Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society

Newsletters

No 70 Summer - 2004

 

No 66                  Autumn - 2002
No 67   Spring - Summer - 2003
No 68   Summer- Autumn - 2003
No 69                    Spring - 2004

Contents of No 70 Summer - 2004

Chairman's Letter
Editorial
Tribute to Madge Langdon
A Plesiosaur at Taunton Castle
Photographic Archive Seminar
Kenneth J Barton Collection of Vernacular Pottery
Ancient Mariner at Watchet
Romanesque Find at Dowlish Wake
Victoria County History Update
Norton-sub-Hamdon Local History Society
25 Years Ago Extracts from Past Newsletters
The burh at Axbridge
Wind Turbines & Global Warming
South Somerset Hydropower Group
Microhydropower on Exmoor
Somerset Wetlands Historic Peatlands with a Future?
Books:
   Dovecotes of Historical Somerset
   From the Ground Up
   Discovering England's Smallest Churches
   Pub Strolls in Somerset
   Somerset Roads The Legacy of the Turnpikes
   Hydraulic Ram Pumps
   Spoones & Gobletts, Seventeenth-Century Somerset Silver
   Life in the Forgotten City 1603-1714
   Somerset's Buses, The Story of Hutchings & Cornelius and Safeway Services
Natural History Notes
Between Scillies & Pennines
Evercreech Historic Buildings Visit
Somerset's Warblers, a Natural History Talk
Crowcombe Historic Buildings Visit
Rock Art, a talk by Stan Beckensall
Changing Scene of Taunton Deane, a Natural History talk by Derek Briggs
Sherborne Historic Buildings Trip
Creech St. Michael WWII
Taunton 1100
Rugbourne Farm Historic Buildings Visit
Compton Dundon Historic Buildings Visit
The Rise & Fall of Somerset Landed Families

 

Chairman's Letter

This is a venerable Society with traditions reaching back to the 1849 foundation.

Its considerable assets in buildings and collections are awe-inspiring, if not downright daunting. Could I possibly carry on the well-established traditions, perhaps even advance the Society’s standing and reputation ? I cannot yet answer those questions but I can report that I have met nothing but kindness, tolerance and whole-hearted support from fellow members: consequently, I feel perhaps I can cope and help realise some of our dreams.

Individuals may well have their own particular dreams (I certainly have) but future commitments in all we do to make this Society a recognised influence in the County will only be achieved by discussion, compromise and consensus.

What are the gaps we need to plug ? We are not very good at marketing either the Society as a whole or the books it publishes. We need more members and systems to communicate and sell our products. Making ourselves known will be improved by more public events. Council is therefore going to consider ways of making money to extend our activities—ways that will extract money from the pockets of non-members rather than of members. However, we shall be looking to members to provide the expertise to support the enterprises. On the agenda for the next Council Meeting in October is the setting-up of a committee to formulate strategies for fund-raising and marketing; we would welcome ideas and offers of help from the general membership. For example, how would you respond to a 50/50 auction sale of antiques or a public lecture by a notable speaker ? The ‘Taunton 1100’ celebrations showed there is interest in public events—let us capitalise on it.

The second area where we could be more active is Education. What about workshops and discussions making use of the museum collections ? What about encouraging research projects ? Could we build up a team of education advisors, perhaps linked with more publications—information leaflets, guidance notes, teacher packs ? What about a brain-storming session later in the year ? Would you come ? We have a golden opportunity—it just requires time and ingenuity to devise a programme and exploit our facilities and collections.

That leads to my third ‘gap’, increased collaboration with partners in other organisations: sharing expertise makes sense. As an ecologist, I shall spend the next months getting to know other Society committees and participating in events outside my usual scope of interests: a task I see as an advantage rather than an onerous duty. (Other subjects must be just as stimulating as wildlife!). Why don’t you try something different?

By the time you read this, the Somerset Wetlands Symposium will be over. It has involved a lot of hard work by dedicated people but I cheer myself up by thinking it will be easier next time! For the benefit of future endeavours, we shall produce a dossier on ‘How to organise and run a symposium’.

Pat Hill-Cottingham
SANHS Chairman

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Editorial

This newsletter is not quite as fat as it could get—`just as well', I hear you say. Its girth is now calibrated and I have listed its contents, so you should be able to find your way around.
In my efforts to make the Newsletter a fair and full representation of all the Society's activities, I have tried to develop range and depth. (I suppose that means making more a chronicle than a conventional newsletter.)
You will like some new features more than others. I have certainly enjoyed compiling, editing and writing—the last perhaps too much, to judge by my intrusiveness. Better self-discipline may be necessary in future, if I am not to alienate you totally. An alternative solution lies in your own fingers.
No apology for the polemics, however. Educated in the (now defunct) critical tradition, I am convinced of the interest and value of controversy, provided argument is rational and constructive (and, of course, based on accurate and precise data derived from empirical and unprejudiced observation). You will notice a polemical slant elsewhere than in the specifically controversial section. I hope you can accept this as giving life to the Newsletter (and perhaps respond). Obviously, nobody should associate any opinion with official SANHS policy unless that is made clear.
As usual, there is very little in this newsletter which has not been contributed by those responsible for the administration of the Society and its various committees. I see no reason why contributions from ordinary members should not play a greater part. There is one report from the younger generation—let's have more.
I hope you like the increase in illustration. If you want to see images in their original colour, they are on the Society web-site, here, www.sanhs.org.uk.
Responses to the last newsletter (the first in A4 format in recent years) have been generously positive and supportive. My plea for information on deer parks elicited much helpful correspondence. Unfortunately, I have not had time to pursue my humble `research' and must apologise to correspondents for not taking up their offers. Most answers to the Puzzle Picture agreed on a sheepwash—which has indeed been the use within living memory of the mill-leat basin. However, the proximity of the flax industry has led to speculation that it may also have played some part in the retting process. Research continues.
Correspondence on any aspect of this newsletter would be welcomed. Please send it via the SANHS Office.
Grateful acknowledgement must be made of the support and assistance of Betty and the Publications Committee. Also of great help have been the ready contributions of information by speakers and other individuals willing to share their knowledge. Some individuals must be named for the indispensability of their help: Anthony Bruce, Russell Gomm and John Page for their generous contributions of copy; Tom Mayberry and Anthony Bruce, successive chairmen of the Publication Committee, for their moral and practical support.

Robin Downes

Speakers List

I have recently been asked by one of our associated societies whether we have a speakers list. I know many of you use the Joint Calendar for ideas but think it might be a good idea to compile a list of names, addresses and topics, which could be made available on request to programme secretaries.
I should be grateful, therefore, if you could let me know if you are a speaker and willing to be included in such a list. If so, please let me have details of your talks—titles and brief summaries, etc.

Betty Cloke
email: secretary@sanhs.freeserve.co.uk

Electronic Communication

If you're on the internet, it's easy for Betty to keep you informed of events and late changes to arrangements—but (obviously) only if she knows your e-mail address and that you are willing thus to be contacted.

Notes To Contributors

The editor is happy to receive contributions at any time. The best time to write up an event is straight after, or certainly within several weeks. There is no point waiting for an `official deadline' before sending copy. That gives the editor an enormous amount to do in a short time.
Please accept this acknowledgement of all the carefully considered and composed copy sent in good time.
Some of you may have realised the editor does not chase promises. There is neither time nor patience for that. A promise is a promise.
Many of the photographs so generously submitted look fine in colour but do not have enough clarity and impact for publication when converted to monochrome. The editor regrets not being to include all of them.

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Tribute to Marjorie (Madge) Langdon

It was with great sorrow that we heard of the death, after a heart attack, of Madge at her West Huntspill home on February 2nd. Her friends and colleagues must surely be thankful for her joyful, enthusiastic and industrious life; friendliness and kindness characterised all her relationships.

Her quietly gracious passing followed months of uncertainty; gradually declining health had reduced her ability to sustain long-loved pursuits of bell-ringing, travelling and adventure, map-reading, gardening and swimming, archæology and geology, local and natural history—a remarkably wide range of interests. She never entirely gave up!

