BANWELL
BONE CAVE
RESEARCHES
IN THE EASTERN BRANCH
by J W Hunt

Occasional
Paper No. 2
£3
December 1997
FOREWORD
In 1990 I collated information concerning the
Axbridge Caving Group and Archaeological Societys excavations of bone deposits
in the Banwell Bone Cave Main Chamber and the Eastern Branch. The excavations
in the Eastern Branch were by far the most important and deserved of my fuller
attention, resulting in the completion of this publication. The main basis has
been my personal notes, with careful re-examination and re-evaluation of many
other reports, and records in the ACG&ASs Journals.
Some of the observations would require a review of
previous concepts regarding accumulation of the deposits and to what extent and
for how long the present entrance archway might have afforded access to the
cave before it became filled in with drifted material. The principal finds have
been listed, numbered and depicted as far as is possible, to one twelfth scale
in the accompanying plans and sections.
I made a plan of Layer 1 Area I (which formed the
basis of the plate illustrating Layer 1 herein) and various measurements that
gave the two projections (A,B) of Area I. The excavation of Layer 1 being
completed, some time elapsed before Layer 2 was commenced and during that
period there was the opportunity to make a survey of the whole of the Eastern
Branch. This was published in the ACG&AS Journal Volume 1, No 2, page 29,
but not with the direct exactitude of present day photocopiers. (Scale 1/96th).
The original measurements and angles of incline (commenced to be taken on 21st
May 1952) must have been spoiled by the drip and muddy conditions and have not
survived. However a fair transcript of most of them was made, from which the
larger scale plan and section have been created. The survey was on the
principal of a central spine with essential measurements radiating off at 90°
at set stations along it.
The projection on the plan to the right of Garlicks
Extension is recalled as being where the bank of bone deposits, with a large
stone, rose to the roof here at the time.
It must be borne in mind that the section was
essentially down through the middle of this branch of the cave only and not
intended to depict everything against the sides.
J W Hunt
1995
INDEX
Banwell
Bone Cave Eastern Branch - Animal Remains
The
Eastern Branch of the Banwell Bone Cave
5
Area
I Layer 1
. 13
Layer 2
. 18
Layer 3
. 23
Layer 4
. 28
Layer 5
. 32
Later Finds
32
Garlicks Extension
.
.. 34
Area
II Layer 1
..
. 34
The Voles
..
..
. 36
The Rolled Bones
..
. 37
Analysis
of Stalactitic Data Area I
..
40
A
Preliminary Report on the Reindeer Remains from BBC - Antler Bases
43
Bison
Astralagali BBC
.
43
Banwell
Bone Cave Eastern Branch/Western Branch Levels
. 45
Letter
to Dr E K Tratman
46
Did
Humans have access to the cave?
. 49
The
Porch Flints
.. 60
OTHER
LITERARY SOURCES
George
Bennett early 19th century local historian
Private
Histories (c 1825 and later)
J
Rutter Delineations
of North West Division of the County of Somerset (1829)
Boyd
Dawkins Cave Hunting (1874)
University
of Bristol Speleological Society Proceedings
Journal
of the Axbridge Caving Group and Archaeological Society
Bristol
Observer (Newspaper) 8th August 1952
Search
- Journal of the Banwell Society of Archaeology
Newsletter
ACG&AS January 1969 pages 3 to 5.
THE EASTERN BRANCH OF THE BANWELL BONE CAVE
Stalactitic growth scaling at least one fragment of
bone to the roof demonstrates that this branch of the Bone Cave was formerly
filled with bone bearing deposits. The early 19th century explorers
dug their way down along the northern rock wall, leaving a bank of deposits on
the right hand or southerly side.
The existing floor of the Bone Cave at the
commencement of this Branch is much disturbed from erection; in the last
century, of a protective semi-circle of boulders and insertion of a flight of
stone steps down the left hand side.
A record of an earlier visit (February 1825) by
George Bennett[1]
includes allusion to voice communication between the Bone Chamber and the
underlying Stalactite Cave (despite the then deeper deposits in the Bone Cave).
Experience suggests that this most probably occurred along the North wall of
the Eastern Branch and may have induced the early explorers to excavate along
this side, where an air communication between the two caves certainly exists.
The fullest description of this Branch of the cave
is that given by John Rutter in his Delineations of NW Somersetshire, etc.
published in 1829.
He writes -
. Visitors descend by a flight of rough, uneven
steps, with low headway. On the right hand, through nearly the whole descent,
is a bank of stones, sand, and loam, left undisturbed, intermingled with bones
lying in their original position.
The upper part of this bank contains a much larger
portion of bones; some of those on the upper surface, appearing as if they had
been bleached or whitened by the flow of water, which probably carried away the
upper portion of the clay and sand. The bones project from the sides of this
bank, and at the lower extremity, they are left confusedly mixed together, as
they were discovered; the different kinds appear to lie promiscuously; and on
the left, in descending, besides those already mentioned, bones of mice were
observed. Mr Beard also exhibits a substance which he considers to be album
graecum (Fossilised hyena dung). George Bennett makes special note that the
deposits he described (which would be the uppermost and last to enter the cave)
were in a bed of sand and fragments of limestone. He noted that the sand was
exactly like that in the neighbouring Bristol Channel i.e. Pure sea sand, and
that amongst it was found some sea pebbles. He describes one specimen he has as
being a true water worn pebble.
Rutter refers to the deposits including a small
portion of sand and his reference to sand in the Eastern Branch may but
concern what remained of the uppermost deposits these. The present writer
searched crevices high up towards the pitfall entrance and found remnants of
deposits as described by Bennett retrieving part of a lower jaw (probable
Arctic Fox, now in Axbridge Museum), but the sand was of a reddish appearance.
Quantities of such sand exists in the floor of the Western Branch and some was
noticed on the 2nd chamber of the Galleries floor, though it was not
certain if this was an ancient deposit in the cave system rather than material
swept in later. That in the Galleries appeared to be water borne.
Boyd Dawkins (Cave Hunting, 1874) describes the East
Branch as the lower of two large chambers, bones in the upper one being
embedded in red silt.
The early explorers excavated to the far end of the
Eastern Branch and dug down. Although this has been taken out of context the
following may be stated. The ACG&AS started excavating here on Wednesday 9th
September 1953. On 16th September 1953 they came to boulders and a
vertical rounded natural shaft in solid rock. Fresh air was coming up from the
Stalactite Cave. Some old pit props were found. No one could have got down. On
the 30th September 1953 work was done, but the excavation became
filled in.
To continue the possible linking up of the caves a
shaft was dug by the base of the steps. This was excavated through the
underlying boulder floor of the Eastern Branch and it was about 30 feet deep.
It would seem that the excavated material was brought up to the outside of the
caves. It became known as Beards Shaft. It must have been excavated later
than Rutters account. There is no evidence that the shaft broke into any other
passage. Mr P F Baker and John Garlick dug in the base of the shaft in 1950.
On Wednesday 27th May 1953 the ACG&AS
started digging in the Area I bone stack - but a boulder was found loose in Beards
Shaft. It was knocked free and many large bones were found in the earth.
The ACG&AS members noted how the Beards Shaft
was continuing to crumble, and on the 10th June 1953 further work
and shoring was done. The air coming up from the Stalactite Cave was very
strong. On the 8th July a large hole was made towards the main
chamber and on 22nd July commenced digging in the New Shaft and
filling in of Beards Shaft. By Monday 3rd August Beards Shaft
was filled in. The new shaft followed the rock wall on the North side and on 5th
August the original boulder floor was located.
The bone deposits were 40% of bones, much friable
loam with many frog and toad bones and unusual stones. Few large bones, which
were of Bison, Reindeer, Wolf and Fox and no rolled ones. Large bones tended to
be cracked due to great pressure. The bone deposits seemed to be of drifted
material about 10° or less, from the main chamber. A few teeth of Voles were
found, identified by Dr M A C Hinton as Microties Malei or Nivalis (Snow Vole)
type.
The boulder floor was encrusted with stalagmites and
a number of the boulders were forced over at an angle. The early earth between
them was very metaliferous with white rocky ochre and iron ore with slabs of
stalagmited and calcited stones. Work continued on Wednesday evenings and on 19th
August 1953 voices of the diggers and movements were heard in the Pilgrims
Pause area of Bakers Extension against the black rock there.
