EDO931 - Upper Palaeolithic Site, Eastern Depression, Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth; excavation 1981 to 1984

Excavations directed by Nick Barton under the auspices of Oxford University were undertaken between 1981 and 1984 to investigate the Upper Palaeolithic site in the Eastern Depression of Hengistbury Head. A total of 96 square metres was excavated between the areas previously excavated by Angela Mace and John Campbell in 1957 and 1968 respectively. In addition a series of test pits were dug across the Eastern Depression to assess the extent of the flint scatter. A trench was also dug across a linear earthwork which crosses the depression. Pollen analysis and soil micromorphological analysis was also undertaken. The excavations recovered significant quantities of worked flint of Upper Palaeolithic character (including blades, cores, backed blades, burins, etc.) together with lumps of sandstone and pieces of ochre. It was possible to identify a knapping area and a hearth area within the site, which has been dated to 12500 +/- 1150 years BP by thermoluminescence dating of burnt flint artefacts. The linear earthwork is probably early Iron Age in date. (1)