Mesolithic Flints (Tillside)
Rocky edge at Bowden Doors. Photo by Harry Rowland.
NU 071326: Evidence of temporary Mesolithic occupation was revealed when an area beneath a series of overhangs, 300 yards from the south east end of Bowden Doors was excavated. The soft surface sand, 10-15cm thick, was found to be lying immediately upon the bedrock. Within this surface sand a considerable number of flint chippings were found, some identifiable as tools probably Mesolithic.
Small pieces of charcoal were also found within the surface sand and some of the flints were burnt. There was no evidence of hearths or structures which could be related to these finds. (1)
No suggestion of prolonged or regular occupation. Finds held by C Burgess. (2)
NU 070327. Mesolithic flint site. (3)
NU 070325 [Grid reference incorrectly printed] Bowden Doors mesolithic flint site. Rock shelter. One flint scraper, in possession of C Burgess. (4)
NU 070326. In 1998 a small assemblage of lithics was discovered by climbers at Bowden doors and passed to the Museum of Antiquities, Newcastle upon Tyne (accession number 1998.5). The assemblage of 16 lithics came from beneath an overhang towards the north end of the main crag where erosion by climbers had occurred. The lithics include a core, a broken scraper, broken blade segments, broken flakes and broken pointed flake. The group indicates Late Mesolithic rather than Early Neolithic activity around the crag. (5)
Additional Reference (6)
Small pieces of charcoal were also found within the surface sand and some of the flints were burnt. There was no evidence of hearths or structures which could be related to these finds. (1)
No suggestion of prolonged or regular occupation. Finds held by C Burgess. (2)
NU 070327. Mesolithic flint site. (3)
NU 070325 [Grid reference incorrectly printed] Bowden Doors mesolithic flint site. Rock shelter. One flint scraper, in possession of C Burgess. (4)
NU 070326. In 1998 a small assemblage of lithics was discovered by climbers at Bowden doors and passed to the Museum of Antiquities, Newcastle upon Tyne (accession number 1998.5). The assemblage of 16 lithics came from beneath an overhang towards the north end of the main crag where erosion by climbers had occurred. The lithics include a core, a broken scraper, broken blade segments, broken flakes and broken pointed flake. The group indicates Late Mesolithic rather than Early Neolithic activity around the crag. (5)
Additional Reference (6)
N3927
EXCAVATION, A Bronze Age rock shelter in north Northumberland and other rock shelters and craglines in the region 1968; Newcastle University Excavation Committee
Disclaimer -
Please note that this information has been compiled from a number of different sources. Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council can accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy contained therein. If you wish to use/copy any of the images, please ensure that you read the Copyright information provided.