B Ellis reported finding solid rock beneath the bone
deposits. Further excavation revealed traces of a descending chimney. It
narrows and probably closes back towards Beards Shaft. On the 26th
August the shaft was sunk 4 feet, then the side collapsed.
P F Baker on the 2nd September 1953
rescued a complete lower jaw of a large rodent. This was considered to be of
English Varying Hare. The earth was cleared away and much stalactite and
stalagmites were found. On 7th and 28th October much
debris was cleared. A skull cap, apparently of Hare, was found in the side of
the shaft in the lowest bone layers. Boulders were becoming less compact. On
Wednesday evening there was breaking up of boulders in the floor and on 2nd
December 1953 the diggers were turning in under the Bone Cave floor, and an
archway was opening up - with air pouring up. It blew strongly for a minute,
then actually draws back in. It seems to be an entrance in the roof of a large
cave between the Bone Cave and the Stalactite Cave.
An engine set up by L J Emmerson pumped water from
The Caves into the hole. It was all
over in five minutes in the Stalactite Cave, and came straight through. This
was on 20th February 1954, and some excavation continued in the
shaft on 24th February 1954.
Banwell Bone
Cave - Section
Plan of the
Eastern Branch of Banwell Bone Cave
E-W Section of
the Eastern Branch of Banwell Bone Cave
Two
Projections of Area I
BANWELL
BONE CAVE EASTERN BRANCH
LAYER 1
|
No. |
Date |
Remains |
|
1 |
Mar
52 |
2
Ribs, 3 Vert Jointed |
|
2 |
Mar
52 |
1
Molar Wild Boar |
|
3 |
Mar
52 |
Reindeer
Jaw |
|
4 |
Mar
52 |
3
Molars - Red Deer |
|
5 |
Mar
52 |
Large
Wolf Jaw |
|
6 |
Mar
52 |
Large
Wolf Jaw |
|
7 |
Mar
52 |
Large
Canine |
|
8 |
Apr
52 |
Reindeer
Skull |
|
9 |
Apr
52 |
Bear
Lower Jaw |
|
10 |
Apr
52 |
Bison
Jaw |
|
11 |
Apr
52 |
Limb
Bones |
|
12 |
Apr
52 |
Pt.
Upp. Jaw (3M) Wolf |
|
13 |
May
52 |
2
Vert Ox/Deer |
|
14 |
Jul
52 |
Bear
Canine (Area II) |
LAYER 2
|
No. |
Date |
Remains |
|
1 |
Jun
52 |
Notched
Bone |
|
2 |
Jun
52 |
Bison
Jaw |
|
3 |
Jun
52 |
Reindeer
Jaw |
|
4 |
Jun
52 |
Small
Odd Vert |
|
5 |
Jun
52 |
Wolf
Jaw |
|
6 |
Jun
52 |
Reindeer
Jaw/Stone |
|
7 |
Jun
52 |
Reindeer
Jaw/Stone |
|
8 |
Jun
52 |
Reindeer
Jaw/Stone |
|
9 |
Jul
52 |
Reindeer
Antler |
|
10 |
Jul
52 |
Reindeer
Antler |
|
11 |
Jul
52 |
Large
Antler |
|
12 |
Jul
52 |
Wolf
Jaw |
|
13 |
Jul
52 |
Bison
Jaw |
|
14 |
Jul
52 |
Reindeer
Jaw |
|
15 |
Jul
52 |
Pt.
Large Pelvis |
|
16 |
Jul
52 |
Large
Skull Base Ox? |
|
17 |
Jul
52 |
Bison
Jaw |
|
18 |
Jul
52 |
Reindeer
Jaw |
|
19 |
Jul
52 |
Skull
Base Reindeer |
|
20 |
Jul
52 |
Large
Vertebra |
|
21 |
Jul
52 |
Skull
Young Bison |
|
22 |
Jul
52 |
Large
Scapula |
|
22A |
Jul
52 |
Ox
& Deer Bones |
|
23 |
Aug
52 |
Many
Vertebra |
|
24 |
Aug
52 |
Humerus |
|
25 |
Aug
52 |
Humerus |
LAYER 2 Cont.
|
No. |
Date |
Remains |
|
26 |
Sep
52 |
Ribs
Jointed? |
|
27 |
Sep
52 |
Crushed
R Skull |
|
28 |
Sep
52 |
Crushed
R Skull |
|
29 |
Sep
52 |
Antler
Attached |
|
30 |
Sep
52 |
Crushed
R Skull |
|
31 |
Sep
52 |
Bear
Jaw |
|
32 |
Sep
52 |
Bone
over Jaw |
|
33 |
Sep
52 |
Antler |
|
34 |
Sep
52 |
Ox
Jaw 16 Long |
|
35 |
Sep
52 |
Jaw
Young Reindeer |
|
36 |
Sep
52 |
Vert
End Large Pelvis |
|
37 |
Sep
52 |
Deer
Scapula |
|
38 |
Oct
52 |
Frag.
Reindeer Jaw |
|
39 |
Apr
54 |
Large
Scapula |
|
40 |
Apr
54 |
Fox
Teeth |
LAYER 3
|
No. |
Date |
Remains |
|
1 |
Oct52 |
Limb
Bones R & Bison |
|
2 |
Oct52 |
Pt
Skull Bison & Horn |
|
3 |
Oct52 |
Vertebra |
|
4 |
Oct52 |
Antler
& Deer Bone Fr |
|
5 |
Oct52 |
Jaw
Young Deer |
|
6 |
Oct52 |
Jaw
Wolf (Diseased) |
|
7 |
Oct52 |
Vert
Small Ribs |
|
8 |
Oct52 |
Large
Limb Bones |
|
9 |
Oct52 |
Vert
Ribs Antlers |
|
10 |
Oct52 |
Pt
Odd Pelvis |
|
11 |
Nov
52 |
Vert
(one huge) |
|
12 |
Nov
52 |
Limb
Bones |
|
13 |
Nov
52 |
Rib
Bison? |
|
14 |
Nov
52 |
Limb
Bones Ox? |
|
15 |
Nov
52 |
Bison
Ribs (Under St) |
|
15A |
Nov
52 |
Small
Grey Stone |
|
16 |
Nov
52 |
9
Upp Molar of Wolves |
|
17 |
Nov
52 |
Bison
Jaw |
|
18 |
Nov
52 |
Bison
Jaw 18 |
|
19 |
Nov
52 |
Vert
Jointed Bison |
|
20 |
Dec
52 |
Large
Vertebrae |
|
21 |
Dec
52 |
Reindeer
Antler |
|
22 |
Apr
54 |
Large
Wolf? Molar |
LAYER 4
|
No. |
Date |
Remains |
|
1 |
Jun53 |
Bison
Skull |
|
2 |
Jul53 |
Large
Antler |
|
3 |
Jul53 |
Huge
Scapula |
|
4 |
Jul53 |
Bear
Jaw |
|
5 |
Jul53 |
4
Limb Bones in a row |
|
6 |
1964 |
Bison
Bone |
|
A |
1989 |
Cache
- 14 Bison Teeth |
|
B |
1989 |
Upper
Jaw Frag Wolf |
|
C |
1989 |
Grey
Stone Fossil |
LAYER 5
|
No. |
Date |
Remains |
|
1 |
Jun54 |
Bison
Jaw |
|
2 |
Jun54 |
Reindeer
Skull |
|
3 |
Jun54 |
Antlers |
|
4 |
Jun54 |
Reindeer
Skull |
|
5 |
Jun54 |
Bison
Jaw |
|
6 |
Jun54 |
Large
Femur? |
GARLICKS
EXTENSION
|
No. |
Date |
Remains |
|
1 |
Apr52 |
Bison
Jaw |
|
2 |
Apr52 |
Reindeer
Skull no ants. |
|
3 |
Apr52 |
Fox
Canine |
|
4 |
Apr52 |
Reindeer
Antler Base |
The entrance, with a massive draught blowing in and
out, was considered too dangerous for anyone to attempt it. The shuttering in
the shaft was under considerable strain and would eventually give in. It was therefore
decided to abandon this shaft. The present writer, and three others, were
privileged to look down into the black cavern below. We could not see the
sides. The excavation was filled in late 1955 and completed in March to July
1958.