Born on April 3rd 1919, Madge spent her earliest years at Eastry, near Sandwich in Kent, before moving to the Yorkshire Pennines, where she won a scholarship to Greenhead High School, Keighley, shining particularly in languages (like her father) before matriculating in 1935. Holidays were spent at Eastry or Painswick (with an aunt and uncle). Learning map-reading from her father, she became an excellent navigator. Madge was also proficient in music, able to accompany her mother.

School success was followed by high achievement at university in French and Spanish. Having passed the Civil Service examinations c.1936, Madge was posted to London and then, for the war years, to Blackpool. Afterwards she went to work in the Probate Office in Bristol and finally, as manager of the administrative staff, to Puriton ordnance factory.

One of the first Open University students to be awarded an honours degree in Geology (1987), Madge went on to gain a Bachelor of Philosophy degree with her thesis Settlement in Central Somerset from the Eleventh to the Seventeenth Centuries.

In her youth, Madge's enjoyment of the countryside had included youth-hostelling in neighbouring Yorkshire and the Lake District—undoubtedly a vital source of her interests in archæology and fauna. Before her marriage, she was often abroad on holiday, visiting churches and archæological sites.

While at Bristol, Madge worked at Camerton and other local sites, consolidating her interest in the archæology of Roman remains. Membership of the Prehistoric Society led to her becoming, in 1972, Assistant Treasurer and Honorary Member in 1993. It also brought a productive acquaintance with Leslie Grinsell; partly through his good offices, SANHS became home of the Maltwood Fund, administered by Madge.

Madge met her future husband Charles at Puriton. (Their Ruby Anniversary was celebrated in 2003.) They visited many archæological sites abroad, including Egypt, Crete and Santorini—and gained certificates from two short Archæology courses at Cambridge University run by Professor Alexander.

Having joined SANHS in 1958, Madge was voted on to Council in 1976 and the Archæology Committee c.1977. She later joined the Council for British Archæology. Madge and Charles voluntarily undertook the onerous secretarial duties at the SANHS Office, including the production of the Newsletter for a year when there was a staff shortage. Madge was President in 1996-7.

A founder member of the Bridgwater & District Archaeological Society, in 1981 Madge published with Chris Sidaway its first Report, a document clearly indicating the degree of her commitment to local archæology. She was also instrumental in assembling the archæological artefacts display at the Blake Museum.

Madge assisted Philip Rahtz and Trevor Miles in the rescue from the remains of the Roman villa at Spaxton of its mosaic floor—although this was not a complete whole and still awaits restoration. (This villa is important in being one of the few known in Somerset west of the Parrett.)

Many accounts of Madge's work are to be found in SANHS Proceedings. Her 1971 involvement in excavations along the proposed M5 route was published in Excavations near Crandon Bridge (PSANHS 115, pp.53-54; with PJ Fowler). Her work at the major Bush Marsh site (Crandon Bridge) is briefly documented in Archaeology of the M5 Motorway: a gazetteer of sites in Somerset (PSANHS 145, pp.39-51; ed. David Dawson et al.). Madge's unpublished reports and field-notes on the Bush Marsh excavations and associated artefacts are now at Exeter University with Dr Stephen Rippon, who has a grant for a detailed assessment of this important site.

A fitting culmination to a long and happy life, Madge's funeral was held on February 11th at St. Peter's and All Hallows, West Huntspill, where she had served as PCC Secretary. The church was filled with over one hundred and fifty people, including representatives of organisations with which she had been connected.

It is hoped a future issue of Proceedings will include a fuller obituary and commentary on Madge Langdon's life.

Pat Ellson ©2004 P J E

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Somerset Museums Service Press Release 2272
A Plesiosaur at the Somerset County Museum

Plesiosaur Fossil found in Bridgwater Bay

When local fisherman Nick Collard went fishing on the Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve, he was not expecting to find a 1.5m sea-creature, let alone one that had swum in Jurassic seas 185 million years ago.

Plesiosaurs were air-breathing marine carnivorous reptiles inhabiting warm Jurassic and Cretaceous seas. There were many forms; this one had a turtle-shaped body, four paddles, a long neck and a small head.

Nick recognised this new and exciting fossil as a rare find. `I regularly walk this stretch of beach but hadn't noticed it before,' he said. `The tide must have washed away some of the silt to reveal the fossil. I rushed home to consult the encyclopædia and Taunton Museum later confirmed my once-in-a-lifetime discovery.'

The Museum had to act fast to save the fossil and permission was sought from the landowner and English Nature to excavate it. Dennis Parsons, the museum's geologist, was delighted. `Without Mr Collard's keen observation and quick thinking, this rare and scientifically important specimen would not have been rescued for the museum,' he said. `Plesiosaurs are very rare fossils, so you would be lucky to find even a single bone or tooth. Not only did he find a complete specimen, but it was fully exposed and beautifully preserved.'

Dennis Parsons, caught in the act

The recovery of fossil reptiles is a difficult but exciting process, and a rescue excavation was started immediately. Working with English Nature's Reserve Manager Robin Prowse, the Museum field-staff team worked tirelessly for hours in heavy rain to recover the complete skeleton. The fossil was excavated in four blocks; the numerous adjacent ammonites were used to date the plesiosaur.

Once recovered, the fossil was taken to London's Natural History Museum, where it was carefully washed to remove salt and dried slowly to minimise flaking. It has now been returned and is on temporary display at the County Museum in Taunton Castle.

Permanent display and research will require very expensive work with air-powered tools and hand-held needles. Assuming successful restoration, the specimen will be identified; it may be a previously unknown species. The race is on to raise the necessary £15,000.

©2004 Somerset Museums Service

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Photographic Archive Seminar Digital Nourishment January 17th

The Historic Buildings Committee met at the SANHS offices in Taunton Castle for this informal event, to be joined by guests and visitors interested in the methodology and progress of the Project conceived by the Somerset Historic Buildings Archive Group (SHBAG) and provided with scanning equipment by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

And here it was, at the heart of the exhibition: the new computer station has found a comfortable and secure home in the main office, where it is trying to ingratiate itself with Betty. There are two high-quality scanners: one for the many thousands of 35mm slides in the care of the Historic Buildings Committee; the other for larger slides, prints and building records.

By the Computer Station

In the Gray Room, a standard projector displayed a continuous slide-show while a digital model on loan from the County Education Department showed scanned slides. On the table, bread, cheese and tomatoes awaited our light lunch.

We had an introduction and discussion, all clear and to the point. The project had kicked off to preserve the slide collection threatened through age by deterioration and loss. Digitally recording the resource not only ensures preservation: it improves access for research into the building heritage of the historic county.

Including in the process people outside the Group enhances its educational value—a principal objective. Other serious issues raised included the problems of constructing a database, maintaining the Archive, keeping it intact and on up-to-date media, respecting copyright of original material and the privacy of the owners of the buildings shown.

Lunch & Discussion

In the hands of Nigel and Caroline, the Society coffee machine and a borrowed bread-maker were in action. The Society's rooms were filled with the combined aromas of fresh coffee and bread. This loaf, still hot, was then totally destroyed and everything else edible vanished. Only afterwards did we wonder about the last time bread had been baked there; probably, this had been in the chequered pre-Society days, but just possibly five hundred years ago by the cooks of the Bishop of Winchester.

July Update

Members of SHBAG have now completed the first phase of the Project. All the equipment is set up, to the approval of the main funding source. We thank Awards for All for making the Project possible, Jessops and CCL Computers for their advice and sponsorship. Later this year, we hope to arrange another exhibition to show the public some of the material being recorded.

Anthony Bruce

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The Kenneth J Barton Collection of Vernacular Pottery of Western Europe

Somerset County Museums Service cares for one of the principal British collections of vernacular pottery. This is now reinforced by that of Kenneth J Barton.

