lead.
More details will follow asap.
2012
YCCCART newsletter for 2012 has been released. Open newsletter
YCCCART report on a resistivity survey on Yatton Moor from which no significant features were
revealed. Open report
YCCCART report on gradiometry and resistivity surveys at Iwood Manor which revealed a number
of features including possible walls and structures. Also identified were hints of a possible Roman
road which is said to run through the grounds of the manor. Open report
YCCCART report detailing further surveys at Tyntesfield requested by the National Trust which
revealed a number of features probably associated with previous foundations, service pipes and
garden features. Without an excavation, interpretation of these features can only be speculative.
Open report
YCCCART report describes the amazing 2011 & 2012 gradiometry and resistivity survey results
from Cadbury Hll, Congresbury. The surveys revealed a number of features previously identified in
excavation and earthwork survey, and many other previously unknown features. Open report
YCCCART report describes the results of a limited excavation in a field at Iwood, Congresbury,
which revealed a feature thought to be a post hole on the line of an enclosure boundary. Open
report
YCCCART report - gradiometry & resistivity surveys have been carried out at Woodspring Priory.
Resistivity surveys in particular exceeded expectations and revealed a number of previously
unknown features, one associated with the spring in the orchard fronting the priory. Open report
YCCCART report - gradiometer surveys in Wraxall appear to have relocated a Roman villa and
revealed a Roman industrial area. Open report
YCCCART report of a survey of a paddock off Venus Street, Congresbury in an area of known
Romano–British pottery kilns. The gradiometry survey revealed no significant features. Open
report
YCCCART report of a gradiometry survey was undertaken in Wick St Lawrence at the request of
the North Somerset County Archaeologist in order to investigate a flat area (house platform?) close
to a deep pond. Sadly no building structure was found. Open report
A new leaflet has been prepared by YCCCART giving a brief history of Woodspring Priory and the
archaeological investigation made during this Summer. Open leaflet
YCCCART report of 13 test pits dug in Yatton near St Mary’s Church and in the Conservation Area
failed to discover any structures in existence prior to the modern village being constructed. Open
report
YCCCART report of the manual survey of Iwood (Open report). This is the first report to include
the use of the electronic hydrostatic level to produce contour and three-dimensional images in an
archaeological survey, although its use has been described previously (see YCCCART newsletter,
December 2011). It would appear to have potential for accurate recording of surface features."
Saturday 14 July As part of the National Archaeology Week Vince Russett, the North
Somerset County Archaeologist, will lead a guided tour of Cadbury Hill Fort. The tour starts from
the Star public house car park at 10:00 am.
YCCCART will have a stand at the following events:
30 June Congresbury Village Fete, St Andrews School, 1:30-4:30 pm
14 July Clevedon Archaeology Day, Queens Square, 10:30-4:00 pm
21 July Yatton Village Fete, St Mary’s Church, 2:00-4:30 pm
Please drop by, we would be delighted to see you and explain what we have been doing and show
some of the results we have recorded.
Friday 25th May, YCCCART had a visit by John
Penrose MP at Woodspring Priory, its new
field assignment. Mr Penrose is the minister for
Tourism, Historic Property and Archaeological
Sites in the UK. He was accompanied by North
Somerset Councilor Robert Cleland, and the
County's Archaeologist Vince Russett.
YCCCART has been requested to carry out a full
geophysical survey and a report will be forwarded
to The Landmark Trust whose representatives,
Marilyn Donohue (Property Manger), Simon
Verdon (Head of Business Operations), and Caroline Stanford (Historian) were at Woodspring Priory
to meet the minister.
The Official license has been applied for, and as soon as the paper work is completed the survey will
commence.
Watch this space on our website for updates on the progresses made and findings.
Councillor Cleland, North Somerset’s Heritage Champion, presented his report Conservation
Heritage Champion to the Council meeting on 17 January 2012. His very comprehensive and
interesting report describes the positive action undertaken in all heritage matters in the county and
includes a section on the work being carried out by YCCCART. The report is available from the
North Somerset Council website.
28 May 2012 Reports YCCCART has written up some old surveys made at Cleeve during the
years 2006 - 2008. One survey was on Goblin Coombe Cottage which is the remains of Thomas
Cox’s house which predates 1799 (Open report). The other report relates to quarrying, a number
of boundary stones and the remains of World War II activities (Open report).
21st March 2012 Cadbury Hill Unwrapped Vince Russett, North Somerset County
Archaeologist, will give an illustrated talk about the amazing new geophysical results from Cadbury
Hill Fort. Congresbury History Group is hosting the talk in the Methodist Hall Congresbury and
starts at 7.45pm. Open to all, non members will be charged £2.
Cadbury Hill Fort Progress - The geophysical surveys for the current English Heritage licence
have been completed and the final report is being compiled.
YCCCART report of the manual survey of the north east ramparts of Cadbury Hill Fort is now
available. Open report
YCCCART Report on a resistivity survey on the field at the bottom of Venus Street, Congresbury
where we may have identified a building. Open report
Talk to Scouts - YCCCART members recently gave a talk about the Romans to Claverham Scouts
and invited them to come on a walk around Cadbury Hill Fort.
Cadbury Hill Fort Surveys The geophysical surveys planned on the eastern part of the hill have
been completed. Trees, bushes and brambles have been cleared since last year’s surveys on the
western side. So, until the end of March when the English Heritage licence expires, we will extend
the surveys on the western side and undertake further manual surveys. Why not come and help
out? Everyone is welcome. Our normal survey day is a Thursday and we meet in the Star car park
at 9.30am.