University of Bristol Archaeology Department unpublished report series

Geophysical survey carried out at a proposed site of a Roman fort.

A geophysical survey undertaken at Fenny Castle, Wookey, Somerset on January 11th 2024 by the University of Bristol at the request of Simon Selby and Dr. Stuart Prior. The request by Simon Selby (the landowner) was to undertake the small (< 800 m2) geophysical survey to identify potential archaeology in an area of his land prior to plans for floating temporary structures to be installed in the area were put forward. This area is the north of the Scheduled Monument [List Entry: 1015496], outside the scheduling boundary. A short magnetometry survey using a Bartington 601-2 Gradiometer was undertaken on January 11th 2024, resulting in four 20 x 20 meter grids and one 10 x 10 meter grid. Evidence for structures in this area were identified in the survey. However there is the possibility that this is associated with the effects of the natural sediment and geology of the area, as well as the level of magnetic contamination in the ground. It is likely a resistivity survey may provide better results if the conditions are correct. However it is equally likely that the areas of archaeological interest and potential is covered by the scheduling, and that the structures associated with the castle were situated within the bailey to the south. In conclusion, the limited evidence provided by this survey suggests there are no structures or areas of burning associated with manning the castle or any sieges of said castle in the surveyed area. In addition, the geophysical survey on the site has provided an insight into the site's archaeological potential, however, unfortunately this insight did not produce evidence of archaeology.