Pottery production has changed significantly within the last sixty years. We have witnessed the démise of most traditional Western European small-scale production of, for example, lead-glazed earthenware for specific local markets, mostly for kitchen and garden but sometimes for packaging local products like cider and spa-water, beer and boot-blacking.

The Barton Collection is an appropriate monument to people working hard for a pittance to provide us with everyday pots; it also gives us a comparator for wares produced in Somerset and the West Country in general. For example, the exuberant use of wet slip decoration can be seen in the accompanying illustration (R) of fine Bristol tin-glazed earthenware, where the technique rejoices in the Italian description bianco sopra bianco (white on white).

Ken Barton amassed the collection over many years, putting to good use his enormous experience and expertise. He is a founder-member of both Medieval and Post-Medieval Pottery Research Groups. No stranger to Somerset, he excavated the Roman villa at Star as well as analysing and publishing the pottery from Ham Green; this hand-built lead-glazed ware from the kiln just downstream from Bristol provides an archæologically-important twelfth/thirteenth century horizon for the Bristol Channel and Irish Sea. It is fitting that the Collection also includes Saintonge ware, another key manufacture of the Atlantic seaboard. The pegu (see end-note) is a form first appearing in the thirteenth century; yet here in the Collection is one used to store walnut oil which cannot be older than the late nineteenth century.

In short, the Collection is a marvellous storehouse of information for archæologist, potter, art student—or anyone with a passing interest in pottery. Somerset is very lucky to have it.

(`Pegus', or pégaus, are large jugs, usually with three handles, one on each side with a large parrot-beak spout on the fourth. These distinctively shaped vessels are peculiar to the Saintonge area around the ancient town of Saintes on the Charente in western France. They seem to have been used for bulk liquid storage. Being plain earthenware, with only the occasional splash of decorative lead glaze, they tend to be impregnated by their contents. Sherds are quite commonly found in archæological sites in many of our port cities, especially in the South—e.g., Exeter, Bristol, Southampton—usually in mid- to late-medieval contexts.)

©2004 David Dawson

 

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The Ancient Mariner

The Ancient Mariner at Watchet
©2004 Robin Downes

 

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Romanesque Find at Dowlish Wake

©2004 Somerset County Museums Service

A slab depicting St. Peter has been discovered at Dowlish Wake. Both date and provenance are unknown. The latest news was that it was to be put up for auction in London, the County Museum not being to pay the asking price.

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Victoria County History Update

Volume VIII, on the Poldens and the Levels, has just been published. Finishing touches are being put to Volume IX, on Glastonbury and Street, before publication early next year. (See Glastonbury meeting scheduled for January 28th in the Joint Calendar.)

In anticipation of a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (awarded in principle to country-wide schemes but not yet agreed in detail), work has been undertaken for the Exmoor parishes of Brushford, Dulverton, Exford, Hawkridge, Winsford and Withypool—specifically to discover more about the origin of settlement and trace locations of disappeared farms. Matched funding will come from a partnership with the Exmoor National Park, the Exmoor Society and North Devon District Council. Research will, if and when the grant materialises, be undertaken over the county border in the parishes of East and West Anstey, Molland and Twitchen.

©2004 Dr Robert Dunning

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Norton-sub-Hamdon Local History Society

This Summer, visits using the local Amenities Centre minibus have been made to Wilton House, Lyme Regis (for fossil-hunting), Longleat, Dunster and Avebury.

The Society has been bequeathed a large tapestry completed during World War I by war wounded recuperating in the Manor House (used as a nursing home during the war). Measuring c. eight by seven feet, it depicts the badges of the men's units.

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the village had a tradition of fine carving of stone and wood—primarily in the Trask and Micklewright workshops. Many examples of their work are known locally and the Society would welcome information on examples outside the immediate area. (The Society has no documentary records of the businesses.)

©2004 Mike & Penny Cudmore

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25 Years Ago Extracts from Past Newsletters

1979 May (No.19)

The editor, David Elkington, reported that the new format had been well received.

David Bromwich wrote about treasure hunting: `The Council for British Archaeology recognises that many users of metal detectors are motivated by a genuine interest in the past and its remains and that they would not knowingly damage those remains. Such people are welcome to join the active membership of British Archaeology, but they must accept the methods and disciplines of archaeology.'

News about Mick Aston: `until recently archaeologist with SCC and currently tutor in Local Studies at Oxford, he returns to the area in September to take up the post of Staff Tutor in Archaeology at the Department of Extra-Mural Studies at Bristol University.' He had led a Summer School on The Making of the English Landscape.

SANHS Events

(April): a symposium on church architecture & archæology organised by Mark McDermott.
(May): a visit to the Wood Reserve in Prior's Park; a lecture by Raleigh Radford on the excavations at Glastonbury Abbey from 1951-64.
(June): visits to Steepholm; the Mendip Mineries (led by Derek Briggs & starting near Shipham); Somerton and Nettlecombe Court (both led by Mark McDermott)
(July): Long Sutton Court House, led by Commander Williams; expedition led by Mrs J Smith to observe nightjars near Staple Plain at West Quantoxhead.
(September): Open Day on the Somerset Levels Project; a visit to Croscombe led by Mark McDermott.

1979 September (No.20)

More (from Ian Burrow) on the campaign against treasure hunting.

Succeeding Mick Aston, Ian Field had been archæologist in the County Planning Department since February and was to be credited with the acceptance of the need for routine archæological advice regarding development proposals. Formerly a field officer in Shropshire, he was currently completing a PhD on Hill Fort Occupation in Somerset AD 1-700. Ian reported on ærial surveys, especially west of the Parrett (e.g., details of the Norton Fitzwarren hill-fort); he also reported starting a study of Somerset medieval moats.

Bristol University had held a day meeting at Dillington in October.

Madge Langdon reported on a resistivity survey of a Puriton field for evidence of Roman-medieval occupation; the excavation of an (unnamed) hamlet near Cannington which had been demolished in the early twentieth century; and the investigation of two Roman sites at Wembdon and a small medieval settlement at Perry Court.

Roger Carter reported research into Roman road remains: there were few convincing traces of the Fosse Way south of Lopen Head, but there was better evidence of the Axminster-Honiton road.

Brian Murless & Ian Burrow reported that a six-week dig in September was planned in Taunton (Fore, Paul & High Streets) after the discovery of medieval pottery. Volunteers were needed.

Bryony Orme reported on the summer excavation by the Somerset Levels Project of an Iron-Age settlement at Meare and the discovery of two brushwood tracks dating from the Neolithic (one having been damaged by early twentieth century peat-cutting). A Neolithic hurdle from the Walton track had been returned to Taunton for display, following conservation treatment in Edinburgh.

Warwick Rodwell reported that the Wells excavations had revealed evidence from prehistoric to Saxon.

Terry Pearson reported the projected publication of the Taunton Pottery Report.

Peter Leach & Peter Ellis reported further investigations at Ilchester, supplementing the 1975 excavations.

Peter Ellis contributed an update on the investigations at Catsgore (four buildings+drains, a Roman road.)

Richard Mc Donnell reported that an Exmoor infra-red ærial survey had added detail to already-known sites as well as revealing new ones (e.g., settlement+fields on Great Hill, above Chetsford Water, in Luccombe CP).

D N Twelvetrees (of the Frome Society) wrote on the excavations at Keynsham Abbey by the Bristol Folkhouse Archaeological Club.

Martyn Brown reported that the Rural Life Museum, highly commended by several agencies, had been developed by the building of a lecture room and the donation by Tony Brewer of a `mud-horse'.

Appointments

Dr Peter Fowler as Vice-President of the CBA; Mick Aston to the CBA Executive; Dr Angus Buchanan as a member of RCHME; Malcolm Todd as Professor of Archæology at Exeter; Dr Ann Ellison as Director of the new Wessex Archaeology Unit. Applications for field monument wardens in Somerset had been invited by the Department of the Environment.

Commander Williams reported on West Nethercott (along the Exe, in Winsford CP): a late medieval, open-hall farmhouse, with tenoned and jointed crucks. He also wrote on a curing chamber at Marston Magna, unusually entirely on the first floor.

