This week Cllr Rupert Bevan writes:

A Neolithic adventure

Last Saturday, the sun shone bright and clear. In the afternoon it became quite warm and I took myself off to inspect the Long Barrow, near the hamlet of Stoney Littleton.

For those who are unfamiliar with the geography, The Long Barrow is set amidst ancient field systems on high ground above the Wellow Brook which winds through some of the most beautiful countryside about two and a half miles north of Radstock.

John Skinner was rector of nearby Camerton and an amateur archaeologist and it was he who discovered the seven chambers inside the Long Barrow. At that time (1816) there were still skeletons of our Neolithic ancestors and these were recorded in his famous diary. He was assisted in his endeavours by Mr Jolliffe of Ammerdown.

The site received a makeover in 1857 by which time all human relics had vanished; at least you can still crawl into the chambers. Spooky, some said.

The discovery represented a high spot in Rev Skinner's otherwise tortuous life. He was assiduous in his pastoral duties, even having the mineworkers' cottages washed down with vinegar to prevent the spread of cholera. Sadly he made enemies, even amongst his own family and eventually committed suicide.

But the Long Barrow is a triumph and generally considered one of the finest examples of its kind. Well worth a visit, if you can find a dry day and a pair of leak-proof wellingtons.

Rupert Bevan