Charterhouse, Somerset: The Development of a Romano-British Mining Settlement and Associated Landscape
Author(s): Michael Fradley
The archaeological remains at Charterhouse, Somerset, were the focus of a detailed survey and investigation carried out as part of English Heritage’s study of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Charterhouse survey area covers 64 hectares and extant earthwork remains from many different periods were recorded. Some of the earliest features identified include a group of Bronze Age barrows on the higher slopes of Blackdown and a multi-phase monument in Charterhouse Green which originated as a later-prehistoric promontory enclosure. The extensive Romano-British settlement associated with the area’s mineral extraction industry was recorded and its extent and morphology recognised for the first time. A series of earthwork remains related to the early post-medieval mining operation were also recorded which include a complex of buildings, water management features and enclosures. Much of the area was enclosed in the late 18th century and features relating to this period of improvement were also identified.
- Report Number:
- 9/2009
- Series:
- Research Department Reports
- Pages:
- 71
- Keywords:
- Lead Post Medieval Prehistoric Roman Settlement Silver
