An archaeological dig in West Dorset (England) has unearthed primitive tools dating back to the late Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. The site, at Thorncombe Beacon near Charmouth, was previously thought to be of Bronze Age origin. But the flint tools indicate that the site was probably occupied from around 5000 BCE and are thought to be the oldest artefacts ever found in the area.
     The dig was organised by the National Trust, who own the Golden Cap estate on which the site is located. The Trust feared that cliff erosion would destroy the site before its history was understood. Patrick Woodford, West Dorset Property Manager, said: “In the Mesolithic period people would have been able to walk to France, but over thousands of years the English Channel has been formed and the cliffs have moved steadily north. The coastal erosion is gradually causing the archaeological evidence to tumble into the sea.” The panoramic views from Thorncombe explain its attraction both as a lookout and as a secure defensible settlement throughout prehistory.
     The dig lasted two weeks and was carried out by conservation volunteers under the supervision of National Trust archaeologists. Experts are now examining the finds and soil samples.

Source: This is Weymouth & Dorchester (5 July 2003)