by Andrew Egbers

Created on: January 14, 2009   Last Updated: March 10, 2009

No arts; no letters, no society, and which is worst of all, continual fear and

danger of violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and

short.' Thomas Hobbes English Philosopher 1588-1679

Introduction

Would this statement apply to our forebears, who lived in the hill-forts? What

evidence can be found of the quality of their lives? One thing that we can be sure of is

that our ancestors needed food, warmth and shelter. Occupation of caves close to here

bears witness.

Banwell Earthwork

Location GR 402588

Description

VHCS II p471 describes cross as 2 ft high 12 ft broad, arms North 61 ft, East 56 ft,

South 57 ft, West 72 ft. Dobson p212 whole earthwork 165 ft by 135 ft entrance East,

ditch/vallum cross 2 ft high 10-12 ft wide. What I found was a single bank, aligned

North to South 2 ft high 10-12ft long.

Page Two

Banwell Camp

Location GR 410590

Description VHCS is on the top of a hill about half a mile southsoutheast of the

church and the defence was a bank of earth and stones around the inclosure.

Rutter p145a severe battle was fought near this hill, between the Saxons and Danes;

the memory of which is preserved by the appellation of Wint Hill, which, in the

Saxon language implies the name of a towerThe situation is well adapted for the

enjoyment of a rural repast, by any parties, who are induced to explore the varied

scenery, which this elevation situation commands, and which the Rev. W. Lisle

Bowles has celebrated in his recently published poem on Banwell Hill

Bleadon

Location GR 336576

Description VCHS p522 The so-called camp on the slope of the hill to the north of the

village contains low banks and ridges, most of which run down the slope of the hill

from north to south, but some run east and west.

Burrington Camp

Location GR 479584

Description VCHS p483 is on the lower slope of the Mendip about half a mile south

of Burrington churchThe inclosure is oblong, with rounded corners, its length north

by east to south by west being about 120 yds., and west by north to east by south

about 80yds.

Page Three

Cadbury Camp Congresbury

Location GR 442650

Description Vince Russett

Demolished Roman temple at Henley Wood, GR 443651 with a fine view over North

Moor and Severn Estuary. Building painted white, visibility 50 Miles. It would have

been possible for the Romans to use signalling fires across the estuary. River Yeo

navigable to Congresbury villa Wemborough 5 Congresbury Place Names St Conger.

Two clear post-Roman phases. Second group mediaeval Mediterranean. Material late

antique collection.

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