Despite all of these activities and disturbances,
much of the bank of bone bearing deposits described by Rutter survived beyond a
low stone wall built across them even after occupation of The Caves grounds by RAF personnel during World War II,
and the cave being left open.
In 1950 the University of Bristol Spaeological
Society, led by Professor E K Tratman, took an interest in the Bone Cave, and
the bone deposits in the Eastern Branch in particular, where they commenced
excavating the uppermost remaining deposits in Area I. Tratmans method of
excavation was by carefully lowering the surface, so exposing the bones as they
lay. This continued until March 26th 1951. Tratman, in personal
communication with John H Tucker, reported that a complete articulated limb of
Bison had been found. Amongst other remains, Wolf occurred, preserved among the
UBSS Collections, to which the reader is referred for further research.
The Axbridge Caving Group on 26th March
1951, directed by R J Weare, with advise from Dr Tratman, marked out a portion
of the main floor measuring 9 feet by 6 feet and about one third of this was
excavated to a depth of one foot near the Western Branch of the cave on April 8th
1951. Significant finds were a molar and incisor of Horse (identified by Dr
Speed of Edinburgh University as Mendip Horse Type 2) and a portion of the
upper jaw of Boar containing 2 canines,
4 incisors and 3 molars.
The floor had been levelled up in the 19th
century with coarse hard-core, so not a great deal of the underlying bone
deposits were excavated at this spot.
Subsequently, while examining the sloping disturbed
area beyond the boulders at the beginning of the Eastern Branch, Mr Weare found
another stray molar of Horse (In the
frame of Toveys 1831 portrait of Mr Beard at least six horse molars are set,
amongst other bones and teeth) but it is not certain that they all derive from
the Banwell Bone Cave and may represent finds from several of the bone caves
which he explored.
AREA I
LAYER 1
The activities of excavators, and the curious,
climbing about the bank of deposits in the Eastern Branch, eventually caused
some collapses of the bank. On March 26th 1952 ACG members, led by
Mr Weare, conducted a small preliminary excavation on the top edge and a
collapsing section which was part of, and below, the UBSS excavation abandoned
one year previously. Notable finds are delineated including two articulated
ribs with vertebra (1), a molar of
Boar (2) and under puzzling
circumstances, an upper left pre molar and two molars of peculiar pattern (but
evidently deer) found in correct order but with no trace whatsoever of any
connecting bone (4). They were shown
to Mr H E Balch of Wells, who considered them too large for Reindeer, did not
recognise them as Red Deer and suggested that they might belong to a type of
Deer previously unreported from that cave. Their identity and manner of
occurrence in the deposits remains a mystery. They tended to reinforce a
preconception, then prevalent, that these lower deposits in the cave would be
found to contain animal remains of an earlier Interglacial period than those
higher deposits excavated in the previous century. Hence, a mis-identified
jawbone as horse, from the Baker Extension with distorted tooth, was thought to
be of a primitive horse (it was Ox!) likewise part of a young Reindeer Jaw
was
AREA I LAYER 1
at first thought to be of a much earlier form of animal. Halves of lower jaws
of large Wolves
were
also found.
Mr Weare decided to make the UBSS area of bone
deposit excavation beyond the low stone wall the site of renewed excavation of
the bone deposits and that, initially, three horizontal one foot layers be
excavated, after the manner of Mr Balchs Badger Hole excavations at Wookey
Hole. This became designated Area I. D Neads and the writer were principal
excavators throughout the first three layers in this area.
On April 2nd 1952 Mr Weare started
excavation of Layer 1 and work continued on the 12th. A large
detached tapering canine tooth was one of his finds (7)
April 16th work continued and the writer
unearthed an almost complete skull of Reindeer tolerably perfect except for the
upper jaw and eye sockets. It had antler stumps on it. The usual bones of Ox
and Deer species were encountered.
April 23rd, D Neades discovered two giant
canines in the remains of both halves of a lower jaw reduced to a messy pulp (9). It was curious why this should be,
as other bones around were quite sound. A shattered Bison jaw was found
sandwiched between several limb bones (10,
11).
April 30th, a new excavation scoop
of ½ a cubic foot capacity (made by the
writer) was brought into use. Part of the upper jaw of a Wolf, containing the
three back molars, was found, which had been slightly rolled (12).
Excavation of Layer 1 was nearing completion, and on
Wednesday May 14th 1952, excavation of Layer 1 was finished.
Nine reindeer antler bases from this layer were
examined by Dr A J Sutcliffe.
In the ACG&AS Journal Volume 1, Number 2, pages
28 to 31 it was claimed that over 200 bones had been excavated. Dr M A Hinton
had identified 52 of them by June 30th 1952 and these were - Bison,
Ox, Cave Bear, Reindeer, Red Deer, Wolf and Fox. NB. The Fox specimen did not
originate from this layer, it was half of a lower jaw containing one molar,
found in the disturbed area between Area I and the semi-circle of boulders,
with the loose horse molar, prior to ACG excavation here.
Speculation occurred that a specimen of Bos
primigeacius was present probably from a massive lower left jaw. A very thick
bone was suspected of being of Woolly Rhinoceros and a canine thought to be
of Lion (7). However, it was felt
that, provisionally, these should be regarded as of Bison and Bear. (ACG&AS
Journal Volume 2, number 3 page 20).
Some rodent remains were found, but only one half of
a lower jaw retrieved. Confusion later occurred through it becoming unlabelled,
but it was ascertained to have come from Layer 1 and identified as being of
Abbotts Water Vole.
Many of the specimens from Layer 1 and the Main
Chamber excavation were mounted in glass cases and were among major exhibits in
the Societys first Museum at Axbridge Town Hall, opened on Friday August 8th
1952.
A piece of clay pipe was found near to the surface,
close to the disturbed area where the wall footings had been laid. Another
piece was found in like situation on the edge of the steps.
Layer 1 contained a vast number of important and
interesting bones and teeth. Some vertebrae of Ox or Deer tribe were found in
articulated position (13) also many
bone fragments exhibited evidence of having been rolled and rounded or turned
into pebbles, affording strong evidence of water action during disposition.
Rolled bones were noticeably darker than those found jointed together. Many of
these bones were gnawed. Remains of horn-cores of the Ox tribe occurred in this
layer. The positions of many of the larger limb bones, etc., indicated a
natural bedding of the deposits, dipping at an angle of about 10° towards the
east. A number of good specimens were cracked by large stones resting in them.
The earth in which the remains were found was very heavy (but quite easy to
excavate in dry weather). Ocherous fragments of clay occurred, as well as many
(presumed) limestone fragments stained a dull yellow right through. A number of
fragments of limestone rock bearing traces of stalactitic formations (curtains
etc.) also occurred 29th May 1952. A petrified mass of the bone
deposits about 9 inches square and deep was encountered. A few pieces of heavy
white substance (barium sulphate) occurred.
It was observed that Bear seemed to be almost as
common as Wolf and that gnawed bones could indicate carnivorous beasts were
either living in or frequenting the cave.
Before the stone kists were constructed for bones
from the various layers of Area I, some of the bones from Layer 1 thereof were
deposited in the corner below the entrance steps. Also deposited were some of
the bones and stalagmited stones from the ACG&AS shaft in the Eastern
Branch. These are marked on J Tuckers plan of the Bone Cave as Residue from
Original stacks and Shaft.
Axbridge Museum 8th
August 1952
|
A |
Ox
Jaw, Baker Extension (Deformed Pre Molar) |
|
B |
Teeth
from Jaw of Boar (Main Chamber) |
|
C |
Two
Molars of Horse |
|
D |
Part
of Reindeer Jaw (3? Layer1) |
|
E |
Wolf
Jaws (Including 5,6 Layer 1) |
|
F |
Bear
or Lion Canine (7, Layer 1) |
|
GG |
Bear
Canines (9, Layer 1) |
|
H |
Jaw
considered to be Bos Perimigenius |
The Bristol
Observer
Major D C
McKeand (Secretary) and Mr H E Balch at the opening of Axbridge Caving Group
and Archaeological Museum At Axbridge. 8 August 1952.
The case above shows other
finds from the Main Chamber Excavation and Layer 1, Area I.
Above the cases are R J
Weares Preliminary Plan and Section of the Bone Cave.
LAYER 2
Excavation of Layer 2 Area I commenced on June 11th
1952 and was completed on October 1st leaving a 1½ foot wide section
undisturbed against the south wall or side of the cave (as recommended by
Tratman on one of his visits).
