Rowberrow Cavern |
| Hob Uid: 194283 | |
Location :
Somerset
Sedgemoor
Shipham
|
| Grid Ref : ST4595058020 |
| Summary : Excavations at Rowberrow Cavern by the University of Bristol Speleological Society in 1920-26 uncovered material of a number of different periods. The Upper Palaeolithic appears to be represented by a few flint implements and possibly some animal remains. Some microliths and a core indicate some Mesolithic activity. The Neolithic/Early Bronze Age was represented by a range of flint implements including knives, as well as some Beaker potsherds. Iron Age finds included some pottery, a light blue bead, and traces of iron smelting. Romano-British finds included potsherds, a number of coins (some possibly "British imitations", ie counterfeit), and a few pieces of copper alloy and of lead. Some bone objects are suggested by Branigan and Dearne to be Iron Age, while some human skeletal fragments are suggested to be pre-Roman. Soma at least of the faunal assemblage may have been contemporary with the Iron Age and Roman use of the cave. |
More information : [ST 45955802] ROWBERROW CAVERN [G.T.]. (1)
Rowberrow Cavern: Excavations by U.B.S.S. revealed several
distinct horizons: in the upper deposits R.B. objects, inc.
pottery & 3rd cent. coins, were found, and extensive use of
flint implements was suggested. Below were remains of Early IA.,
with pottery and evidence of iron smelting. Underneath was a
transitional Ne.E.B.A. culture characterised by finely flaked
flint knives, pygmy flint implements, beaker pottery etc., There
was conclusive evidence of a late use of microliths.
The lower level contained remains of pika & lemming, fragments
of reindeer antler and a few flint implements. Deposits much
disturbed by animals, conclusions had to be qualified in
consequence.
Finds in U.B.S.S. Mus. (2-9)
The Late Upper Palaeolithic is possibly represented at Rowberrow
Cavern (no doubt the 'few flint implements' in the lower
level (2). One Mesolithic core and 7 microliths are recorded in
the excavations. (10-11)
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