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Mesolithic Sites at Malham Tarn and Great Close Mire, North Yorkshire

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 February 2014

D. J. Williams ,
J. A. Richardson  and
R. S. Richardson
D. J. Williams
Affiliation:
Curator, Baysgarth Museum, Barton on Humber, South Humberside
J. A. Richardson
Affiliation:
16 George Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire
R. S. Richardson
Affiliation:
Department of Humanities, Priesthorpe School, Leeds, West Yorkshire
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Abstract

The occurrence of mesolithic artefacts around Malham Tarn and Great Close Mire has been noted from the 1920s onwards. Pollen analysis at Tarn Moss to the west of Malham Tarn in the 1950s indicated that forest clearance had begun during Zone VI (c. 7000–5500 bc). Between 1972 and 1982, five prolific flint sites and a sixth, minor site were located in this area. The sites are of ‘Narrow Blade’ affinities and may have formed a summer base camp for hunter/gatherer groups operating in the Craven Pennines. Some artefacts of neolithic date have been found on the sites and this may indicate continuity. There is evidence for forest clearance and settlement in the later neolithic and this was well established by the Early Bronze Age.

Type
Research Article
Information
Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society , Volume 53 , Issue 1 , 1987 , pp. 363 - 383
Copyright
Copyright © The Prehistoric Society 1987

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