D Neads found a curious notched splinter (1), two halves of lower jaws of Ox and
Reindeer were also found (2,3).
Important specimens such as these were washed clean
when found and excavated earth saved, to be sorted through above ground.
June 18th a small vertebra was found,
with upward tongue inclined backwards at a considerable angle. It was thought
at the time to be of Wolf or from the tail of a Bison (4). June 25th, some excavation was made, the principal
find being half of a lower jaw of Wolf (5).
June 28th the principal and most interesting finds were three badly
fractured Reindeer Jaws lying a few inches from one another, all of them lower
halves and badly fractured by large stones lying on them (6,7,8). There seemed to be many more large flat stones and fewer
loose teeth than in Layer 1, so far. The stones slope up towards the Main
Chamber.
July 2nd, half a cubic foot of deposits
was excavated. A count revealed that it contained about 50 bones and splinters,
possibly more, among which were 10 fragments of antlers (the commonest finds),
1 large hoof and a pre molar of Reindeer.
July 9th, a cubic foot of deposits was
excavated. Two good portions of Reindeer antlers (9,10), Ox and Reindeer teeth and many common bones occurred. Digging
at the face of the second layer D Neads uncovered most of a huge antler of
great thickness, with one side point or tine (11) and while doing so unearthed half of a Wolfs Lower Jaw (12).
July 12th half a cubic foot of deposit
yielded Ox and Reindeer Jaws (13,14),
part of a large pelvis (15), the
base of a large skull (of a large species of Ox tribe) (16) and many interesting bones.
July 16th - shattered Ox and Reindeer
jaws (17,18), the base of a Reindeer
Skull (19) and a huge vertebra were
found (20).
The upper jaw of what appeared to be the skull of a
young Ox (21) also what appears to
be a large scapula were uncovered (22),
but not fully excavated.
July 23rd half of a cubic foot of
deposits, the scapula, portion of Ox skull and upper jaw were excavated, but
all were in small fragments. It was noted that several rigid tapering pear
shaped objects had occurred in Layer 1 but so far not in Layer 2. Mr Balch (through
Mr Weare) considered them to be the remains of claws. One claw was found
on 16th July and another this
day (23rd June).
Wednesday July 30th, one cubic foot of
earth was excavated, finding ordinary bones of Ox, Reindeer (22A), Wolfs Teeth, one Deer Hoof and
a claw.
August
6th one cubic foot of deposits were examined, mostly excavated
material from the previous occasion, but nothing of importance was found. The
writer took some of this soil to be put in flower pots at home.
LAYER 2
August 13th half a cubic foot of deposits
was excavated, finding many vertebra (23)
two fairly perfect humeri lying together, but not a pair (24,25). They lay at right angles to
the apparent natural bedding of the deposits and were of Ox tribe. A canine of
Wolf, and incisor of Reindeer occurred, also some stalagmited stones etc. In
contrast to a comparable specimen from Layer 1, the small stalagmited stones
were of quite modern appearance.
A piece of ancient stalactite and curtain were also
noted in Layer 2, (the stalactite being found on a previous occasion). They
were observed to be obviously of very great age and in a state of
decomposition, but deposited (as was noticed in Layer 1), with the bones.
Tiny bones and teeth of Rodentia were retrieved from
this second layer (and among them two humeri closely resembling those of small
birds, but thought to be probably of Rodents).
September 13th some bones were excavated
but conditions were too wet, though two ribs were found lying together and
appeared to have been once joined (26)
but no spinal process was attached to them. They were thought to be of a small
kind of deer or animal of that size.
The day before, the writer found a tiny piece of
flint in some Layer 2 earth removed for plant growth experiment (6th
August). Where it had been broken off from a larger piece of it closely
resembled the chalk flint. It had no patination and was of a very dark brown
colour.
It would have slipped by the most exact sorting and
only showed up because rain had washed the surface of the soil in that
flowerpot.
September 17th, during excavations, D
Neads uncovered, but did not remove, what appeared to be remains of three
skulls and a very good specimen of Reindeer antler, though much fractured (27, 28, 29, 30).
September 22nd excavation continued, with
D Neads using a syringe to wash away any earth from the delicate bones and made
excavation work much more easy, the only drawback being the mud formed and
flooding!
One Reindeer skull (which was crushed) was removed,
also the antler attached, but there was only the stump of the other, worn down (28,29).
There was not much left of another skull close by (27) but there were good long antlers
twisting and twining in and out of the bone bed but cracked into many small
pieces and so could not possibly have been disturbed. It was noted that the
volume of bone deposit here almost equalled that of the clay and the stones
they lay in. Digging back round where the skull was, a bone was revealed, the
size and shape of which had not previously been seen. It was found to be of
Bear and was lying flat on its outer side and from North to South with the
canine end at the North (31).
Sandwiched above it, and only represented by little more than a thin stratum of
bone-meal, was a Reindeer skull (30) (located
September 17th). Directly overlying the angle of the jaw and
probably causing the complete fracture, was another larger bone, too tightly
wedged to completely excavate, which appeared to be that of a pelvis (32).
Following along another antler (33) D Neads discovered a lower jaw of Bison much fractured, but
tolerably perfect (34). The teeth
were well worn and the jaw 16 inches in length, compared with the Bears 12
inches. A large piece of barium sulphate occurred. Large and small pieces had
occurred in Layer 1 but, so far, not as plentifully as in Layer 2. The nature
of the deposits during the past few excavation days indicated that it was
advisable to excavate as did the UBSS, by sinking the surface rather than
quarrying back a foot face of deposits.
September 24th many more antlers, etc., a lower jaw of a young
Reindeer (35), a vertibrial end of a
large pelvis (a good specimen) (36)
and a scapula probably of Deer (37)
was excavated. Two pieces of stalactite formations both modern looking and
decomposed, occurred. It was realised by the writer that decomposition had not
taken place in situ as burial had a preservative effect, but erosion from a
once open archway of the cave appeared to be indicated, as a gradual process
October 1st, excavation revealed little
of importance, antlers, shattered Reindeer jaws (38), the stump of a little, broken off stalactite and many large
and small stones. Quite a few of these were barium sulphate and quite large
limestone slabs had been found in this layer lying usually flat and sloping up
towards the main chamber, like the large bones. Many of the stones were of a
dull yellow substance like a kind of ochre as in Layer 1 and some showed a
black patchy surface when broken open. Patches of ocherous clay also occurred.
Some of the smaller stones had been turned into
pebbles, similar to the rolled bones. Speculation was made that the rolled
bones etc., cannot have been so rolled in the cave, and apparently the bones,
when they came to rest, remained unmoved.
The writer, in 1952, considered that a string of
potholes in a solid rock bed of a stream, with pebbles and bones grinding
around in them outside the cave, seemed to be a plausible contributory factor
but the source of water supply was problematical. A resurgence up through the
cave system was entertained. It was recognised that any rolled bones would
imply re-deposition in the cave.
Later, on April 14th 1954, when the
remaining section of this layer was removed, a large scapula (39) was found, also teeth of Fox (40).
Further observations were that Tratman commented
that most of the antlers of this layer appeared to be shed ones. Dr Speed of
Edinburgh University considered that Red Deer seemed to be represented among
the bones (as Hinton had noted regarding Layer 1 bones), but definitely no
Horse remains.
Rolled bones and stones seemed to be about equal
in number, but few bones showed possible signs of being gnawed. It was observed
by the writer that rolled bones seemed darker, as with many pebbles in modern
Mendip stream pot holes.
An old brass cartridge case was found on this level,
against the steps, and probably pushed in there by some visitor.
In ACG&AS Journal Vol 1, No.4, page 30 J Weare
commented on completion of the second layer and finding remains of a stone wall
by Beards Shaft and a seemed to assume that it was a continuation of the wall
along the top of Area I, therefore the bone deposits being excavated were not
in an undisturbed state. This supposition was refuted in the next issue. This
layer yielded 26 Reindeer antlers examined by Dr Sutcliffe.
LAYER 3
October 8th, Mr Weare, D Neads and the
writer started excavation work on the third layer, finding many limb bones of
Reindeer and Bison, including one of very large proportions (1). A portion of the skull of Ox with
horn core was also found (2).