Restoration of Court Farm House (Chedzoy) had revealed an almost intact example of a type-3 chamber in a cob and cruck house.

Natural History Section

J V Carrington on the plans for the October Social Evening: Stan Rendell on Steepholm (to include news of the shelduck-breeding success); an archæological investigation, including of Samian pottery. `After a short interlude for refreshments (we hope members will respond with their usual bumper contributions of cakes, sandwiches etc.), the second part of the meeting will again take the form of a quiz which may well bring to light some very curious objects.'

Forthcoming Events
(September) A Croscombe walkabout to be led by Marion Meek.
(October) A lichens field-meeting in Prior's Park Wood to be led by Dr Swinscow. A fungus foray in Thurlbear Wood.
                  A day in Clevedon to be led by John Topham (Chair of the Civic Society) and Pam Brimacombe (Woodspring Council Conservation Officer).
(March) A mosses meeting at Holford Combe to be led by Mrs Appleyard. A visit to Nash Priory.

Associated Societies Standing Conference

October in Bridgwater (walkabout to be led by Mr J F Lawrence). Programme to include Leslie Grinsell on `Somerset Barrows Reconsidered', the AGM and Mr Lawrence on `The Archæology and History of Bridgwater'.

New Archaeological Legislation
(Report by Ian Burrow) 1979

The Ancient Monuments and Archæological Areas Act (1979) received the Royal Assent in April 1979 and will come into effect at the discretion of the Secretary of State for the Environment. This first major archæological legislation since 1953 (apart from the Field Monuments Act 1972) gives an opportunity drastically to strengthen the miserable degree of protection afforded to our Heritage.

This has not really happened: the arguably more successful legislation for historic buildings has been neither wholeheartedly initiated nor incorporated into a comprehensive antiquities law; enforcement of the law depends ultimately on financial commitments by central government; and, most amazingly of all, it will a defence in law for the despoiler of a monument to show ignorance of its scheduled status!

There are positive improvements, however. Scheduled ancient monuments, still defined as `sites of national importance', cannot now be disturbed without the express permission of the Secretary of State and more severe penalties for transgression have been instituted. The Secretary of State (but not, alas, local authorities) can now compulsorily purchase threatened monuments. Voluntary purchase of sites by local authorities is sanctioned, but no financial assistance is offered. The most controversial (and unenforceable?) provision is that which makes it an offence to use a metal detector on a scheduled monument or any area `of archæological importance'.

`Areas of archæological importance' is effectively a new concept in archæological legislation. In such areas there will a legal obligation on a developer to leave the site vacant for up to six months in order that archæological work may be carried out. These areas will be designated by the Secretary of State or local authorities. The archæological investigations themselves will be carried out by `investigating authorities' appointed by the Secretary of State.

Will it all work ? Without significant increases in funds for rescue-units like CRAAGS, it is hard to see how they will be able to fulfil their presumed rôle as investigating authorities if many of our historic towns are designated `of archæological importance'. There are clearly loopholes through which developers may claim crippling compensation from archæologists. There is a real danger that these provisions, potentially helpful in the rescuing of urban archæological sites,

will be paralysed by financial constraints. The County Council will, it is hoped, take a lead in the designation of sensitive areas, but a clear policy is obviously needed.

In general, the Act seems to have failed to take into account the great increase during the last decade of the involvement of local government in archæology, and the equally important growth of local amateur expertise. The Department of the Environment's manpower resources, crucial to the success both of the new scheduling provisions and of the cumbersome procedures relating to Areas of Archæological Importance, will probably be inadequate to deal with the increased work.

Although the weaknesses of the Act are evident, one must not be too negative. The new legislation is a milestone in British Archæology and has great potential for protecting our threatened Heritage. We must all try to make it work.

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The burh at Axbridge

Conjecture is a fascinating sport, so I am delighted to pick up Alex Findlater's challenge in Newsletter 69 and offer my opinions on the location of the Axbridge burh.

In PSANHS 119 (1975), Michael Batt proposed a possible location of the Anglo-Saxon burh in an area centred on Moor Lane (now known as Moorland Street). Subsequently, on the western perimeter of the proposed site, a Romano-British skeleton was discovered, lying in a very wet, tufa-like substance revealed by further investigation to be widespread across the whole site. If one concludes the burh would not have been built on such slippery material, Batt's hypothesis becomes doubtful.

It is also uncertain whether Moor Lane ever did constitute a main route between Axbridge and Cheddar: today the main artery passes along Broadway (so-named on the 1789 Verry map). Above any potential flood level and joining an obvious major route from the centre of Axbridge towards Cheddar, this seems more likely to have always been the primary route.

Alex's proposed area also causes concern by being outside the medieval perambulation which gave Axbridge a roughly hour-glass shape: broadening towards hills and moors, the town at the neck. Given this constraint on the expansion of the medieval town, it seems unlikely that part of the original territory would have been returned to Cheddar.

Assuming the courses of Saxon and medieval thoroughfares to be still extant, there are few alternatives for the site of the burh: the traditional candidate centres on the Square; another would have St. Mary Street as its main thoroughfare; High Street would be the centre of a further candidate.

`Axbridge' has always been associated with the river Axe which now runs SE-NW about a mile below to the SW, even though there is no known bridge pertinent to the town. However, a small stream formerly flowed from a mill-pond just above the north-eastern corner of the Square. Flowing today through a culvert, it would have run diagonally across the surface in the medieval period. Unless the burh straddled this stream, it was not situated here.

Since axe (with its variants exe, esk & usk deriving from British isca, through Anglo-Saxon esce and æsce) merely signifies `river', it could have applied to watercourses other than the one it now denotes, including this little mill-stream. It presumably had a bridge-crossing linking residential with trading areas. That suggests the borough was over the far side of the stream for those coming from Cheddar. If the St. Mary Street area had been the site of the burh, the stream would have provided a convenient moat on its more vulnerable seaward side.

This stream flowed from the Square to another mill-pond, long since disappeared, in Meadow Street. Of particular interest, the mill-pond to the SE of the Square being known as the Portlake suggests an adjacent medieval wall.

The back gardens of the houses on the northern side of High Street abut Back Lane, which runs west to east from Horns Lane to the church of St. John the Baptist; a spur running down to the Lamb Inn formerly continued into the Square and was known as Twochynlane.

Along much of Back Lane and Twochynlane, there is a wall, now discontinuous but formerly almost certainly of one build throughout. No dating has yet been attempted (nor is it known whether Axbridge had a town wall after being a burh) but the gardens on one side are at a considerably lower level than the path on the other. This would be compatible with medieval levelling of habitable land within the perimeter of the burh. Similarly, the gardens of the houses on the southern side of High Street are raised appreciably above the open land behind.

Does this area define the original burh ? It is approximately the correct size as noted by Batt. The only find-spot in Axbridge of a Saxon sherd is within its border. It would also conform with the plan mentioned by Batt whereby a town had a market place outside the original defences (like Shaftsbury) and convenient for access with Cheddar.

It has often been pointed out that only excavation could finally resolve this conundrum. Does anyone know how we could persuade Time Team to do it ?

©2004 John Page

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Wind Turbines & Global Warming `Global warming is more serious than terrorism.'

We would do well to heed those words of Government scientist Sir David King. It might seem alarmist to say so, but in respect of climate change our planet is rapidly approaching a point of no return.

Biological systems have an inbuilt control-mechanism (`homeostasis') which maintains stability and health by continuous monitoring and adjustment. An example is the way in which body temperature is regulated by the cooling effect of evaporating perspiration (`negative feedback'); if, however, temperature rises beyond that control, heat stroke ensues (`positive feedback'). Both hyperthermia [`over-heating'] and its opposite hypothermia [`under-~'] can be lethal.

Positive feedback is an accelerating process—which is why scientists keep bringing forward forecasts of, for example, the melting of ice-shelves. This situation alarms biologists because, as global temperatures rise, it will be increasingly difficult to halt, let alone reverse, the process. Of course, humans are animals and therefore subject to the same problems as `wild' life, but the damage in question is committed by Man. We are interfering more than ever before with the equilibrium of biological systems.

