Retired geologist Andrew Beckly from Wellington, Somerset, England, discovered a lost Bronze Age settlement in his backyard after learning to identify artifacts by watching the TV series “Time Team.” Beckly found over 2,500 artifacts, including blades and axes, after stumbling upon an arrowhead in his backyard while sifting through soil during the COVID lockdown. This discovery led him to realize the historical significance of his findings, which he believes push the area’s history back by 4,000 years. His interest in archeology, combined with his background in geology, enabled him to recognize the importance of the artifacts he uncovered.
Inspired by “Time Team,” Beckly rewatched all the episodes with his wife and took note of how the specialists on the show worked. Using this knowledge, along with books on prehistoric flintwork, Beckly expanded his search beyond his backyard and found additional evidence in nearby fields. He meticulously documented each artifact, drawing them to scale on graph paper, which helped him understand the history and significance of each piece. Beckly’s findings include microliths, small tools dating back to the time of woolly mammoths, suggesting a rich prehistoric history in the region that was previously overlooked.
Beckly’s discoveries challenge the assumption that there isn’t much prehistory in the west country of England. He believes the Wellington hillside, where his backyard is located, would have been an ideal location for historic hunter-gatherers. By referencing the work of archaeologist Francis Pryor, Beckly highlights the significance of the area and its potential to uncover more about the region’s ancient past. Despite initial dismissal by heritage experts, Beckly’s findings have since been recognized as Bronze Age tools, opening up the possibility for further examination by experts in the U.K.
Among the artifacts Beckly found is a bladelet that bears a striking resemblance to samples typically found in France. This discovery could indicate connections between the U.K. and France dating back thousands of years, hinting at potential trade and migration between the two regions. However, Beckly acknowledges that this evaluation is still in its early stages, and more research is needed to fully understand the implications of his findings. The collection of artifacts may provide valuable insights into ancient trade routes, migration patterns, and cultural connections between different regions.
By relying on his passion for archaeology and knowledge gained from watching “Time Team,” Beckly was able to unearth a significant Bronze Age settlement in his own backyard. His dedication to documenting and understanding each artifact has shed light on the rich prehistoric history of the region, challenging existing perceptions of the area’s past. Beckly’s findings have the potential to contribute valuable information to the study of ancient connections between the U.K. and France, as well as the broader understanding of Bronze Age settlements in England. With further evaluation and study by experts, Beckly’s discoveries may provide new insights into the region’s archaeological past.
