More information : [ST 50405578] CAMP [GT]. (1)
Charterhouse camp is square in shape with very rounded corners,
and has a double bank enclosing an area of about 70 yards
square.
The south-western corner and southern side are destroyed;
whilst the eastern side is largely obliterated by mining.
[For A.Ps. see ST 55 NW 1.] (2)
This earthwork, situated on a gentle eminence above a small
valley, has been considerably reduced by ploughing. It
comprises a square central area with rounded corners bounded by
a double bank and medial ditch. On the west and north sides, an
outer scarp appears to represent a third bank.
Any continuation of this bank around the other sides has been
obscured by old mine and quarry workings.
The appearance of the earthwork and its proximity to the Roman
mining settlement, ST 55 NW 1, suggests a Roman date. Surveyed
at 1/2500. (3)
Two sherds of samian ware of forms characteristic of the
Conquest period, were found during a ground inspection of
'Charterhouse Camp'. These may be thought to support the
suggestion that the work is a fortlet established to supervise
lead-mining soon after the Conquest. (4-5)
Quite certainly a Roman Fort, indeed probably of two phases, as
is indicated by air photographs; belonging to the middle of the
first century AD., judging by the samian pottery found on the
surface. (6)
For illustration. Note, the obtuse-angled outer ditch on the
west side does not seem to have been adequately considered. It
can hardly be part of a first-phase Roman fort. (7)
ISCALIS (?) Possibly the Roman fort and lead-mining settlement
(see also ST 55 NW 1, & 35) at Charterhouse-in-Mendip. (8)
Scheduled. (9)
Additional reference (10) |