We need to act now. Either we reduce demand for energy or produce as much as possible from renewable, non-polluting, resources. By way of precedent, Raratonga, one of the Pacific Cook Islands, is totally dependent on renewable sources of energy: mountain rivers channel torrential rain through underground hydro-electric stations whose existence is only betrayed to the passer-by by a discreet concrete slab largely hidden by vegetation. In addition, all houses have solar water-heaters.

Admittedly, we have fewer hours of sunlight, but contemporary photovoltaic generators work even in low light. Just imagine: only 360 square miles of the Sahara covered with solar panels would provide electricity for the whole planet ! (The USA, the most polluting nation for its population size, could thus exploit its desert regions.)

`But what about the conservation issues of wind turbines ?', you might ask. `Birds and bats are killed by them. They also commit noise-nuisance.'

Well, monitoring of the nine turbines on the harbour-wall at Blyth, Northumberland, a busy area for birds, has shown that one collision occurs in 10,000 flights—i.e., one to two collisions per year per turbine. Compare this with the ten million birds killed annually by cars in the UK ! A joint report by English Nature, the Worldwide Fund for Nature, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the British Wind Energy Association gives very useful criteria and advice on the positioning of turbines away from migratory routes. It is unfortunate that the most publicised papers used by the lobby opposing wind turbines were based on only two American locations sited on migration routes !

As for noise: the typical level is so low as to be drowned out by the sound of a stream 50-100m distant, or that of a moderate breeze through nearby trees or hedgerows—equivalent to the sound in a living-room from a gas fire.

Of course, Government could do a lot more by (a) making building regulations on insulation far more rigorous, and (b) insisting that every new roof is constructed with photovoltaic units.

Do we have a choice ? We are experiencing Climate Change right now. Patterns of increasingly extreme weather are resulting in el Niño effects: increased flooding in Northern Europe; wetter and warmer winters here; drought in the South. A gradually increasing mean global temperature (predicted to rise by 1.7-4.9°C by 2100) melts polar ice and raises sea-level: for example, the melting of the Greenland ice-shelf in the next fifty years could raise it by seven metres and submerge London.

Of all climate changes, a change in sea-level would probably have the most catastrophic results since most human settlements and agricultural areas are low-lying. In Britain, by 2080, this could include the Thames Basin, much of East Anglia and the area contiguous with the Wash, the Humber Estuary and inland areas to the south of York, around Blackpool and Liverpool, and (of course) the whole of the Somerset Levels and Moors. (See the report on the Wetlands Symposium. Ed.)

An increase of inundation would be exacerbated by coastal erosion: there are already small Pacific islands rendered uninhabitable by the inundation of sea water; the whole of Bangladesh could disappear—think of the refugee problems ! Coral reefs which now protect vulnerable shorelines would die in deeper water. Tropical diseases flourish more in warmer weather; temperature affects the reproduction of many species and can even determine the sex of developing eggs, with more likelihood of imbalance of populations. Great tits are breeding earlier, before insects are available for their young; North Sea cod, having been overfished, are now being forced into cooler waters. Species are appearing locally for the first time (e.g., turtles, sharks) or spreading from southern Europe and Equatorial waters. Habitat-change is overtaking evolution. The Somerset Wildlife Trust is already discussing which trees to plant now which would be suitable for future climatic conditions.

Species are disappearing fast (one every second of those we know about !). Estimates are that half the world's species could become extinct by the end of the century: bad news for us since we depend on variation in the gene-pool for food, medicines and the other essentials of fuel, clothing and building materials. What one can be sure of is that adverse effects of global warming will threaten Wildlife (the third great mass extinction ?) as well as Man.

We have to consider wind-turbines from a broad perspective. We already have unbeautiful pylons marching across countryside and high-tension cables which cause collisions. I think wind-turbines are elegant, sculptural structures which do not emit dangerous long-lasting radionuclides!

Windmills used to be a common sight in days gone by—there was a row along the Poldens creaking away. Go to Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands and see wind-turbines ringing the island, but so discreetly that we did not notice them until our third day !

Are not a few bird-strikes now better than the démise of hundreds of species in the future ? I feel very strongly (and I have been a conservationist all my thinking life) that we, as members of a venerable and learned Society, could take a lead to show we understand the implications of not taking action now, by promoting wind-turbines and other means of harnessing renewable sources of energy. Yes, we do need safeguards for the proper siting of these structures, we need to formulate a policy, but I should like us to speak out and encourage other bodies to follow our lead.

©2004 Pat Hill-Cottingham

(Although the views expressed are the author's, the article was occasioned by Council asking her to contribute to the formulation of a Society policy on wind-turbines. Your views would be welcomed and could be included in the next newsletter. Ed.)

South Somerset Hydropower Group Generating renewable electricity from ten historic mill sites

South Somerset has inherited many historic mill sites, some with up to 1,000 years of history, where water power was harnessed for the benefit of the local community. Water draining from the surrounding hills was channelled to turn wheels powering many of the local industries such as the milling of corn, flax, silk and wool.

With a return to renewable energy to combat global warming, these mill sites are now being restored to produce `green' electricity.

The South Somerset Hydropower Group was formed in 2001. The ten* mill owners engaged consultants Hydro Generation Ltd. of Devon to conduct a feasibility study into the use of their mills for electricity generation and to negotiate the necessary licences from the Environment Agency. With the assistance of South Somerset District Council, grants to support the project have been awarded by the Energy Saving Trust and SWEB.

The Environment Agency will approve any construction work or water abstraction (more accurately, `temporary diversion', since all water will be returned to its original course).

Turbines and generators are being installed; the first renewably generated power was produced (at Gants Mill) in April 2004 and it is hoped to have all mills producing electricity by the end of the year.

[*From NE to SW—Cutterne Mill (on the Alham east of Ditcheat, just outside South Somerset District and in Mendip); on the Brue just downstream from Bruton, Gants Mill and Cole Manor mill; on the Yeo between Yeovil and Ilchester, mills at Hinton and Hainbury; along the Parrett between Langport and South Petherton, mills at Thorney, Gawbridge and Carey's Works; on the Isle headwater, several miles north of Chard, mills at Court, Nimmer & Hornsbury.]

Why Renewable Energy?

In support of the Kyoto Agreement, the Government has pledged that 5% of UK electricity should come from renewable sources by 2005 and 10% by 2010. In addition to water power, these sources include wind energy, wave and tidal power, biomass and solar energy.

The most environmentally-friendly of all renewable sources, hydropower can harness the flow of water in a river, using a waterwheel or turbine to drive an electricity generator.

When all capacity is harnessed, the South Somerset sites will produce annually sufficient to power 150 average houses. This will obviate 260 tonnes of carbon dioxide which would otherwise be produced by the burning of fossil fuels and, most crucially, dependence on the importation of materials from politically unstable regions (e.g., countries like Saudi Arabia). This exploitation of a natural resource will not damage the environment.

This Project is one of only six in the UK chosen for the European-funded `Enthuse' project which produces case studies of local authority involvement in renewable energy.

Did You Know?

• Only in the last 200 years have fossil fuels been used as a power source; before 1800 all power sources were renewable.
• Fossil fuels provide 95% of the energy we use.
• Within the next century, global temperatures may rise by 6º.
• 10% of electricity is lost from the National Grid by inefficiency.
• There are c.40,000 historic mill sites in the UK where small-scale hydro-electric generation would be viable.

(The above information is taken from a leaflet produced by South Somerset District Council, SWEB, the Environment Agency, the Energy Saving Trust and HydroGenerationLtd. Further information may be obtained from either Brian Shingler (Group Secretary) at Gants Mill, Bruton, on 01749 81 2393 or <shingler@gantsmill.co.uk>, or Keith Wheaton-Green, Environment Awareness Officer, South Somerset District Council, on 01935 46 2651. Gants Mill is open to the general public to the end of September, on Sunday, Thursday and Bank Holiday afternoons; combined tickets for mill and garden cost £4 (£1 for children under 12). The website is at <www.gantsmill.co.uk>.)

