Published Date:
12 October 2007
By Staff Copy
ARCHAEOLOGISTS have uncovered a rare mysterious carved stone on the Abbey Headland which may be up to 4,000 years old and could give vital clues to the town's eventful history.
A six-week dig by English Heritage is currently taking place on the Headland, one of the country’s most important historical sites, next to Abbey Farm.
It is thought the stone, which measures 16 by 20 inches, could date back to the Bronze Age which lasted from 2000BC to 700BC.
Displaying linear carved markings, the stone was found in one of four trenches dug just to the east of Whitby Abbey by archaeologists Tom Jamieson (44) and Jessica Tibber (26).
Senior archaeologist Sarah Jennings, English Heritage’s project director for the excavation, said the carved stone could open a window on a much earlier period in Whitby’s past.
“It’s potentially a very significant find as we have hardly any material from this period in the Headland’s past,” she said.
“But we need to wait for detailed analysis before we draw firm conclusions.
“If it is Bronze Age, then it underlines the headland has a long history of settlement, well before St Hilda founded the Abbey in 657AD.
“They have done a fantastic job finding it.
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Last Updated:
11 October 2007 9:36 AM
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Source:
Whitby Gazette Friday
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Location:
Whitby
