We’ve been waiting a long time to hear it but at last the roman settlement that has been discovered under the Keynsham Hams has received official protection and has been added to the nation’s Schedule of Monuments.
We’re talking about what could be the lost town of Trajectus – a staging post on the Roman route across this area to their port near Bristol.
The remains of more than a dozen buildings are known to lie under the playing fields to one side of the old chocolate factory at Somerdale – much of which is now being developed for housing.
The remains are on the flood plain of the Avon and there are no plans for any development that would disturb or destroy them. The area is likely to remain as playing fields.
Below is a quote from part of the letter that B&NES has now received from English Heritage:
ANCIENT MONUMENTS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREAS ACT 1979 (AS AMENDED)
Roman Settlement at Keynsham Hams, former Cadbury’s Factory, Somerdale, Keynsham – Awarded Scheduled Monument Status
‘I am writing to inform you that we have been considering adding the above monument to the Schedule of Monuments.
We have taken into account all the representations made, and completed our assessment of the monument. Having considered our recommendation, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has decided to add Roman Settlement at Keynsham Hams, former Cadbury’s Factory to the Schedule of Monuments.
I attach a copy of our advice report, which gives the principal reasons for this decision. A copy of the Schedule entry for this monument, together with a map, has now been published on the National Heritage List for England, and will be available for public access from tomorrow. This List can be accessed through our website.
Please be aware that the scheduling of the monument took effect on the day that the copy of the Schedule entry was published on the National Heritage List for England. The entry in the Schedule relating to the monument will be registered as a local land charge.’
