Katy Prickett,
BBC News, Peterborough
Dave Webb
Archaeologists discovered the largest UK collection of everyday Bronze Age artefacts at Must Farm
The discovery of a burnt-out village dubbed Britain's Pompeii revealed "an amazing time capsule" that captured an everyday moment in late Bronze Age Britain.
The 3,000-year-old settlement at Must Farm quarry in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, burnt down less than a year after it was built, and a wealth of well-preserved artefacts were discovered.
The finds and some newly-made replicas will be exhibited at Peterborough Museum on Saturday.
From sophisticated technology and multi-tools to a far-flung trading network, what did this extraordinary excavation uncover?
Residents 'zoned' their homes
The discovery of a burnt-out village dubbed Britain's Pompeii revealed "an amazing time capsule" that captured an everyday moment in late Bronze Age Britain.
The 3,000-year-old settlement at Must Farm quarry in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, burnt down less than a year after it was built, and a wealth of well-preserved artefacts were discovered.
The finds and some newly-made replicas will be exhibited at Peterborough Museum on Saturday.
From sophisticated technology and multi-tools to a far-flung trading network, what did this extraordinary excavation uncover?
Residents 'zoned' their homes
V Herring/Cambridge Archaeological UnitYears of post-excavation analysis revealed information on how the settlement's residents lived
The settlement had about 10 circular wooden houses and its excavation by Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) between 2015 and 2016 revealed "an amazing time capsule", according to archaeologist Chris Wakefield.
The buildings had flexible floors, constructed from woven panels, and as the sudden blaze took hold, household goods were deposited directly into the silt below, preserving them for thousands of years.
Archaeologists were able to discover the ancient residents "zoned" the internal space in their homes, comparable to the rooms we have in houses today.
In one roundhouse, complete pots and wooden containers were recovered from the northwest suggesting that was the cooking area, metal tools appeared to have been stored in its eastern corner and fine textiles and bundles of fibres were found in the southeast corner, close to the light of the entranceway, which suggested this was a good place to work on those materials.
Sophisticated technology and far-flung trading contacts
The settlement had about 10 circular wooden houses and its excavation by Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) between 2015 and 2016 revealed "an amazing time capsule", according to archaeologist Chris Wakefield.
The buildings had flexible floors, constructed from woven panels, and as the sudden blaze took hold, household goods were deposited directly into the silt below, preserving them for thousands of years.
Archaeologists were able to discover the ancient residents "zoned" the internal space in their homes, comparable to the rooms we have in houses today.
In one roundhouse, complete pots and wooden containers were recovered from the northwest suggesting that was the cooking area, metal tools appeared to have been stored in its eastern corner and fine textiles and bundles of fibres were found in the southeast corner, close to the light of the entranceway, which suggested this was a good place to work on those materials.
Sophisticated technology and far-flung trading contacts
PAEveryday objects like storage pots and tools were amongst the finds, but so were beads made from glass from Iran
The collection was made up of 200 wooden artefacts, more than 150 fibre and textile items, 128 pottery vessels and about 90 pieces of metalwork.
These included stackable pots and axes "a bit like a multi-tool, that you can swap in different axe heads", said Mr Wakefield.
"I think people have this perception that everyone was struggling to survive, that it was a horrible, nasty time to be alive, and actually looking inside these structures shows they've got a very sophisticated level of technology, " he said.
Beads from glass made thousands of miles away in Iran revealed the community's links to far-flung trading routes.
Infected with tapeworm
The collection was made up of 200 wooden artefacts, more than 150 fibre and textile items, 128 pottery vessels and about 90 pieces of metalwork.
These included stackable pots and axes "a bit like a multi-tool, that you can swap in different axe heads", said Mr Wakefield.
"I think people have this perception that everyone was struggling to survive, that it was a horrible, nasty time to be alive, and actually looking inside these structures shows they've got a very sophisticated level of technology, " he said.
Beads from glass made thousands of miles away in Iran revealed the community's links to far-flung trading routes.
Infected with tapeworm
M Ledge/Department of Archaeology, Cambridge UnivHuman and dog faeces were analysed and parasitic worms were found
The extraordinary preservation conditions also revealed less savoury remains - pieces of human faeces or "coprolites" - which enabled scientists to discover the earliest evidence of fish tapeworm in Britain.
These can grow up to 10m (32ft) long and live coiled in the intestines.
Teams from Cambridge and Bristol universities used microscopy techniques to detect ancient parasite eggs within the faeces and determined whether it was from a human or dog.
The University of Cambridge's Dr Marissa Ledger said it also appeared they shared food with their dogs, because both were infected by similar parasitic worms from eating the raw fish, amphibians and molluscs.
The research offered the first clear understanding of prehistoric Fen people's diseases, according to the university.
'An insight into the everyday'
The extraordinary preservation conditions also revealed less savoury remains - pieces of human faeces or "coprolites" - which enabled scientists to discover the earliest evidence of fish tapeworm in Britain.
These can grow up to 10m (32ft) long and live coiled in the intestines.
