An Archaeological Watching Brief at Somerton Care Home (formerly Numbers 21&25 Behind Berry Road), Somerton John Davey,

May 2013 An archaeological watching brief undertaken during ground works prior to construction of the new Somerton Care Home revealed archaeological evidence for a previously unrecorded Blue Lias stone quarry, probably originating in the 17-18th century and backfilled during the 19th century. A stone founded wall was also recorded 12m to the south east of the quarry. In situ burning associated with rubble collapsed from this wall suggests that a structure here may have burnt down during the 18th-19th centuries. All other recorded features related to the known 20th century occupation of the site.

Photograph 1:

Looking east across the site; quarry back fill [313] in the foreground.

Figure 5:

Somerton Care Home; Plan of recorded archaeological features.

Photograph 2: Wall [308] looking west.

Photograph 2: Quarry [311] as seen in the northern foundation trench. Alternating bands of yellow and brown rubble back fill (312) are visible in section as are bones of an articulated horse skeleton (top right). The southern quarry face is also visible adjacent to the scale (bottom right). Looking west.