An account is given of the archaeological work undertaken by the UBSS during the first twenty years of its existence. The sites worked, the methods of working and the people involved are discussed. The quality of the work and of its reporting is also examined.

An account is given of the various excavations of Bone Hole, Cheddar Gorge, and of the subsequent history and current whereabouts of the finds recovered from the cave. It is probable that upwards of 25 individuals (MNI 18+) were interred in the cave, reportedly including one crouched burial. The earliest dated burial comes from the Early Bronze Age and the latest from the 8th century AD.

Kendrick’s Upper Cave, on the Great Orme, North Wales, has recently been fitted with grills across both entrances and a surrounding fence for reasons of protection. The opportunity was taken to investigate the archaeological potential by excavating the necessary trenches and post holes. Although no significant early archaeology was discovered, a better understanding of the stratigraphy has been gained and the site is still considered to be of archaeological significance.

An account is given of the discovery and excavation of this small cave in the 1960s. It is recorded that archaeological finds were made, but of these, only a single human mandible can now be traced. Radiocarbon dating shows the specimen to be early Neolithic in age; a metrical analysis was less conclusive.

The details of the findings of the Society’s expedition to Co. Clare in September 2016 are presented. Survey work was carried out in Cullaun Zero, Cullaun Zero-One, Cullaun One and Carren Mine Cave. Weather conditions did not allow further survey work in the Coolagh River Cave during the trip.