Teams from Cambridge and Bristol universities used microscopy techniques to detect ancient parasite eggs within the faeces and determined whether it was from a human or dog.
The University of Cambridge's Dr Marissa Ledger said it also appeared they shared food with their dogs, because both were infected by similar parasitic worms from eating the raw fish, amphibians and molluscs.
The research offered the first clear understanding of prehistoric Fen people's diseases, according to the university.
'An insight into the everyday'
Emma Jones/AncientCraftReplicas of many of the discoveries were commissioned and some of them will go on display at the Peterborough Museum exhibition
Experimental archaeologist, Emma Jones, said: "It's probably a reflection what a normal late Bronze Age settlement looked like, and the insight into the mundane and everyday does echo with us.
"In comparison, most archaeological findings from this era come in some sort of burial or ritual context, so relates to someone of higher status."
Ms Jones works for AncientCraft, which was commissioned to make replicas of some of the tools and jewels and she was fascinated by the recovery of 49 glass beads.
She added: "In a world that's presumed to be in browns and natural colours, because no evidence has survived of the dyeing of cloth, to see the sudden burst of colour was exciting."
Introducing Must Farm, a Bronze Age Settlement is at Peterborough Museum from 27 April – 28 September.
Experimental archaeologist, Emma Jones, said: "It's probably a reflection what a normal late Bronze Age settlement looked like, and the insight into the mundane and everyday does echo with us.
"In comparison, most archaeological findings from this era come in some sort of burial or ritual context, so relates to someone of higher status."
Ms Jones works for AncientCraft, which was commissioned to make replicas of some of the tools and jewels and she was fascinated by the recovery of 49 glass beads.
She added: "In a world that's presumed to be in browns and natural colours, because no evidence has survived of the dyeing of cloth, to see the sudden burst of colour was exciting."
Introducing Must Farm, a Bronze Age Settlement is at Peterborough Museum from 27 April – 28 September.
GOING UNDERGROUND: NEOLITHIC FLINT MINE OPENS TO PUBLIC
Visitors to Grime’s Graves can descend into the oldest humanmade underground space in England
New entrance provides access to subterranean world and new exhibition with Neolithic tools tells story of people 4,500 years ago
Transporting visitors 4,500 years back in time, a new entrance to one of a vast complex of prehistoric flint mines opens from Saturday (27 April) at Grime’s Graves in Norfolk.
English Heritage’s new entrance building and exhibition at the country’s oldest humanmade underground space – complete with previously unseen flint tools discovered at the site, such as an axe, sickle and circular knife – will reveal the wonders of this ancient industrial hub, the Neolithic equivalent of Yorkshire’s cotton mills, or South Wales’ steelworks. This project has been made possible by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
Standing above ground at Grime’s Graves – first named Grim’s Graves by the Anglo-Saxons (who believed it was the burial place of the god Woden/Grim) – you would be forgiven for thinking you had landed on another planet, with its strange, grassy lunar landscape, but the undulating ground hints at the historical treasure below. Around 2500 BC, about the time many of the stones at Stonehenge were first raised, Neolithic miners used tools made from deer antlers to carve out a labyrinth of tunnels across 430 mine shafts, some up to 13 metres deep. This was in pursuit of the prized, high value and jet-black flint which was formed millions of years ago by the debris of sea creatures on what was then an ocean bed.
Described as the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of Neolithic life, flint was sought after for its versatility and durability, as well as perhaps spiritual value, and was used to fashion tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects. The flint at Grime’s Graves was of such good quality that it would have been used for fine, specialised tools, and a giant hunk of flint possibly from the area has even been found as far away as Avebury, Wiltshire. Now thanks to a new structure over one of the mineshafts, known as Pit 1, visitors are able to easily descend 9 metres (30 ft) below ground into one of the flint mines dug over 4,500 years ago.
Jennifer Wexler, English Heritage’s Properties Historian, said: “What makes Grime’s Graves such a special place is that there are still so many secrets to be unlocked. It was not until 1868-70, when one of the pits was excavated, that this was even identified as a Neolithic flint mine. To this day, most of the over 400 pits remain untouched and geophysical surveys suggest that the mines covered a much greater area, so we are getting a tantalising glimpse into place full of hidden mystery.
“What I find remarkable is the deep understanding the miners had of their environment. The mines are a feat of great engineering skill, showing sophisticated geological knowledge of the earth. The site was in use at the same time that Neolithic people were transforming their world on a massive scale and building impressive monuments across the British Isles, such as Stonehenge and Avebury. It’s brilliant that visitors will be able to see a few of the remarkable objects we have recently excavated in our new exhibition and then descend deep underground to have this totally otherworldly experience.”
Archaeologist and Time Team’s Phil Harding, who voices Grime’s Graves new audio guide, said: ‘’There’s a big part of my life at Grimes Graves; I spent five happy summers in the 1970s discovering its wonderful archaeology. I hope that what we learnt, some of which has been incorporated in the new improved facilities, can help visitors to understand the site better and appreciate what is not just a magical place but a testament to the skills of the Neolithic civil engineers.”
