Priddy, Priddy Circles, Pools and Nine Barrows

Priddy

Archaeological discoveries in Priddy area date back to 35,000 years ago. It was a busy area in the Megalithic period (Bronze Age), with a reasonably dense population (judging by the burial sites on the hill above Priddy) and facilities, such as Priddy Circles, which could accommodate quite large numbers of people. Close to Priddy are lead workings going back to at least 300 BCE. It was these which contributed to the Roman invasion of 43 CE and afterwards - lead was valuable to the Roman empire, and extensive mining and export took place in Roman times in this and other Mendip locations. On the Old Wells Road past Priddy Pools is an extensive lead-working area - a piece of industrial devastation going back a long way.

One notable tradition is that Jesus visited Priddy. This conects with the tradition of his visit to Glastonbury and to other sites in Somerset (such as Crewkerne), Devon and Cornwall.

Priddy Circles

Priddy Circles are four large henges in an approximate north-south line - circular earth rings indicated by banks and depressions in the ground. The banks were made with earth, turf and stones supported by posts and stakes. No finds have been made from the time of the circles' construction in the Beaker period of the Bronze Age, in the Megalithic period around 2500 BCE. The circles are placed at the centre of the highest area of the plateau-like Mendips, at the furthest point from lowland access in any direction.

The circles are rather mysterious and look unfinished - especially the northernmost circle. One theory is that the builders discovered that the area was riddled with limestone sink-holes, which would make the ground unsuitable and unstable, and that they abandoned the project. Another more esoteric theory is that the circles existed for a ceremonial use fundamentally different from stone circles - certainly there seem not to be many ley-alignments from Priddy Circles. Or perhaps events took place which stopped construction.

Three of the circles are on private farmland accessible from the B3135 Cheddar road, just west of the intersection with the old Wells-Bristol road (B3134). Accessibility reasonable, with a little gate-climbing. The northernmost circle is just north of the B3134 to Burrington Combe, just past the Castle of Comfort Inn.

Priddy Nine Barrows

These are a well-placed series of seven burial barrows from the Bronze Age, in a rough NW-SE alignment. Quite good condition, and a rather magical feeling to them (especially in winter mists!). An inwardly calming and deep atmosphere is there, if you close your eyes. Access involves some fences and gates. On private property. Visible from various of the roads around Priddy.