A LOCAL man is appealing for help in uncovering the history of a number of standing stones and archaeological features in Frome.
Tony House is trying to find out the stories behind standing stones in the Fromefield, Leys Lane, Berkley Road and Oldford Hill areas, and says he is stuck. He now wants to hear from anyone with information about the historical stone features, and from someone knowledgeable about lichen.
Tony says, “I am conducting research into whether Frome had its own Stonehenge, possible Roman villa or temple, mock Roman bathing pool, plus other archaeological features important to the history of our town.
“Various private gardens in the Fromefield and Old Showground area have standing stones, with records dating back to the 1930s recording three more known below ground. They are square cornered and the shape does not match others known throughout Europe. They would not seem to have originated from a nearby long barrow which was unfortunately removed in 1819 but, when re-examined in 1965, was found to have contained 15 skeletons in five burial chambers, flint tools and pottery.
“Near Leys Lane, the large, round burial chamber capstone was placed upright to mark the excavation spot, but later removed as homes were constructed on the site. Does anyone know about this or any other large stones in the area?
“West of Oldford Hill, beyond what was known as Beggars Bushes where the Mendip lodge stood, standing stones were stood in the field, but are again now gone.”
Tony is searching for someone who knows a lot about lichen, to attempt to age the stones, and asks people in the areas to check rockeries and stone walls for any distinctive or sculpted stones.
He adds, “Just prior to the junction of Forest Road and Berkley Road, a Bath Stone sculpted Roman head, now in Taunton museum, and a Roman road were found.”
He says it is noteworthy that the area of Frome is comparable to Bradford on Avon, where two Roman villas were excavated in 2003. Tony says the Berkley Road area is on high ground, near a water source and with good access to building stone.
Tony can be contacted on 01373 461314.