Miners were believed to have been lured to Grime’s Graves from far afield for its precious flint, and whole communities, including women, children, and even pet dogs, were involved in the mining process. Now, a new exhibition, will reveal the engineering prowess and geological understanding of Neolithic people, looking at examples of the tools they fashioned from the flint, and showing how they lived, and what they believed.
Those who want to venture into a mineshaft will find a more accessible descent into Pit 1. Below ground, a new film projected onto the pit’s walls tells the story of the men, women, and even children who risked daily danger in pursuit of their prize. If you look closely, you can still see the marks scoured into the walls as the flint was hacked out to be taken above ground and transported far and wide.
Set amid the distinctive Breckland heath landscape, Grime’s Graves is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a habitat for rare plants and fauna and so a new family trail will encourage exploration of the unique landscape, geology, wildlife and plant life.
Grime’s Graves opens to the public on Saturday 27 April.
Grime's Graves re-opening has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players and a grant of over £200,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Visitors to Grime’s Graves can descend into the oldest humanmade underground space in England
New entrance provides access to subterranean world and new exhibition with Neolithic tools tells story of people 4,500 years ago
Transporting visitors 4,500 years back in time, a new entrance to one of a vast complex of prehistoric flint mines opens from Saturday (27 April) at Grime’s Graves in Norfolk.
English Heritage’s new entrance building and exhibition at the country’s oldest humanmade underground space – complete with previously unseen flint tools discovered at the site, such as an axe, sickle and circular knife – will reveal the wonders of this ancient industrial hub, the Neolithic equivalent of Yorkshire’s cotton mills, or South Wales’ steelworks. This project has been made possible by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
Standing above ground at Grime’s Graves – first named Grim’s Graves by the Anglo-Saxons (who believed it was the burial place of the god Woden/Grim) – you would be forgiven for thinking you had landed on another planet, with its strange, grassy lunar landscape, but the undulating ground hints at the historical treasure below. Around 2500 BC, about the time many of the stones at Stonehenge were first raised, Neolithic miners used tools made from deer antlers to carve out a labyrinth of tunnels across 430 mine shafts, some up to 13 metres deep. This was in pursuit of the prized, high value and jet-black flint which was formed millions of years ago by the debris of sea creatures on what was then an ocean bed.
Described as the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of Neolithic life, flint was sought after for its versatility and durability, as well as perhaps spiritual value, and was used to fashion tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects. The flint at Grime’s Graves was of such good quality that it would have been used for fine, specialised tools, and a giant hunk of flint possibly from the area has even been found as far away as Avebury, Wiltshire. Now thanks to a new structure over one of the mineshafts, known as Pit 1, visitors are able to easily descend 9 metres (30 ft) below ground into one of the flint mines dug over 4,500 years ago.
Jennifer Wexler, English Heritage’s Properties Historian, said: “What makes Grime’s Graves such a special place is that there are still so many secrets to be unlocked. It was not until 1868-70, when one of the pits was excavated, that this was even identified as a Neolithic flint mine. To this day, most of the over 400 pits remain untouched and geophysical surveys suggest that the mines covered a much greater area, so we are getting a tantalising glimpse into place full of hidden mystery.
“What I find remarkable is the deep understanding the miners had of their environment. The mines are a feat of great engineering skill, showing sophisticated geological knowledge of the earth. The site was in use at the same time that Neolithic people were transforming their world on a massive scale and building impressive monuments across the British Isles, such as Stonehenge and Avebury. It’s brilliant that visitors will be able to see a few of the remarkable objects we have recently excavated in our new exhibition and then descend deep underground to have this totally otherworldly experience.”
Archaeologist and Time Team’s Phil Harding, who voices Grime’s Graves new audio guide, said: ‘’There’s a big part of my life at Grimes Graves; I spent five happy summers in the 1970s discovering its wonderful archaeology. I hope that what we learnt, some of which has been incorporated in the new improved facilities, can help visitors to understand the site better and appreciate what is not just a magical place but a testament to the skills of the Neolithic civil engineers.”
Miners were believed to have been lured to Grime’s Graves from far afield for its precious flint, and whole communities, including women, children, and even pet dogs, were involved in the mining process. Now, a new exhibition, will reveal the engineering prowess and geological understanding of Neolithic people, looking at examples of the tools they fashioned from the flint, and showing how they lived, and what they believed.
Those who want to venture into a mineshaft will find a more accessible descent into Pit 1. Below ground, a new film projected onto the pit’s walls tells the story of the men, women, and even children who risked daily danger in pursuit of their prize. If you look closely, you can still see the marks scoured into the walls as the flint was hacked out to be taken above ground and transported far and wide.
Set amid the distinctive Breckland heath landscape, Grime’s Graves is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a habitat for rare plants and fauna and so a new family trail will encourage exploration of the unique landscape, geology, wildlife and plant life.
Grime’s Graves opens to the public on Saturday 27 April.
Grime's Graves re-opening has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players and a grant of over £200,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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