Several both large and small vertebrae were found, one of Wolf (3). Teeth of Bison, Ox and Reindeer
were encountered, and a large number of small stones with white barium sulphate
present amongst them.
October 15th, excavation continued, this
being easy, because of the mass of loose small stones in this layer. Several
pieces of antler were found and limb bones of the Deer (4). No loose teeth were found, but there was a fractured lower jaw
of the Reindeer (young) (5) and a
shattered lower jaw of the Wolf (of an old animal who also suffered a lot from
it, judging by the diseased, enlarged and distorted middle portion). (6) It could have been an injury
received from a fight. Several large and small vertebrae were found and the
usual small ribs (7) also some
intermediate joints. One of the tapering, pear-shaped bones or claws was
encountered, and three of the weathered formations. Two were stalactite ribs
and curtains (one a fine specimen) and the other the tip of a broken-off
stalactite. Many of the small stones were rolled. White barium sulphate
continued to be present.
October 22nd, many stones, both large and
small, many large limb bones (some of huge size) (8) quite a number of all sorts of vertebrae, and ribs (some may
have been joined, but were encountered at different times). (9)
A pre-molar of the Bison, and one almost completely
worn down canine of the Wolf were found. There were also several antlers, but
not worthy of much notice. No weathered formations were encountered. From the
positions of many of the limb bones (especially a huge ulna lying East to West)
it would appear that the deposits were bedded at an even greater angle than in
the first and second layers.
The bones seemed to be fewer in this third layer
than in the first, only in the number of smaller bones. Their place seems to be
taken by the larger number of small stones. It was felt that the deposits of
this third layer took a much longer time to accumulate than the later overlying
deposits of the first and second layers.
October 29th, some excavation was made,
and a strange portion of pelvis (10)
found. The usual bones were found, but no broken stalactite formations.
November 5th, further excavation revealed
numerous vertebrae (11) several limb
bones, including a large radius (12) and
many stones, both large and small, also, one broken off shattered stalactite.
The usual smaller bones were also encountered. The Ox and Deer tribes were
abundantly represented, with the Wolf probably present. The deposits continued
to be of the nature previously observed but towards the base of the layer at
this point, the stones and coarse rolled gravel resembled the bed of a stream
as though there had been a runnel of water in here.
A large and almost perfect rib of Ox (13) tribe (?) was found, lying from
East to West and almost horizontal, in contrast to previous comments about the
angle of deposition. Excavation continued to be by laying bare an area of
deposit, not quarrying them back. Excavated earth was usually sorted through,
unless a particularly careful excavation had been conducted in removing fragile
or fragmentary remains.
LAYER 3
As
to the vertebrae, (11) many were
found, of all the named animals, some of those of the Ox tribe (?) being of
remarkable size, the upward tongue of bone being 13 inches in length, while the
joint portion would not excite much comment regarding size.
It was noted that few, if any, of the bones from
this third layer bore any signs of extensive rolling as was more common in the
upper layers.
November 19th, as usual, many pieces of
Reindeer antlers were found, several limb bones of the Ox tribe, it would seem,
some lying at the steeper angle before noticed, while others were quite
horizontal (14).
Ox ribs were also found, (15) but the remains were now too highly fractured, so many stones
being present, causing the damage. Two weathered stalactites were found, one
being of a flat plate form and obviously from the side.
Their commonness may be due to the apparent slower
rate of accumulation of the deposits. This aspect is discussed at length
separately in the following pages. A small, grey, sandy stone somewhat like a
little whetstone (and different from other stones) was also found (15A). Another curious thing was
finding of nine teeth of the upper jaws only of the Wolf (16). It was thought, at the time, that several portions of jaws
(more than one animal was represented) had been pulverised with only the
teeth surviving, but search failed to reveal any trace of bone associated!
(N.B. only teeth of upper jaws occurred together, which was odd). Half of a
lower jaw of the Ox tribe was uncovered, appearing to be 18 inches in length
and thought to be of Urus. (18) Many
Ox molars, etc., (some from a shattered jaw) (17) were encountered, and most of the Ox tribe teeth found were
believed to be of the Urus/Bor primigenius?
Two vertebrae were found joined probably of the Ox
tribe? They bore traces of some blackening (19).
Some bones and two teeth may mark the presence of Fox in this excavation for
the first time. Many bones and teeth of Rodentia were retrieved.
December 3rd, the lower jaw laid bare on
November 19th was encountered but it was in a disintegrating state (18). It lay from North to South with
the jaw angle at the North and was bedded at only a slight angle. Some large
vertebrae were found (20) also a few
antler fragments, and a possibly good specimen of Reindeer antler exposed, but
was much fractured (21). The usual
animals were represented, including bones probably of Fox. Many bones and jaws
of Rodents were retrieved in hand sorting, and a small fragment of weathered
stalactite.
It was noted that in all of the three layers what
appeared to be hard lumps of clay occurred, swept in with the deposits. The
lumps must have come straight in with little opposition and had not since been
disturbed or else they would have disintegrated or dissolved.
Another puzzling feature was that, throughout these
three layers, patches of black substance were encountered which may well have
been decomposed animal material. These black patches were somewhat fluid and
sticky; careful examination of a good example of what had been hardened slope
of clay, convinced the writer that it was of a carboniferous nature, like a black
treacle, but was not associated with the bones. Any blackening on the vertebrae
mentioned above, was similar to that found on breaking open some of the stones
here, a sort of sooty type of appearance.
December 31st (1952) further work
continued, but only of sorting through the excavated bones of the third layer,
the writer finding possibly the first recognisable example of a gnawed bone
from this layer. It may have been that there were others but had slipped by (as
this one did) in wet, muddy conditions. It was noted also that many of the
bones showed marks of having grated over a rough surface, it would appear,
rather than definite gnawing. This observation would be a subject for
re-examination. It was thought that this bone might have been the work of the
commonest carnivore, the Wolf, though it might even have been of the Bear. The
bone itself (the present writer noted) seemed probably of some Deer. It was
drawn and numerous scratch like marks observed, difficult to evaluate and
perplexing.
May 27th 1953, some excavation was
resumed, but this was really preliminary work on the next layer down, Layer 4.
When D Neads was excavating the portion of Layers 2 and 3 left against the
South wall or side, on April 21st 1954, a notable find (other than
the usual bones), was a molar of a large Wolf (Hyena was also suggested (22) ). The deposits which had been so
left were found to rest on a projecting shelf of rock sloping forward, so there
was not much of Layer 3 represented there, really. The writer obtained 56
Reindeer antler bosses from Layer 3 for examination by Dr A Sutcliffe.
Completion of Layer 3 White Marks Indicate Layer Divisions Photograph J Chapman J Hunt and D Neads On Completion of Layer 3 Photograph by J Chapman
In
ACG&AS Journal Vol 2, No. 2 (September 1954) it was subsequently noted
regarding this Layer 3 that more large limb bones occurred, also gnawed bones,
and that Cave Bear and Red Deer were in evidence. (Maybe assumed signs of bones
having grated over a rough surface was now thought to be gnawing). Bones from
Layers 1, 2 and 3 were placed (by the writer) in the Main Chamber of the Bone
Cave in a row of stone kists below the East side of the Pitfall, next to the
stalagmite flow-stone to be discussed on the following pages.
LAYER 4
The writer did not continue excavating into this
lower layer, but made notes on outstanding finds. D Neads and George Ellis were
principal excavators with Mr Wears assistance. As noted regarding Layer 3 a
preliminary excavation into this layer was made on May 27th 1953.
Not many bones were exposed and a movement of a boulder in Beards Shaft
occurred that had to be shifted.
June 9th 1953, excavation proper
commenced and the next day a skull of a Bison was discovered (1) and excavated on subsequent
excavation digs. Considered the best yet.
July 1st 1953, a large antler was
uncovered by D Neads and carefully excavated (2). It lay directly below where the Bison skull had been. Further
back G Ellis laid bare a huge scapulae (3).
The cleaning and final lifting of the bone occurred in the following year.
Continuing excavation below where the large antler
lay (2) may large limb bones,
thought to be of Bison, were found close together lying East to West and only a
very slight downwards slope. No Reindeer remains were observed in the base of
this layer but Red Deer and Bear were understood to have occurred among the
bones in this Layer.
D Neads reported that the earth here was of a
Sandy nature but this was more of a granular nature than actual sand and a
stark contrast to the gravel of Layer 3 above.
