2024
NEWS & EVENTS
Report on an evaluation and survey on one of two limekilns at Prestow Wood, Wrington undergoing
stabilisation and conservation repair. The west kiln is a mid-19th century semi industrial structure
burning lime roughly from c1850 - c1920. The work revealed that the kiln has cheek walls with a
possible roofed structure before the kiln, and a ramp behind, for the easier movement of charge to the
combustion chamber. Open Report
Report on a documentary study on Woodspring Priory including the not generally acknowledged work
of Roland Paul, initial study / publication of the post-dissolution ‘hospital for maimed soldiers’ and two
(over)development proposals which would have resulted in very different landscapes at Woodspring
and Sand Bay. Open Report
Report on a documentary and photographic study of the remnant of Litton churchyard cross which is
constantly wrongly identified as a “font” Open Report
Report on a geophysical survey and site recording at Rose Cottage, a deserted farmstead at Kingston
Seymour. There is a standing gable wall, with earthworks and rubble heaps of a dwelling abandoned
around 1900. There are hints that its origins may be earlier than the probable pre-1800 of the
cartographical and documentary evidence. Open Report
Report on documentary and photographic research into the Church of St John the Baptist, Churchill.
Part 1 covers the inside the church (nave, aisles and chancel) and records a wealth of interesting
memorials and roof bosses. Open Report
Report on documentary and photographic research into the Church of St John the Baptist, Churchill.
Part 2 covers the vestry, porch and outside the church and records a wealth of interesting features
including memorials, effigies and gargoyles. Open Report
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Report on pioneering unpublished papers by Derek Lilly on Clevedon Moor, clearly based on long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
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