West Somerset is an area of great geological diversity, straddling the Tees–Exe Line between highland and lowland Britain. The story of the last 400 million years of Earth history can be gleaned from its rocks: the opening and closing of oceans, the collision of continents and a journey across the Equator. The area may also provide the key to settle the controversy about the origin of South-West England, whose ancient geology is so different from the rest of the country. This unique and diverse geology is also the reason why it is one of the most beautiful and varied stretches of landscape in England. With nearly 170 illustrations, including maps, charts, diagrams and colour photographs, this book describes and explains the evidence for the geological history of the area, from the Palaeozoic, through the Mesozoic to the Pleistocene and Holocene. Regional guides, which discuss the factors that led to the landscape we see today and offer places of interest to visit, cover: the Northern Brendon Hills and Minehead; the Southern Brendon Hills; Wellington and the Blackdown Hills; Wiveliscombe and the Vale of Stogumber; the Quantock Hills; West Somerset coast and the Cannington and Bridgwater Lowlands.

This volume explores how the archaeologist or historian can understand variations in landscapes. Making use of a wide range of sources and techniques, including archaeological material, documentary sources, and maps, Rippon illustrates how local and regional variations in the 'historic landscape' can be understood.

Wessex is famous for its coasts, heaths, woodlands, chalk downland, limestone hills and gorges, settlements and farmed vales. This book provides an account of the physical form, development and operation of its landscape as it was shaped by our ancestors. Major themes include the development of agriculture, settlements, industry and transport.

Describes the complex but fascinating geology of building stones in easily understood terms; the traditional use of Ham Hill Stone through much of Wessex and the South West; and practical problems of transportation before the railways allowed it to travelfurther afield. This book includes important conservation issues and illustrations.