Monument record MWX1223 - Neolithic pits, Southbourne, Bournemouth
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Summary
Pits were reportedly visible in section in the low cliff face at the junction of Sea Road and Southbourne Cliff Drive prior to 1931. Flint flakes were apparently recovered from one. The pits were considered to be Neolithic because of their proximity to another pit also believed to be Neolithic. By 1954, when an Ordnance Survey field investigator visited the area, the pits were no longer visible, and were presumably destroyed during the construction of the cliff road. A substantial scatter of Neolithic flints was found nearby in 1913, while at another location in the vicinity, finds included seven ivory beads, a sandstone incense cup, and a perforated egg-shaped sarsen stone with a cup-shaped depression at one end.
Map
Type and Period (3)
Full Description
The pits were visible in section in the low cliff face at the junction of Sea Road and Southbourne Cliff Drive.
Black flint flakes were found in one of the pits some years ago so it is likely that they belong to the same period as the nearby pit (SZ 19 SE 26) which is classified as Neolithic A1.
A Neolithic working site was found nearby in 1913. 7000 flints were located including arrowheads, borers, picks, axes etc. They have been numbered and classified by David Chambers the finder. At another site near the above were found seven ivory beads, a sandstone incense-cup,and an egg-shaped sarsen stone with a cup-shaped depression at one end, and perforated by a 2" hole. The objects will, if possible be stored in Bournemouth. <2-4>
Pits no longer visible, possibly destroyed in the building of the Cliff road. <5>
Sources/Archives (7)
- <1> SWX1540 Map: Ordnance Survey. Ordnance Survey Map 6in. 6 inch to 1 mile. 1931/38.
- <2> SWX4352 Monograph: Ordnance Survey. 1931. Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Object Name Book. p81.
- <2.1> SWX4524 Verbal communication: Conversations with Mr W G Wallace.
- <3> SWX4353 Article in serial: Calkin J B. 1947. Neolithic Pit at Southbourne. Vol 69. p31.
- <4> SWX4354 Article in serial: 1913. The Antiquary: a magazine devoted to the study of the past 49 p199-200. Vol 49. p199-200.
- <5> SDO11903 Unpublished document: Quinnell, N V. Various. Field Investigators Comments NVQ. F1 NVQ 16-JUL-54.
- <6> SDO14739 Digital archive: National Record of the Historic Environment. 458964.
Finds (4)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (0)
Location
| Grid reference | Centred SZ 14815 91105 (30m by 10m) (2 map features) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | SZ19SW |
| Unitary Authority | Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole |
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Other Statuses/References
- Legacy UID: National Monuments Record: SZ 19 SW 60
- Legacy UID: National Record of the Historic Environment: 458964
Record last edited
May 4 2023 5:06PM