Banwell Hutton Country Walk Ed  Part IV 'William Beard's Rock'by Sheila Aug 4th 2021
Channel: semw52
Date: 08/08/2021

I first visited here in 2020 after learning about William Beard ,the Banwell Caves and Bishop Law and more can be seen in those earlier videos of 2020 when my local walking increased due to covid  restrictions etc and the need to get out and walk and discover local history within walking distance of home--no transport, no access to buses then due to the restrictions---this was a chance for many people to  start exploring and walking in their own places close to  their homes---in fact the countryside became inundated with  walkers, families, dogs etc...almost a rural invasion was happening as people were off work, off school, fur-lowed for weeks, months----But by July 2021 and onwards restrictions lifted...... BUT where are those walkers now---peace returns to the countryside------I see one lone runner only the whole walk........I spoke briefly with the runner who warned me about the woods and told me how a farmer  or someone had warned him off with the firing of a shotgun but on that occasion he had his dog with him-----I was aware of the need to keep dogs on leads and that the wood was almost a no go area but the Tower and the caves were open at times ---I had tiptoed about here previously to take photos....and had visited Beard's stone......
On this day in August 2021 I am enjoying the weather, the walk across the fields and glad the big black cows were out of sight at least despite being around somewhere as  proved by their cowpac........I enter the field and walk up to the stone---the inscription reads :

                  "  Beard with his kindness brought me to this spot
                      As one unknown and long forgot
                     He made my grave and buried me here
                      When there was no kind friend to shed a tear
                     My bones are here, my spirit fled
                      And for years unknown numbered with the dead
                     Reader as I am so shall you be
                      Prepare for death and follow me. "

The stone is located at Grid Reference: ST 394 587

William Beard was born in 1772 a farmer and  amateur archaeologist of Wint Hill, Banwell--Originally caves were discovered by Ochre miners on Banwell Hill in 1757---a 2nd cave was later found where a large number of prehistoric bones were found of bison, bear, reindeer and wolf...Beard named his home 'Bone Cottage' not Rose Cottage and he gave guided tours into the caves. Professor Beard--his nickname died in 1868 and he is buried in St Andrew's churchyard  as shown in earlier videos of this walk...His bone finds were bought and protected by the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society----------Tours will return again for us to do..
After leaving Beard's Stone and field I head  back across gorgeous lush green fields of growing maize for a peaceful track experiencing great views of the surrounding countryside and views of Banwell Wood---Video V to follow soon folks