Welcome to the Banwell Society of Archaeology and Local History

Brief History of the Society

The history of the Society is short, but in the few years it has been in existence, a good deal has been accomplished. It was founded in June 1958 by a small group of Banwell archaeological enthusiasts. It then had 5 members whose aim was to study the history and prehistory of the village and it was given the name “The Banwell Society of Celtic Archaeology incorporating the Banwell Institute of Historical Research”. It has as its emblem the horse portrayed on ancient British coins circulated in the Severn district by the principal tribe, the Dobunni.

Since then, the Society has gone from strength to strength attracting many more members who have taken part in numerous activities. The title was amended to the present one at the Annual General Meeting in 1959. Over the last 65 years of the society, activities have included excavations at the Banwell Camp (Iron Age Fort) and Winthill, restoration work on Banwell Hill and at the Church with a preliminary study of the Church records. Ian Tabrett