Record Details

Summary

A cave site situated on the southern side of a sandstone outcrop to the north of Bower Farm. Excavations in the cave revealed a hearth and associated Mesolithic flint assemblage. Fragments of human bone suggested to be of Neolithic date were also recovered from the cave.

Monument Type(s):

• CAVE (MESOLITHIC - 10000 BC to 4001 BC)
• OCCUPATION SITE? (MESOLITHIC - 10000 BC to 4001 BC)
• BURIAL (NEOLITHIC - 4000 BC? to 2351 BC?)
• CUP MARKED STONE (NEOLITHIC - 4000 BC? to 2351 BC?)

Associated Finds:

• BURIN (MESOLITHIC - 10000 BC to 4001 BC)
• KNIFE (MESOLITHIC - 10000 BC to 4001 BC)
• MICROLITH (MESOLITHIC - 10000 BC to 4001 BC)
• HUMAN REMAINS (NEOLITHIC - 4000 BC? to 2351 BC?)

Associated Events:

• EST99 - An archaeological excavation of a cave site north of Bower Farm, 1979. (NRHE Name - Bower Farm)

Full description

Cave / Hearth: A cave site located on the southern side of a sandstone outcrop. The site came to light with the chance discovery of Human Bone. Subsequent excavation by Birmingham University revealed a hearth with associated assemblage of Mesolithic flint, sealed by a rock fall. Interpreted as an occupation site. Fragments of two human skulls of unknown date were also found above the rock fall. <1>

Two skulls of possible Neolithic date found in a small sandstone cave. 250 flints, some dated to the Late Mesolithic, blackened sand and burnt pebbles also recorded. Provisionally interpreted as being of Mesolithic date. Lack of evidence for organised occupation, possibly a hunting camp. <2>

Photographs from the late 1970s show the cave site, possible cup markings, and the Mesolithic deposits excavated in front of the cave. (SB, 13-Jul-2010) <3>

Sources and further reading

Associated Images

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