The Meare Heath Trackway is a remarkable archaeological site located in the Somerset Levels, England.
It is a well-preserved Bronze Age structure that provides valuable insights into the lives and activities of the people who lived in the region over 3,500 years ago.
The trackway is an extraordinary testament to the engineering skills and cultural practices of the Bronze Age inhabitants, and its discovery has greatly contributed to our understanding of prehistoric societies.
20th Century
The Meare Heath Trackway was unearthed during peat extraction in the early 20th century. Peat cutting was a common activity in the Somerset Levels, as the peat was used as fuel.
However, during one such operation in 1892, workers stumbled upon a series of wooden planks and posts buried deep within the peat.
Recognizing the significance of the find, the workers alerted authorities, and subsequent archaeological excavations revealed a complex network of wooden structures.
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The trackway consists of a raised timber pathway that stretches across the marshy landscape of Meare Heath for approximately 1,500 meters.
The pathway was constructed using oak planks, which were laid out on a bed of brushwood and wooden stakes driven into the ground to provide stability.
The planks were fastened together using wooden pegs and joints, creating a robust structure that allowed people to traverse the otherwise treacherous and waterlogged terrain.
Bronze Age Meare Heath Trackway
Radiocarbon dating of the wood used in the construction of the trackway suggests that it was built around 2200-2000 BCE, placing it firmly within the Bronze Age.
This dating aligns with other archaeological evidence found in the area, indicating that the construction of the trackway was part of a broader cultural landscape during that period.
The purpose of the Meare Heath Trackway is still a subject of speculation and debate among archaeologists.
Some theories propose that it was primarily a transportation route, allowing people to travel across the marshes and navigate the Somerset Levels.
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Others argue that it served as a boundary marker or a means of controlling and exploiting the wetland resources.
The trackway may have also had ritualistic or ceremonial significance, connecting different areas of spiritual importance within the landscape.
While the exact function may never be known, it is likely that the trackway served a combination of these purposes.
The construction of the Meare Heath Trackway required a high level of skill and organization.
The builders had to carefully select and prepare the timber, cut it into planks of consistent size, and assemble them with precision.
The trackway’s successful construction suggests that the people of the Bronze Age possessed advanced woodworking techniques and an intimate understanding of their environment.
How Did it Survive for so Long
The preservation of the trackway is exceptional due to the waterlogged conditions of the Somerset Levels.
The lack of oxygen and the waterlogged environment helped prevent the decay of the organic materials, allowing the wooden structure to survive for thousands of years.
Excavations of the site have revealed not only the trackway itself but also numerous artifacts and environmental remains, such as pottery, tools, and animal bones.
These discoveries have provided invaluable insights into the daily lives, diet, and economy of the Bronze Age inhabitants.
In recent years, efforts have been made to protect and conserve the Meare Heath Trackway.
The site is recognized as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, ensuring legal protection and preservation.
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The trackway is currently covered with a protective layer of peat and reed, preventing its exposure to the elements and ensuring its long-term survival.
The Meare Heath Trackway holds great significance for our understanding of the Bronze Age in the Somerset Levels and beyond.
It stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our ancestors, offering a glimpse into their daily lives, beliefs, and interactions with the natural world.
Continued research and excavation at the site may reveal further secrets and shed more light on the fascinating history of the Bronze Age and its connection to the Somerset Levels.
Flooding
Throughout history, the Somerset Levels have presented both opportunities and challenges for human settlement and agriculture.
The wetland environment provided fertile soils for farming and grazing, supporting communities that have inhabited the area for thousands of years.
The Levels were particularly suitable for pasture and the rearing of livestock, contributing to the local economy.
However, the Somerset Levels also posed challenges due to their propensity for flooding.
The region is prone to winter flooding, as rivers overflow and rainwater accumulates on the flat landscape.
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Over the centuries, the people living in the area developed innovative strategies to manage the water, including the construction of drainage systems, artificial channels, and embankments known as “rhynes.”
These drainage systems have played a crucial role in reclaiming land for agricultural purposes and mitigating flood risks.
The history of human activity in the Somerset Levels dates back to prehistoric times.
Archaeological discoveries in the area have revealed evidence of human occupation, including artifacts, tools, and settlements from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age periods.
The wetland environment served as a valuable resource for these early communities, providing food, shelter, and transportation routes.
The Somerset Levels have also witnessed significant historical events.
During the Roman period, the region was crisscrossed by the Fosse Way, a major Roman road that linked the cities of Lincoln and Exeter.
The Levels were a significant transportation route during the medieval period, connecting towns and facilitating trade and commerce.
King of the West Saxons
Alfred ascended to the throne of the West Saxons at a young age, becoming their king in 871.
His reign began with relentless Viking invasions that posed a constant threat to his kingdom. In January 878, Alfred found himself facing an unexpected Viking invasion that caught him off guard.
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As a result, large portions of Wessex fell under Viking control, forcing Alfred to seek refuge in the secluded marshlands of Athelney, located in central Somerset.
A Great Battle at Edington
In May 878, Alfred initiated a courageous counterattack against the Viking invaders.
Rallying the forces of Somerset, Wiltshire, and a portion of Hampshire, they united in a decisive battle against the Vikings at Edington in Wiltshire.
With their combined strength, they successfully put the Vikings to flight, achieving a significant victory.
Following the battle, a path to peace began to emerge. Guthrum, the leader of the Vikings, eventually reached an agreement with Alfred.
They met at Aller, near Athelney, where Guthrum embraced Christianity through baptism.
This pivotal moment marked a turning point as it signaled the willingness of the Viking leader to seek a new path and establish peaceful relations.
In the days that followed, King Alfred displayed magnanimity and generosity.
At Wedmore, he honored Guthrum and his companions by bestowing upon them gifts and demonstrating a spirit of reconciliation.
This gesture not only solidified the newfound peace but also paved the way for future cooperation and understanding between the West Saxons and the Vikings.
Today, the Somerset Levels are not only a place of historical and ecological importance but also a popular destination for visitors.
The wetland landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and boating.
There are nature reserves and visitor centers in the area that provide information about the unique wildlife and ecosystems found in the Levels.
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If you are interested in visiting the Somerset Levels or specific sites within the area.
I would recommend checking with local tourist information centers, websites, or relevant authorities for up-to-date information on accessibility, visitor facilities, and any restrictions that may be in place.
