More information : [ST 4901 3866] A mound with an apparent ditch, known as Glastonbury Castle, just S. of Glastonbury Station in a field to the
E. of the road between Glastonbury and Street was earlier described as a motte and bailey (1)
Excavated in 1926 by a committee which included A. Bulleid, H. St.George Gray and the Rev.E. Horne, when it was proved that the mound was natural and was inhabited during the R.B. period and in more recent times, but no actual foundations of a dwelling were discovered. Finds included R.B. and Md.pottery and objects of antler, iron and bronze, animal bone and flint implements. There was evidence that a wattle and daub building destroyed by fire had occupied the site. The surrounding ditch is of doubtful date and appears to be later than the time of habitation, as it contained neither occupation material nor any of the black earth formed at that time. It was suggested by Morland that it might even be natural, - caused by the slipping of the clay. Photos: AO/64/288/8 and AO/64/107/7. (2)
This site is situated on a slight spur on the edge of low lying moors. At the end of the spur a flat oval area is bounded by an apparently artificial scarp and silted ditch. There are no other significant surface features. Resurveyed at 1: 2,500. (3)
Excavated in 1971 prior to destruction, and referred to as 'The
Mound'. A natural clay mound of oval shape, 30 x 40m. surrounded by a ditch, with a flat area extending to the south. The ditched area produced Lake Village, Iron Age, Late Roman and Dark Age finds and pottery, also a new variety of Mediterranean 'B' ware. In the platform area there was much slag, ore and furnace material, among heaps of stone. (4-5)
Additional reference. (6)
Full report on 1971 excavations. An enigmatic structure with plenty of evidence of occupation, but with no rubbish pits. This suggests that its usage was of a temporary nature, but over a long period. It perhaps served as a resting lace on the way to Glastonbury. (7) |