Saye's Hole, Cheddar, Somerset: A new Late Iron Age site (UBSS Proceedings v.18(1))

Abstract: In 1986 a sounding was dug to bedrock at the entrance to Saye's Hole in order to assess its previously unknown deposits. Below a modern constructed floor and a diffuse archaeological layer probably only a few centuries old at most, two dense Late Iron Age levels were discovered. A preliminary discussion of the Iron Age finds is presented here; these comprise hearths, pottery related to Glastonbury ware, small metal objects (including iron nails and a possible copper alloy stud head), and butchered animal bones. The role of the cave within the Cheddar karstic system is also considered. It had previously been demonstrated that the cave communicates with the main system and a major post-Iron Age flood loam was recognised in the sounding. However, the bedrock uncovered in the sounding was blocky and angular, with no signs of water sculpting and it was immediately overlain by Late iron Age material; the origin of the present entrance chamber is thus obscure.