UK's 'oldest' open-air cemetery discovered in Somerset

Feuer Frei! · 07-23-11, 04:14 AM

Somerset was the site of the UK's oldest open-air cemetery, the county council says.
Recent radiocarbon dating of two skulls found at a sand quarry in Greylake nature reserve near Middlezoy in 1928 revealed them to be 10,000 years old.
The council said the find was made under its Lost Islands of Somerset project by a team investigating the archaeology of the Somerset Levels.
Since their discovery, the skulls have been held at Bridgwater's Blake Museum.
The new findings show that by around 8,300 BC, hunter-gatherers were burying their dead on what was once an island amid the Levels.
All the other human remains from this early period in Britain have been found in caves such as Aveline's Hole in Somerset which is the largest Mesolithic burial ground in the UK.
Somerset County Councillor Christine Lawrence, cabinet member for community services said: "Somerset's wonderfully rich heritage plays a big part in attracting visitors. I'm delighted that this project has thrown new light on to these exciting finds."

"This was amazing news and was just the result we were hoping for," added Dr Richard Brunning, from Somerset County Council's Heritage Service who is leading the Lost Islands of Somerset Project.
"It shows that a Mesolithic hunter-gatherer group was operating from the island and burying its dead there.
"Such open-air cemeteries are extremely rare in Europe and this is the only one known from the UK."
Flint tools were also found in large numbers on the site in the 1950s suggesting that it was used as a long-term camp site.
The Lost Islands of Somerset Project team will carry out more analysis on the skulls and tools to ascertain how this ancient community lived and died.

SOURCE

STEED · 07-23-11, 06:29 AM

The good old days before politics came along and wrecked it all.

Thanks.

Armistead · 07-23-11, 08:56 AM

We know that's a lie, 10,000 years old, the earth is only 6000 years old. Don't believe me, ask any Teaparty member..

07-23-11, 03:35 PM

It just shows that even in ancient times the somerset folk were too bolloxed on scrumpy to make the walk to the caves.

Jimbuna · 07-23-11, 03:48 PM

LOL

07-23-11, 04:11 PM

it's pronounced zomerzet by the way

Osmium Steele · 07-25-11, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armistead

We know that's a lie, 10,000 years old, the earth is only 6000 years old. Don't believe me, ask any Teaparty member..

Ok, I'm listening. Ask me...

August · 07-25-11, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Osmium Steele

Ok, I'm listening. Ask me...

He's only out for the troll bite. Accuracy and truth is not his strong point.

07-23-11, 04:14 AM	#1
Feuer Frei! Navy Seal Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Valhalla Posts: 5,295 Downloads: 141 Uploads: 17	UK's 'oldest' open-air cemetery discovered in Somerset Somerset was the site of the UK's oldest open-air cemetery, the county council says. Recent radiocarbon dating of two skulls found at a sand quarry in Greylake nature reserve near Middlezoy in 1928 revealed them to be 10,000 years old. The council said the find was made under its Lost Islands of Somerset project by a team investigating the archaeology of the Somerset Levels. Since their discovery, the skulls have been held at Bridgwater's Blake Museum. The new findings show that by around 8,300 BC, hunter-gatherers were burying their dead on what was once an island amid the Levels. All the other human remains from this early period in Britain have been found in caves such as Aveline's Hole in Somerset which is the largest Mesolithic burial ground in the UK. Somerset County Councillor Christine Lawrence, cabinet member for community services said: "Somerset's wonderfully rich heritage plays a big part in attracting visitors. I'm delighted that this project has thrown new light on to these exciting finds." "This was amazing news and was just the result we were hoping for," added Dr Richard Brunning, from Somerset County Council's Heritage Service who is leading the Lost Islands of Somerset Project. "It shows that a Mesolithic hunter-gatherer group was operating from the island and burying its dead there. "Such open-air cemeteries are extremely rare in Europe and this is the only one known from the UK." Flint tools were also found in large numbers on the site in the 1950s suggesting that it was used as a long-term camp site. The Lost Islands of Somerset Project team will carry out more analysis on the skulls and tools to ascertain how this ancient community lived and died. SOURCE __________________ "History is the lies that the victors agree on"- Napoleon LINK TO MY SH 3 MODS

07-23-11, 06:29 AM	#2
STEED Lucky Jack Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Down Town UK Posts: 27,695 Downloads: 89 Uploads: 48	The good old days before politics came along and wrecked it all. Thanks. __________________ Dr Who rest in peace 1963-2017. To borrow Davros saying...I NAME YOU CHIBNALL THE DESTROYER OF DR WHO YOU KILLED IT!

07-23-11, 03:48 PM	#5
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,500 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	LOL __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

07-23-11, 08:56 AM	#3
Armistead Rear Admiral Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: on the Dan Posts: 10,880 Downloads: 364 Uploads: 0	We know that's a lie, 10,000 years old, the earth is only 6000 years old. Don't believe me, ask any Teaparty member..

07-23-11, 03:35 PM	#4
Tribesman Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	It just shows that even in ancient times the somerset folk were too bolloxed on scrumpy to make the walk to the caves.

07-23-11, 04:11 PM	#6
sidslotm Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	it's pronounced zomerzet by the way