Prehistoric People of the Pennines

The value and importance of Marsden Moor for evidence of Mesolithic stone-age people, who inhabited the area between 5000 to 8000 years ago, has long been appreciated by antiquarian flint collectors, amateur and professional archaeologists and illicit diggers. Seasonal excavations between 1993 and 1996 have produced evidence in the form of abundant Mesolithic flint tools and, exceptionally, hearths and occupation surfaces. Here the excavation techniques are described and how archaeologists analyse and interpret the evidence is explained. The Mesolithic hunters of the Pennines are examined against the wider regional background of environment and culture at this time and a study of modern-day hunter-gatherer tribes brings the Mesolithic evidence to life.

Published by West Yorkshire Archaeology Service, 2002