July 15th 1953, excavations continued and
remains of half of the lower jaw of the Bear (4) was found. An exploratory excavation down against the rock face
beside the scapulae (3) was blocked
by large limb bone resting almost upright against the rock (Layer 5 - 6).
Higher up, D Neads continued uncovering
the surface of Layer 4, finding the ends of four bones in a row, most of them
appearing to be Bison (5). D Neads
carefully uncovered the rest of the four limb bones and left them in situ as
this assemblage appeared odd. Hitherto such bones had been found as if having
slid down the slope or pile of debris; occasionally some had been found lying
horizontally (as was virtually the case with the large limb bones found below
the large antler (2)), but here were
four bones laid out side by side, East to West, on what had been a level
surface! Actually, they appeared to be laid out in two pairs but were not
identical. There seemed to be no answer to this phenomena.
March 3rd, bones from Area I were started
to be stacked by the present writer to the left of Beards bones stacked in
squares.
March 10th 1954, the present writer
painted the cave wall with the Layer levels. The scapulae (3) had remained during the winter. Some galvanised sheeting was
erected in early June 1954 and on 3rd June 1954 Layer 4 continued to
be excavated. It would seem that D Neads photographed the scapulae about this
time. It is possible that a weathered stalactite could have been found.
Unfortunately the long stay caused a number of fractures and the scapulae is in
the foreground of the photograph of the 21st July 1954.
During
the winter of 1954-1955, excavation of Layer 4 continued. The limb bones (5) were lifted and some more of Layer
4 was excavated.
LAYERS 4 &
5
Large Scapula, Layer 4 No. 3
1954.
Photograph by D Neads.
D Neads Demonstrating
Excavation of Bone Deposits
21st July 1954,
Photograph by J W Hunt.
LAYER 4, 1989
LAYER 5
Meanwhile by early June 1954 George Ellis continued
excavating where the large scapula had been, into Layer 5, finding half of a
lower jaw of Bison (1). Other
notable finds were Reindeer skulls (2/4)
and also a large antler (3) and
half a lower jaw of a Bison (5).
The large limb bone located in July 1953 resting almost upright against the
rock (6) was also excavated. It
appears to have been of a Bear.
In a review of work up to June 1954 in ACG&AS
Journal Vol. 2, No. 2 page 8 (published September 1954) which was mainly the
writings of the present writer, the excavation of a complete cranium of a wolf,
with most of the upper jaw is recorded. Reindeer skulls (2/4) are mentioned also. It may be that Mr Weare may have
mentioned this, and the Red Deer and Fox, but would seem if correctly reported,
to have been an event that escaped the notice of the present writer and so
unfortunately cannot be accurately placed.
The report talks of the work being the finishing-off
of the excavation. Excavation work persisted until July 14th 1954. A
photograph by the writer on 21st July 1954 shows D Neads posing as
if excavating.
Bones from Layers 4 and 5 were built up into
squares by G Ellis on the West of the earth bank below the Pitfall.
LATER FINDS
It was in 1964 that John H Tucker examined the
excavation site and cleaned off and photographed some of the deposits. His
photograph of this area indicates that barely 6 cubic feet of Layer 4 then
remained and shows a bison bone lying East to West, horizontally, near the base
of this Layer (6, Layer 4). This is important as it indicated a continuation of
the near horizontal close-packed bones found below the large antler (2, Layer
4) July 1st 1953.
It would seem that here, in this part of the Eastern
Branch, Layer 4 accumulated in a near level state. Exactly how this could have
been is difficult to comprehend, but bones remarked on in this context lay in
like order and not the random scatter that would be expected.
In the UBSS Museum there are many boxes of bone
deposits from Banwell Bone Cave (1995). Most of the specimens have been
cleaned. There are a number of jaws of various animals and a bone had a date on
it of November 1970. These are supposed to have come from the main chamber but
the relevance is not distinct and some jaws have been excavated with earth
retained on them. It could be that many bones may come from Tratmans
excavations.
In UBSS Proceedings Vol 15, No. 1 (1979) page 7,
Harrison reviewed examples of perforated prehistoric bones resembling
whistles. One example is of a bone obtained (1977) from loose miscellaneous
bones near the Eastern Branch excavation, being a phalange considered to be
naturally perforated at a weak point.
As indicated in the Plate, by 1964 most of Layer 4
had been excavated. In early 1989 Percy Baker examined the exposed underside of
the rock shelf, probed a little and out came a Bison tooth. Carefully
continuing investigation, he found a total of fourteen loose, extracted teeth
of Bison close together underneath the rock
shelf (A). Apart from the horizontal East to West Bison bones, here was
another odd occurrence! The Bison teeth have the appearance of a collection of
teeth hidden under the projecting edge of the rock. No actual jaw bone was
Photographs Of
Eastern Branch Bone Deposits - J H Tucker 1964.
The Top Left
Photograph Shows Layer 4 No. 6 Bison Bone.
associated
and there is some what of an echo of the nine loose Wolfs teeth found at a
higher level in 1952 (16, Layer 3).
He and Yvonne Sargent continued to examine what
remained of Layer 4, a principal and outstanding find being part of the upper
jaw of a Wolf (B). The tip of a large dead weathered stalactite was also
found (very similar to that from Layer 2A). A small ammonite like fossil
occurred (C) of a grey sandy stone, not far from Wolf jaw fragment B and reminiscent
of the grey sandy stone found in Layer 3, 15A, 19th November 1952.
Amongst bones retrieved, Andrew Carrant, on a visit in May 1993 noticed part of
the pelvis of a cat like animal. On an earlier occasion (17th March
1989) remains of Bison, Reindeer and Brown Bear also occurred.
GARLICKS
EXTENSION
John Garlick found this passage on March 26th
1952. It was only loosely blocked at the entrance by the crumbling bank of bone
deposits. Earth spread into it was of a rounded surface water borne appearance,
silting over the stalagmited rocks and stones at the end. The passage is only 8
feet (2.5m) long.
On April 2nd 1952 P Baker enlarged the
entrance, finding an almost complete lower half of a Bisons jaw (1) and a Reindeer skull minus the
upper jaw and no horns protruding (2).
A Fox canine was retrieved by the writer from the top of the entrance to the
new extension (3) (once thought to
be of Wild Cat), and a largish base of a Reindeer antler (male) from just
beyond it (4). This base was
included in Dr Sutcliffes study of the Reindeer antler bases.
In ACG&AS Journal Volume 2, Number 4, Page 41
(September 1955) the Reindeer skull is assigned to Layer 4 level. This was a
mistake either in transcription or incorrect assignment. The text has near the
entrance to Garlicks Extension when what is implied is that it was close to
the original entrance. The reconstructed sectional view indicates a 7th
- 8th foot level for 1,2 and 4.
This interesting little passage has a number of
stalagmite flows, diminutive curtains with little stalactites descending, some
broken off, yet all are pre-bone deposit. They are a reminder of what the
various parts of the cave system (that supplied the broken formations found in
the bone deposits) would have looked like.
AREA II
LAYER I
This comprised part of the disturbed area above the
low North to South wall. A small excavation on this level was made on July 9th
1952, removing stones from the wall near where a portion of a jaw with two
large canines had been found on April 23rd 1952 (Area I Layer 1 No.
9) Almost immediately, just underneath one of the stones near the rock wall,
the writer unearthed a perfect canine of the same type of animal (14). Exploring around this spot,
little else was found except a jumble of antlers, teeth, disturbed bones and
bone fragments.
Excavations
proper did not commence until July 22nd 1953, finding nothing much
except disturbed bones and stones left by early excavators but, at the base of
this layer some undisturbed remains were touched on. The bones were of the
usual animals, except two smaller limb bones thought to be of Hare but since
identified as Fox (one of these was found on April 14th 1954 when
washing bones). This layer yielded eight of the antler bones examined by
Sutcliffe. Layer 1, Area I, yielded nine specimens (so the rate of Reindeer
bases was comparable, despite disturbance). Rolled bones also occurred in
Layer 1 Area II.
GARLICKS
EXTENSION
The
entrance to Garlicks Extension is remembered as being at a lower level, (as
recorded in the survey of 21st May 1952, within two months of the
discovery). It would appear that collapse and erosion of Bone deposits on the
right-hand side has caused infilling and upward progression of the entrance
over the years.
