Find Spot record MDO2703 - Palaeoliths from Westford Farm Quarry, Thorncombe

At least twelve palaeoliths found by a mechanical excavator driver between 1945 and 1955, and reported to have been found at depths of between one and five metres below ground level.

SWX1540*NB. In addition, the record card also notes discovery in 1950s of Palaeolithic implements including an Achulean chert axe, on north side of road opposite Bateham's Farm at ST340042 (ST 33990439) Palaeolithic Implements found AD 1926 (NAT). (1) Palaeoliths found in the Westford Farm gravel pits (ST 340042) nclude an Acheulian chert handaxe picked up by W,G. Larcombe on the north side of the road opposite Bateham's Farm (2) and another donated to Somerset County Museum in 1955-6). (2-3) No further information was gained on the above, but G. Osborne, formerly an excavator driver at the gravel workings, found at least a dozen palaeoliths there between 1945 and 1955, all from 3 feet to 15 feet below the surface. One came from ST 34190445 and others from around ST 339042. Mr. Osborne gave some of them to J. Stevens Cox and three to Mr. Peacock of Herridge Farm, Thorncombe. The latter are all Acheulian chert handaxes. The gravel-workings are now closed. (4) Two chert handaxes have been found by J.J.Wymer in the gravel pit of Messrs JR Platt and Sons south of Chard Junction Station, ST 342045. One, a twisted ovate and much rolled example, was found in June 1959; the other, discovered in April 1974, is 8 1/2 inches long of flattish pointed form, in almost mint condition. Both have been placed in Somerset County Museum. According to workmen on the site, very few implements have been found in the pit opposite Westford Farm at ST 339044, but they have been found in quantity in the past in the pit closer to the river at ST 338046. Most of these implements must have gone into private collections. (5)

Record last edited

Apr 5 2022 10:18AM