Microhydropower on Exmoor

I had heard a little, anecdotally, of the South Somerset schemes after a walk along the Parrett from Langport to South Petherton admiring some of the fine mills. From another direction, President Pat's contribution about wind-power made me think I should attend a seminar on the topic nearer home.

Exmoor National Park Authority held three: the first, which I attended, at Exmoor House on July 6th and another two shortly afterwards at Pyles Mill, Selworthy, and at Arlington.

The National Park is co-ordinating a policy whereby there will be five microhydropower generation sites in the Exmoor area (not necessarily within the Park boundary) in the next 12-18 months. The seminars were intended to initiate the process of interesting and informing potential mill-owners of benefits to themselves as well as to the environment and exactly what administration would have to be undertaken. The complicated process necessarily involving all interested parties was clarified by contributions from National Park staff, representatives of a major private company involved in west country projects, and someone from a company buying and selling electricity. There were no formal representations from SWEB, the Environment Agency, the Rivers Authority or local councils; however, their rôles and responsibilities were fully explained. It was clear that HydroGenerationLtd™ of Oakford, with their extensive successful experience, were well able to manage all aspects from overview to the smallest technical detail.

Sustainable Development Officer for Exmoor National Park Phil Cookson outlined the overall policy of enhancing the social and well-being of people living within the Park. Permission and support would be forthcoming for microhydrogeneration proposals provided they were compatible with conservation policy. Money from DEFRA, via the Sustainable Development Fund, was intended for businesses, not for the National Park, whose function is as agency and co-ordinator. Phil stressed three objectives: to minimise environmental damage, to engage with communities, and to support environmentally-friendly businesses. The 1998 survey of potential Exmoor sites would not be updated: now was the time to install and commission generators.

Philip Davis, senior engineer with HydroGeneration, sketching the firm's West Country experience, emphasised a desire to create more schemes nearer to their base. He outlined the plans for Exmoor and explained the process of elimination and choice of sites.

With the help of stunning slides of the `Third World' (a guarantee in itself of generating interest), Dr Philip Maker, also of HydroGeneration, presented case-histories from the Himalayas and the foothills of Mount Kenya. In these rural areas, terrain is extremely challenging to engineering of any kind, and—however excitingly desired and achieved—electricity demand is bound to be small by our standards, but there are strong incentives: local people are willing to turn out in force to undertake civil engineering (the famous spirit of `harambee') and constraining controls (environmental and legal) far less time-consuming and costly than here. Structures needed to be simpler than they have to be here since they had to be easy and cheap to repair. Philip convincingly argued the superiority of water over wind or sun as a reliable and continuous source of energy. (Perhaps surprising to those who have not been there would be, for example, the sunless, mist-shrouded and pneumonia-prone middle months of the year in the Kenya Highlands.)

It was no surprise, then, given the weather here much of this July, when Philip drew parallels between Mount Kenyan foothills and Exmoor. What he called `pico' systems (delivering 5kW or less) would, he said, be suitable for Exmoor.

Schemes would more likely serve single properties than communities. They would use existing grid infrastructure, connection with which has to be monitored and controlled (for example, automatically cutting out in the event of a break in the grid-supply, to prevent electrocution of engineers). Licensing arrangements needed to be made through the Environment Agency, which, initially slow to respond to microgeneration proposals (no doubt, because of the novelty), is now efficient and helpful.

The cost of a scheme is currently c.£30k excluding vat @ 5% but including generous grants (25%, rising to 50%+ for communities). Payback takes 8-12 years.

Stages of the selection process will be as follows:
1 pre-feasibility evaluation of all proposals
2 10 chosen for feasibility studies
3 5 chosen for installation

The best sites will be chosen according to the following criteria: the quantity and reliability of the water resource; environmental constraints; provision of public access (though not essential to approval, this is seen as desirable for the sake of public enlightenment in the wider sense).

Alexandra Vowles represented GoodEnergyO ™ of Chippenham, an `ethical company buying power from renewable sources'. Such power is more expensive at the moment than that from the grid but by judiciously timing input and output, the owner of a microhydrogenerator can take advantage of both sources: selling to the national grid and buying from it during reduced rate periods.

I look forward to the successful implementation of these Exmoor schemes. Let us hope the Exe, Barle, Tone etc. will soon join the Brue, Yeo, Parrett and Isle in releasing energy for the lights and alarms, cookers and fridges, televisions and computers, etc. of their riverains, from waters swift and sparkling or slow and turbid. (Now, I know of someone living along the upper Tone: I wonder . . . . ?)

©2004 Robin Downes

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Somerset Wetlands Historic Peatlands with a Future? Natural History Symposium July 10th

 

Comfortably accommodated by Richard Huish College and organised by SANHS with English Nature, this crucial symposium also included representatives of the Environment Agency, Exeter University, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the County Council: `crucial' because it is urgently necessary for interested bodies to decide and operate the best strategy for the conservation of the Somerset Wetlands; during the day, especially towards the end when, most unfortunately, pressure of time prevented full exposition and discussion of data and ideas, it became clear that some aspects of the current strategy could be mistaken—if that is true, we need to do something about changing what is being undertaken on our behalf. Since I consider the symposium to be a major contribution to the formulation of wise policy, my account will focus on `future' rather than `historic'.

I think it would be wrong to allow righteous indignation at high levels of peat extraction (to satisfy a market of which one disapproves) to make one forget that human inhabitants of the peat levels are equally as deserving of the consideration of planners as wildlife. Our noble desire may be to recreate the ethical co-existence we infer from history, but we can hardly expect many peatland people to share our ecological attitudes—even our interest—given the pressures on their own survival and well-being. The inhabitants of Goda's Island deserve at least as much respect as any colourfully-named mollusc; moreover, we have to respect those among them, probably the majority, who believe they deserve more.

SANHS Chairman Pat Hill-Cottingham opened proceedings by welcoming the modestly-sized audience. Bernard Storer, the first scheduled speaker, was unable to be present, Pat explained, as he was recovering from a heart attack.

His introduction, delivered by Derek Briggs, set the scene by summarising the area's salient historical features, focusing on the exploitation of peat, whose increased mechanisation had, by the 1960s, begun seriously to threaten the terrain and its fauna and flora. Fortunately, ecological damage had been halted and reversed.

The substance of the next talk, by Richard Brunning, could be no better expressed than in his own précis:

`The waterlogged peat of the Somerset moors has produced some of the most famous and important prehistoric archæological remains ever discovered in the UK. Their excellent preservation means that sites such as the Sweet Track and Glastonbury lake village present a more complete picture of prehistoric life than any others in the country.

`A lot of these remains were rescued from destruction by peat extraction, which continues, but a greater threat to surviving sites is the gradual desiccation of peat soils caused by inadequate irrigation. That process, if unchecked, will destroy all known significant sites within a century.

`The rich resources of the Somerset moors for the interpretation of prehistoric life will soon disappear unless we change our practices.'

Connecting with one of Richard's main points, Francis Farr-Cox argued, using historical evidence, that irrigation needed to be sustained as much as drainage (the more conventional concern) for the sake of good husbandry. The historic infrastructure, if maintained and updated, could still serve. A nagging worry persists, however, that the systems might not be adequate: are the Levels likely to suffer increasing loss of water from increased temperatures and wind ?

The focus of Dr Stephen Rippon was the history of the Levels in the Roman and Medieval periods, particularly how people responded to and adapted the environment for their needs. All his evidence supported the argument that, from the very beginning and throughout all periods, Man has shown keen astuteness in balancing exploitation with preservation (not through altruism, but so as to ensure continued exploitation). Have we `lost the plot'? Just as excessive hunting beyond food-need has exterminated quarry and thus destroyed sport, has excessive peat-extraction destroyed a relationship between Man and the Levels conducive to the survival of both?