In the undisturbed lower portion of this layer it is
recorded in ACG&AS Journal Volume 2, Number 1, Page 17 (March 1954) that
another Cave Bear jaw was found. This was probably the remains of a toothless
specimen from which canine Area II, Layer 1, 14 derived.
THE VOLES
The bones of Amphibians (frogs, toads) were present
in abundance in the early part of the bone deposits in both the Eastern Branch
and Bakers Extension rift in the Western Branch. In the Eastern Branch of the
cave they were noticeably present up into Layer 3 and occasionally vole remains
occurred.
The late Dr M. A. C. Hinton identified many
specimens retrieved by the writer; in the earliest deposits (first metre) the
specimens were unfortunately not very distinct, but considered to be of
Microtus Malei or Nivalis group. Likewise, those from Layer 3 were also
considered to be M. Malei or Nivalis (and Allies). On this basis, tenuous
though it be, it may be postulated that vole remains present were much the same
for the first half of the bone deposits in this Branch of the cave. (7 - 8 foot
of deposits by estimation)
Coming to Layer 2 however, Dr Hinton positively
identified M Nivalis (the Snow Vole) and M Anglicus (English Vole) as present.
Regarding these ancient voles, if Nivalis was indeed present then it could be
important in dating the deposits.
Dr Hinton identified M. Anglicus in Bakers
Extension rift deposits and a lose molar as of M. Nivalis. Dr K Kowalski, of
Krakow University, Poland was sent some of these vole specimens through the
auspices of John H Tucker and Dr A Sutcliffe around 1970. The last mentioned
molar Dr. Kowalski was not sure as being of M. Nivalis and he suggested that it
could be of M. Agrestis instead (letter to JHT 6th April 1971).
As to M. Anglicus (extinct English Vole) this was
well represented in Layer 2 (a number of lower halves of jaws, and loose teeth,
being retrieved by the writer) and it was represented by half of a lower jaw in
Bakers Extension. These identifications have not been challenged.
It would appear, then, in this review, that M.
Nivalis (Snow Vole) was only positively identified by Dr Hinton in Layer 2 and
possible Bakers Extension rift. Unfortunately, the Layer 2 specimen has not
yet been traced and, as noted above, the other molar could prove to be of
another kind of Vole.
The sudden appearance of M. Anglicus in Layer 2
would constitute a notable horizon in the infill of the Eastern Branch and
could indicate that Bakers Extension received its bone deposits at the same
period.
It may be noted that two vole teeth (3rd
upper left molars) from just inside Bakers Extension entrance were identified
as of M. Ratticeps and M. Agrestis or M. Arvalis by Mrs Jennifer Hall of
Manchester University, Department of Zoology, in 1969 (through J H Tucker). Two
others from the same position remain unidentified.
As noted on previous pages, Layer 1 yielded a
specimen identified as Abbotts Water Vole.
THE ROLLED
BONES
Such phenomena was not definitely observed in the
earliest deposits, but Mr George Bennett obtained several pieces of water worn
pebbles. It was not until Layer 3 that a rolling action appeared evident and
this coincided with small stones. Few (if any) of the bones bore signs of
extensive rolling. (October 15th and November 5th 1952).
Smaller bones seemed less in evidence, their place being taken by the smaller
stones. The small stones appeared to be like coarse rolled gravel and many
were mainly in what appeared to be a
water-washed bed near the base of this layer. Judging by the high concentration
of Reindeer remains (and sharp contrast to earlier Layers 4 - 5 which were more
earthy, had a cache of Bison teeth and even several bones on a level portion of
floor), a climatic change must have been involved, suggestive of the grinding
action of a mini-glacier and melting snows.
Higher in Layer 2 rolled bones and stones seemed to be about equal in number.
The stones were noticeably like pebbles, while in Layer 1 rolled bones seemed
even more common. These bones often appeared to be darker than ordinary bones
in the Cave, reminiscent of the condition of stones in Mendip potholes and
stream beds. Re-examination is required.
John Tucker examined some Eastern Branch bone
deposits, finding many small bone splinters, which he suggested may have been
remains of bones caught up and whirled around in the cave by a resurgence of
water up through the cave system, and so smashed to pieces (Search Number 19,
1983).
Rolling action was not evident among broken
stalactites and the presence in Layers 1 - 3 of lumps of clay fallen into the
Cave yet remaining intact where they lay suggests otherwise, that rolling
action took place outside of the Cave. An idea was formed during the 1952
excavation that the Cave was flooded and deposits were laid down under water,
but this had to be modified and might only apply to the last deposits,
described by Bennett.
The present writer suggests that the majority of the
stalactite fragments came from the direction of the entrance archway with steps
and that rolled bones and pebbles came in through the Pitfall. Putting
aside the problems of the pulverised bones and external source of a water
supply (before the Pitfall was cemented over in 1969 and a pipe inserted to
maintain air-flow) examination showed that it opened out into what had been the
bottom of a chamber with a worn U-shaped chute in the rock leading Eastwards.
The impression was gained that this could have been a catchment for water
(whether snow melt or violent downpours) funnelling it straight down into the
Cave. The nature of the worn chute could not be examined because of so much
unstable rubble in the then open shaft (1966) but it might have exhibited
traces of a long-suspected chain of potholes with stones and bones grinding round
in them? Perhaps we shall never know with any certainty, but rolling of
stones and bones appears to be later than broken stalactites, which are a
separate, unrelated phenomenon. It is suggested here that rolled bones lay in
an ante-chamber above the Pitfall and were re-deposited with other bones,
earth and stones coming into the Bone Cave.
Signs
of Transverse Stratification evident in a Photograph taken by E J Chapman early
in 1953. Disturbance occurs along the stony area of the wall footing, probably
where the earlier excavators had removed large bones. Layer 1 (and into Layer
2) was a darker, clayey deposit with high concentration of bones. The lower
part of Layer 2 was stonier and Layer 3 stoniest of all (and even contained
rolled gravel near its base).
The
Southerly inclination is suggestive of material spreading from the direction of
the present entrance archway, the small squares were white marks pinned in
position to indicate 1ft horizontal layers.
|
Layers |
Voles |
100 Reindeer Antler Bases Studied |
Estimated Bone Volume |
StalactitesCurtains per Cubic Metre |
Cave
Conditions? |
Rolled Bones
& Stones |
Human Activity? |
|
1 |
A
Water Vole |
9 (+ 8 from Layer 1 Area II) |
60% |
(11?) |
Dry? |
Many Rolled Bones |
Large
Bones Under Stones. Black
Patches |
|
2 |
M
Anglicus M
Nivalis |
26 |
50% |
13.5 |
Dry? Stalagmite Drip |
Rolled
Bones
& Stones |
3
Reindeer Jaws Under Stones, Notched Bone? 2
Odd Humeri Paired. Faint
Chip. Black
Patches |
|
3 |
|
56 (Very Cold Period) |
40% |
16.0 |
Flooding Water Action |
Rolled
Stones & Coarse Gravel |
Carved
Antler. Tally. 9 Wolves Teeth together. Black Patches |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Present |
Dry? |
More
Friable Earth |
2
pairs of Bones level in a row. |
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cache
of 14 Bison Teeth |
|
Beyond Garlicks Extension |
M
Malei/Nivalis? (Also Amphibia) |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
SOME
SIGNIFICANT FEATURES
ANALYSIS OF STALACTITIC DATA
- AREA I
The table of Stalactitic Date concerns about 29
cubic feet of deposits or rather less than one cubic meter. One specimen (B of
5 November 1952) at first loosely described as a stalactite has been
reclassified here as a curtain which it more closely resembles.
Intermediate concerns specimen C of 19 November 1952 which was dead but not
weathered, whilst the fresh one of 24 September 1952 was evidently live when
fractured.
It would seem that over 50% of the specimens in
Layer 3 were side formations or curtains, diminishing to 20% in Layer 2.
However curtains are mentioned as being present in later Layer 1 above. A
weathered, decomposed stalactite (closely resembling A from Layer 2) was found
in Layer 4 in 1989, and in the earliest deposits in the Eastern Branch, slabs
of stalagmite, both large pieces and of calcited form, occurred. These were
localised in origin, whereas the weathered specimens were ancient formations
long dead and decomposing into chalky substance.
