A small rock shelter near the head of Ebbor Gorge known as “Bridged Pot Hole” consists of a funnel-shaped dissolution hole some 8-10ft in diameter, partially roofed and open on the downhill W side. It was discovered and partially excavated by Balch in 1926 who found in the first 2ft a few fragments of hand-made black pottery, and a decorated fragment possibly of a beaker. At 3ft a polished stone axe 7” long was found – probably of Neolithic or Early Bronze age date, also a flint knife 4.25” by 1.25”, a short scraper and a number of flakes. In a niche in the rock a hoard of eleven leaf-shaped bifacial spearheads, and a group of levelling flakes were found. Late pleistocene bones occurred from 4ft to 8ft. This site provides evidence of human occupation of apparently Upper Palaeolithic character associated with a late glacial found. Finds in Wells museum. {1}
References:
1 Detailed records – Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division 1966 ST54NW30 SCPD
2 Mention – Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 1959 vol 25, 262-4
3 Excavation report – Antiquaries Journal 1928 vol 8, 197-204
4 Finds stored – WELLSM
Record created by:
Ed Dennison in September 1985
© Copyright Somerset County Council 2003
With thanks to the Somerset Museums Service for the link to this information.