Dr Martin Drake explained how water-saturated land supports wildlife; management should try to ensure the conservation of the widest possible range of habitats and water level. He gave heartening evidence that animals (e.g., wintering birds) are as quick to respond to the restoration as to the loss of their required environment (particularly food).

Stephen Parker, conservation officer with English Nature, showed how the environment exploited by wildlife was at least as much man-made as natural. That also applies to `restoration': for example, that of Shapwick Heath had resulted in terrain as artificial as it had been during peat-extraction. He discussed many species of fauna and flora.

More details, with an ornithological emphasis, were presented by Sally Mills, site-manager of the RSPB Ham Wall Reserve. Important information was given on the status of threatened species; particularly exciting were details of bearded tit, bittern and marsh harrier. We were left on tenterhooks whether the last had yet re-established itself. Dramatic details, these, but perhaps too apt to distract our attention from more boring but more important issues, conditioned as many of us are to favour visual values ? More important were the images of mucky civil engineering works to restore reed-beds, habitat for more species than bittern and bearded tit alone. Other animals mentioned by Sally as potentially benefiting from good management included barn owl, reed warbler, shoveler, little grebe, redshank and lapwing. How many of my generation are slightly unnerved by the categorisation as `scarce' species we knew so well in our youth?

What is good about the RSPB, of course, is that their work capitalises on the interest of the general public, whose involvement is philosophically as well as financially essential to successful conservation strategies. It seemed that we can hope for a better future for people as well as for other animals, the former observing and fostering the latter without being patronising and exploitative. Not to be forgotten are the landowners whose willing cooperation is a prerequisite to progress. They may not, at first, be interested—perhaps even hostile—but their position is to be understood and respected. Time and tact are needed, however urgent may seem the rescue of fascinatingly rare species.

The next two contributions took us on fascinating excursions into the details of the precarious existence on the Somerset peat moors of the lesser silver water beetle, hydrochara caraboides (David Boyce) and the shining ram's horn snail, segmentida nitida (Pat Hill-Cottingham). As Pat argued, Somerset peat moors are among the few British habitats suitable for such creatures and we should provide dedicated sites for their survival.

Following logically from the previous two speakers, Dr Stephanie Greshon presented a broader analysis of life in ditches.

Dr Christopher Hancock, senior conservation officer with Somerset Wildlife Trust, presented a detailed argument for strategy revision. Explaining the current situation, he outlined the responsibilities of governmental organisations:

English Nature maintain areas they themselves have designated as important, nationally (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) or internationally (Special Protection Areas). The current shortfall in the target that all such sites must be in good condition by 2010 is due to water shortage for much of the year.

The Environment Agency, responsible to central government (DEFRA) for the management of air and water, has produced successive strategies to manage rivers and their catchments, including catchment flood-management plans and the Parrett/Tone plan, part of which is a flood-management strategy for the lower sections of those rivers.

Away from those principal courses for which EA is responsible, water-management is ensured by Internal Drainage Boards. That means, in addition to drainage, `penning' of rhines in summer to provide drinking water and barriers for livestock. IDBs with SSSIs in their areas now being required to meet PSA targets must produce appropriate water-level management plans.

The central government Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has more responsibility for the environment than the previous MAFF: for SSSIs (through EN) and flood-management (through EA). It also manages Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) support for farmers to help them balance the needs of agriculture and environment.

The County Council also fosters co-operation through its Levels and Moors Partnership (LAMP); European money funds a scheme to promote appropriate economic development.

There are also many non-governmental organisations, including Somerset Wildlife Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the National Farmers Union, the Country Landowners Association, the Council for the Preservation of Rural England and the Peat Producers Association.

Dr Hancock then reviewed relevant current economic factors: low milk prices meant a reduction in dairy-farming and a disincentive to farmers' sons from continuing the family farm; restrictions in the wake of BSE meant fewer beef-cattle to maintain pasture; an increasing preference for silage over hay meant pressure for early access to unflooded grass; increased use of maize requires flood-free conditions from April and November.

The Flood-Management Strategy for the Lower Tone and Parrett, although the outcome of prolonged and widespread consultation, in the opinion of Dr Hancock is insufficiently bold: it locks the area even more into existing land-drainage practice. Proposed capital works to renew or improve water-management (including flooding), are not enough to control the large-scale inundations which threaten roads and housing. Moreover, by reducing small-scale flooding they would work against the statutory requirements for nature conservation (for example, further aggravating favourable feeding-conditions for winter avian visitors). Consequently, Dr Hancock maintains that full implementation of the plan without modification would vitiate the nature-conservation value of the lower reaches of the Tone and Parrett.

Dr Hancock stressed that Climate Change had to be addressed. Higher temperatures would lead to less and less winter frost, earlier grass-growth and (in water) faster decomposition, nutrient-cycling and a lower concentration of dissolved oxygen: factors which would adversely affect flora and fauna. Increased climate instability will bring, in addition to storms and other unseasonable events, an increase in winter rainfall of 10-20% (more flooding), less summer rainfall (more drought—causing shrinking and cracking of peat soils, damage to ditch invertebrates and less grass), a rise in sea-level (of 20-30cm in 50 years) which will increase tide-lock and therefore reduce river-discharge, thus exacerbating flooding.

Upcoming policy drivers are the Strategic Environmental Assessment, designed to ensure the investigation of the environmental impact of all pertinent aspects of major projects, and the Water Framework Directive, which requires rivers to be conducive to good ecology.

Upcoming economic drivers include the Common Agricultural Policy. CAP reforms will deliver payments for land farmed rather than numbers of livestock. This could be another factor in their reduction. Contrasted with the Anglian fens in being considered `unspoilt', the Somerset Levels are really highly artificial, flood-control for economic benefit having been practised since at least the middle ages. Relatively recent developments (since WWII) in intensive agriculture have increased farmers' preference for grassland to be free from flood.

Dr Hancock argued the urgent necessity of restoring rather than controlling the flood-plain, in order to protect nature conservation in the long-term. (Obviously, there needs to be concurrent care to separate the floodplain from housing and other infrastructures.)

Much affected land is privately-owned. Landowners will have to decide whether exploitation continues to be viable in the face of environmental and economic pressures. They could sell the land, manage it for flood-payments (perhaps still able to use it for late summer grazing), or exchange it.

There are precedents elsewhere in Europe for successful high-quality multi-functional nature conservation areas: for example, the Oostvaardersplassen marsh in Holland and Biebrza national park in Poland.

The last formal contribution was from Dr Tony Owen, representing the Environment Agency. He forcefully advocated policies far more radical than those currently in force. Common sense dictated drastic measures, he said, since each year £10m of public money is spent managing the Wetlands—enough money over fifteen years to buy the affected land outright. The area is home to 40,000 people (11,000 in Bridgwater alone): a primary concern is to protect their safety and the security of their homes in times of inundation.

The last such was as recently as 2000, after forty days of continual rain; we all remember how the Tone very nearly invaded Taunton. (It is only recently that people of the Levels have not customarily expected annual flooding—keeping their boats by their houses against the coming of waters and moving life and possessions upstairs when necessary.) There are towns elsewhere in the UK (e.g., Lewes, Malton and York, those along the Severn) far more in need of European and national public money than anywhere in Somerset.

If the answer is a flood-plain, landowners will need compensation. Without grants, 30-40% of farmers would not survive in any case; it seems they are now as financially vulnerable as they have always pretended. (Unfortunate for them that the usual reaction is to deny the wolf.) Also, we must accept new building on land liable to flooding: a veto by the Environment Agency would not be practicable.

There was, luckily, plenty of time for Dr Owen to respond to the many questions after his presentation. Asked whether it might be possible to control the principal rivers in their mid-courses, he explained the difficulties. The question was raised whether it was wise to give high priority to a few specialist bird species which needed flooded terrain.

Dr Owen brought the Symposium to a conclusion by stressing that, although radical and painful measures were urgently needed, there was clearly a will to sort out the problem. It is only common sense to change direction and that was happening.