It was in Layer 1, Area I, that the writer became
aware of the possible significance of such phenomena and decided to keep
careful note of further specimens. A mass of petrified bone deposits (of about
3 to 4 cubic feet) was found in Layer 1, formed by percolation from some
overhead drip deep into this layer. It was assumed to be of recent origin - but
on the other hand, supposing it was an ancient formation buried under later
deposits?
|
Date |
Layer |
Weathered Stalactites |
Weathered Curtains |
Intermediate (Stalactite) |
Fresh (Stalactite) |
Cu ft Rate |
= Per Cu metre |
|
13-Aug-1952 |
L.2 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
]
|
|
|
24-Sep-1952 |
L.2 |
1 |
|
|
1 |
} 1 per 2.6 |
13.5 |
|
1-Oct
1952 |
L.2 |
1 |
|
|
|
] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15-Oct-1952 |
L.3 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
] |
|
|
5-Nov-1952 |
L.3 |
|
1 |
|
|
} 1 per 2.2 |
16.0 |
|
19-Nov-1952 |
L.3 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
] |
|
|
3-Dec-1952 |
L.3 |
1 |
|
|
|
] |
|
On 13 August 1952 the writer uncovered some
stalagmited stones in Layer 2 close to humeri. Nos. 24 and 25. Comparison was
made with what seemed to be a more recent example which had been found in
Layer 1. The Layer 2 example was composed of several little stones sealed
together with a small deposit of brownish stalagmite set right way up in what
appeared to be a patch of hardened clay. This specimen was rather insignificant
and isolated so did not excite further comment. It might have formed in situ.
If so, this is significant, as it would denote dry conditions and a pause in
deposition of bone deposits at this level (in Layer 2). It is a clue easily
overlooked and no comparable example was noticed in later deeper excavations.
From the Table there seems to be a (natural) falling
off in numbers of broken stalactitic formations, (in calculation of rate per
cubic feet /metre). Even so, to maintain a fairly steady supply, quite a lot of
cave roof/archway erosion is indicated. The formations probably already mixed
with the incoming deposits entering the cave as scree. None have been observed
as rolled or abraded and so probably came from local or former extensions of
the cave precincts. Only 8.3% of the total detailed above was of fresh live
growth.
A
difference in bones to earth/stones was noted, Layer 3 was stonier than Layer 2, there were more
loose flat stones in Layer 2 than in Layer 1, and Layer 1 contained a mass of
bones. In Layer 2 it was estimated that the ratio of bones to earth/stones was
about 50%. This provides a useful proportion for calculations. The rate of
stalactites per cubic metre of deposits was estimated at 13.5 but the
stalactites probably belong to the earth and stones 50% of the deposit. If the
earth and stones are considered (separate from the bones) then the rate of
stalactites would be 27 per cubic metre of earth and stones alone!
There
were slightly more stalactites per cubic metre of bone deposits in Layer 3, but
there was also an increase in the proportion of stones. Therefore the rate of
stalactites for both Layers 2 and 3 may be regarded as approximately the same.
The impression gained at the time of excavation was that accumulation of bone
deposits in Layer 3 appeared to be a slower
process
than in Layers 1 and 2 and the rate of stalactites, as re-calculated above,
would tend to confirm this observation. In other words, stalactites were being
deposited at the same rate in Layer 2 as in Layer 3 but there was an
acceleration in the quantity of bones in the deposits forming Layer 2, into
Layer 1.
Another
aspect is that in the make-up of Layer 2 (one foot of bone deposits) only the
equivalent of 6 inches of earth/stones with 27 stalactites per cubic metre were
incorporated, so giving a count of only 13.5 in the resultant mixture. This
implies that Layers 2 and 3 together involve about 14 inches of earth and
stones on their own. (See diagram).
Assuming
that the bulk of this came through the Entrance Archway, a sloping spread of
already mixed incoming earth and stones may have covered an area of 50 x 15
feet. A foot depth of this would involve 750 cubic feet which may be estimated
to contain almost 580 broken stalactites at the rate deduced! Larger stones and
slabs tend to slide on down a slope, whereas stalactites would tend to maintain
a fairly constant position in the earth and smaller stones. As already noted,
the stalactites did not exhibit signs of rolling or abrasion so cannot have
travelled far.
Almost
600 broken stalactites and curtains per foot of incoming stones and earth is
surely too many even though broken-up pieces of curtain are included? A very
large roof area would be necessary to provide this number let alone deposits
above and below. This is a subject for further research as in any case the
stalactites have come in from a higher level, whatever their actual quantity,
presumably from chambers now quite eroded away?
So
much for a few stalactites! As to the Cave as a whole, in November 1952 the
writer attempted to estimate the total cave contents when discovered, favouring
them capable of filling a block 40 x 30 x 20 feet (24,000 cubic feet or 680
cubic metres). A lesser alternative was 18,000 cubic feet.
Perhaps
a compromise of 20,000 cubic feet or 567 cubic metres, is closer. Assuming that
the average bone volume was 40% (something like Layer 3) then 12,000 cubic feet
or 340 cubic meters would be earth and stones.
This
is not to suggest that this all contained stalactites as assessed for Layers 2
and 3. No, the rate of accumulation of earth and stones might be fairly
constant irrespective of bones, so, assuming that, on average 2 cubic feet per
annum entered the cave 12,000 cubic feet would indicate a period of 6,000
years. This sort of information to be deduced when dealing with such
calculations.
Returning
to the petrified bone deposits in Layer 1, when ACG&AS commenced
investigations in 1951, a larger mass of petrified bone deposits, evidently
found by the 19th century excavators and set aside, was taken to the
Axbridge Museum, opened in 1952.
Another
example of a cave pit fall may be noted at the Loxton Cave, not far away. The
pit fall which was large enough for people to get out of was over hung by a
small slab of rock. Down in the cave there was a quantity of earth and bones of
foxes and birds in various manners of decay.
STALACTITE EROSION RATE
ANCIENT ERODED ARCHWAY
A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE REINDEER REMAINS FROM BANWELL BONE CAVE - ANTLER
BASES
by A J SUTCLIFFE
The Journal of the Axbridge
Caving Group and Archaeological Society Volume 2, Number 4, Pages 35 to 40
(September 1955).
|
Area |
Layer |
Specimens |
|
I |
1 |
9 |
|
II |
1 |
8 |
|
I |
2 |
26 |
|
I |
3 |
56 |
|
Garlicks Extension |
- |
1 |
|
|
TOTAL |
100 |
BISON ASTRAGALI - BANWELL BONE CAVE
Dr
A J Sutcliffe, around the time of the Reindeer survey, obtained measurements
from the present writer of a number of Bison Astragali. These included some of
the earliest ones in the Eastern Branch until Area II Layer 1, with possible Ox
bones. There were two other ones from Bakers Extension. Sutcliffe noted that
they were rather small.
Size
plotted against abundance indicating a bincodal assemblage, but not certain if
this is due to sexual differences or bos remains other than Bison (NB Ox
present in Layer 1)

MEASUREMENTS OF ASTRAGALI OF BISON FROM BANWELL BONE CAVE
|
Location in Cave |
Number of Examples and size range |
Average Measurement (millimetres) |
|
Bakers Extension Rift, Western Branch. (Probably contemporary with Layers 2 and 1 Areas I & II below) |
2 59.5 - 62.5 |
61.0 |
|
Eastern Branch Area II |
3 59 - 62 |
60.6 |
|
Area I Layer 2 (8 - 9) |
2 57 - 63 |
60.0 |
|
Area I Layer 3 (7 - 8) |
3 58 - 67 |
61.6 |
|
Area I Layer 4 (7) Upper Portion only |
5 60 - 68 |
63.1 |
|
Earliest Levels (1-3) 1953 Shaft |
3 59 - 65 |
62.0 |
|
|
TOTAL AVERAGE |
61.3mm |
Measurements
varied between the extremes of 57.0 mm (Layer 2) and 68.0 mm (Layer 4)
(One Example of each of these measurements only). Diagram
Illustrating Measurement
Letter from the Axbridge
Caving Group and Archaeological Society (Mr J W Hunt) to Professor E K Tratman
Dated 31st August 1956 [Page 1]
Letter from the Axbridge
Caving Group and Archaeological Society (Mr J W Hunt) to Professor E K Tratman
Dated 31st August 1956 [Page 2]