Pat Hill-Cottingham thanked College staff and the Natural History committee for all their hard work. Planning had taken a whole year. I should like to add that it was great to be supplied with a card portfolio containing programme, synopses of all presentations, a list of the wide array of displays (including that of book dealer Neil Gartshore of Calluna Books), brochures publicising the many visitor `attractions' on the Levels, etc. The money from the business sponsor, Meiji Techno UK Ltd., had been well spent.

©2004 Robin Downes

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Books

 

The Dovecotes of Historical Somerset by John & Pamela McCann

Wellow Medieval Dovecote photo ©2004 John McCann

Here is portrayed a form of vernacular architecture that fell abruptly into disuse at the French Revolution, as explained in the book. Having fully investigated the considerable social significance of Somerset dovecots, John and Pamela have produced an unusual but authoritative and highly readable account. As the flier accompanying this newsletter details, there are 198 plates, many in colour. Breadth and depth of detail are remarkable, as is the consistently extraordinary quality of their photography. One is led to appreciate anew familiar corners of historic Somerset.

Published by Somerset Vernacular Building Research Group £11.99. Members can buy the book for £8.35 + p&p by responding to the flier, but the recommendation is to save Pamela trouble by purchasing directly from the office.

©2004 Anthony Bruce

 

From the Ground Up The Publication of Archæological Reports: a User-Needs Survey CBA 2003

Though almost everything in archæology changes, one thing stays the same—the structure of the archæological report.

Summary (or `abstract')—introduction—`site-narrative'—collections of separate finds reports—discussion—conclusion: that has been the pattern for over a century.

In all that time, though there have been committees looking at how to get archæological data into the public domain, no one has ever thought to find out what readers think.

Now consumer power has arrived in archæology: the CBA has sent out a questionnaire, analysed the data, published the results on the internet and in this summary book which, they hope, will be widely read—to such an extent that they have sent a copy to the Society Library.

The book contains many charts showing how much of an archæology report is actually read by a range of interested people. We can now stop feeling guilty, because it turns out that virtually nobody reads articles completely ! (And I bet everyone thought they alone were unable to get through.)

Basically (as we all knew in our heart of hearts) it turns out that we all read the summary, introduction and discussion and look at the figures and plates (if any). Of course, if we are researching something we look at particular sections, but very few of us read it all as a matter of course.

One of the interesting things to emerge is that few researchers get all they need from the printed report, almost all consulting the original archive. This fact removes much of the raison d'être of the full account.

Another point is that archæological data are ideally suited to electronic format, which enables one to approach information from different perspectives and re-order it. This can most easily be accomplished through on-screen links: another advantage over the printed report.

However, over two-thirds of those returning the questionnaire would prefer the status quo (though with less detail, particularly in site-narratives and finds-reports). Only a minority want syntheses of data. In Somerset, the experience in the recent South Cadbury report of a modern synthetic format has not been universally popular.

Clearly, times are changing and things are beginning to move. We should soon see more experimental ways of communicating information. Personally, I love archæology reports. I think the rather odd ways humans behave are treated much more faithfully in these dry, detached, disjointed reports than they might be in the comfortably readable format of History.

There are two good aspects of the archaeology report: it is transparent (i.e., it is quite clear what the conclusions are based on); it doesn't pretend to be the last word (we all know how reports date). In the end, hillforts, long barrows, cathedrals, etc., etc., defy final explanation and my worry about synthetic reports would be that we would be dumped into a sea of explanation and interpretation.

©2004 Peter Ellis

Discovering England's Smallest Churches by John Kinross

We have received from John Kinross, a Society member, a copy of his new book, subtitled A Countrywide Guide to Over a Hundred Churches and Chapels. Three churches in the south and west of Somerset are included: St. Beuno's at Culbone, St. Catherine's at Swell and All Saints at Sutton Bingham. Each entry is illustrated by at least one drawing (also in one case, by a photograph), directions for finding the building, a brief architectural description and other anecdotal information. The author, whose father-in-law was formerly vicar of Culbone, clearly has an affection for these buildings.

186 pp. with illustrations published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson £14.99

(contributed)

Pub Strolls in Somerset by Anne-Marie Edwards

This attractive book describes thirty
walks of about three miles each. There are plentiful photographs (in monochrome except for the cover) of landscapes, notable features, and pubs. The text includes, as well as directions, some description and history. It would be useful for newcomers to the county.

published 2004 in the `Pub Strolls' Series by Countryside Books ISBN 1 85306 830 6 £7.95

©2004 Robin Downes

Somerset Roads The Legacy of the Turnpikes by John Bentley & Brian Murless

This work was originally published in two volumes: Phase 1, Western Somerset (1985) and Phase 2, Eastern Somerset (1987). In 1988 it received the Association for Industrial Archaeology's Award for Fieldwork and Recording, and has since been one of the benchmarks for the study of the heritage of Somerset's roads.

The publication was originally grant-aided, resulting in limited editions, but the Somerset Industrial Archaeology Society has now reprinted both phases at £7.50 each (+ p & p £1.50 per volume). Volumes can be ordered singly or as a set from Mr G Fitton, Hon. Sec., Giles Cottage, Brent Knoll, Highbridge, TA9 4DF. Please make cheques payable to SIAS.

Ilchester Milestone
©2004 Brian Murless

Hydraulic Ram Pumps by John Perkin

Taunton Deane Borough Council, The Industrial Heritage of Taunton Deane No. 7, Series Editor:- Ian Clark

With the introduction of electricity for pumping water, hydraulic ram pumps fell out of use in locations close to an electricity supply. However, they continue to be used elsewhere in the world.

With the rapid rise in the cost of mains water and the increasing awareness of environmental issues, hydraulic ram pumps are making a comeback in the UK.

They should always be the first choice for water supply as they do not consume energy or deplete ground water sources.

Investigations into, and improvements in, the operation of hydraulic ram pumps are a continuous process.

Places to see hydraulic ram pumps in the South-West
• Hestercombe House
• Westonzoyland Pumping Engine Trust
• Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury
• The Green & Carter Collection at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall

Manufacturer: Green & Carter Ltd., Vulcan Works, Ashbrittle. www.greenandcarter.com

The pump works by using the energy of a large amount of water falling through a small height to lift a smaller amount of the same water to a much greater height. Water from a spring, stream or river in a valley can thus be pumped to a house, village or irrigation scheme at a higher level. Wherever a fall of water is available, the hydraulic ram pump can be used as a comparatively cheap, simple and reliable means of raising water to a considerable height.

(Other Taunton Deane Borough Council Pamphlets)

1. Taunton Tramways 1901-21 (John Perkin)
2. The Lamps of North Curry (Hugh Bushell)
3. Arc Lighting in Taunton 1879-1910 (John Perkin)
4. Taunton Post Boxes 1856-2003 (Rosemary Berry)
5. Brewing in Taunton Deane (Mary Miles)
6. Watermills in Taunton Deane (Martin Bodman)

Spoones & Gobletts, Seventeenth-Century Somerset Silver by Tim Kent F.S.A.

Somerset County Museums Service, ISBN 0 86183 369 4, published 2004 by Somerset County Council Heritage Services
24 unnumbered pages, £2.50 plus p & p (Foreword by Paddy Macmaster)

The collection of locally made silver cared for by the Somerset County Museums Service has been built up over a period of 120 years—initially by Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society, more recently by Somerset County Museums Service. Relatively modest in number, the pieces nevertheless provide an important representation of Somerset's seventeenth-century goldsmiths and their skills.

We were extremely fortunate in having gained the services of Tim Kent, the leading specialist on West Country silver, to write the text for this publication. Not only does this provide us with an authoritative and up-to-date catalogue, but Tim's extensive documentary research also enables the silverware and its makers to be placed in a wider historical context. Such an approach broadens the appeal of this publication and enhances its significance in terms of its contribution to knowledge about the county's rich past.

©2004 Paddy Macmaster, Somerset County Council Portfolio Holder for Culture, Inclusion and Access.

Contents:

General Background: 9 pages
The Somerset County Museums Service Collection: