Monument record TQ 53 NE 9 - High Rocks Mesolithic/Neolithic cave shelters, High Rocks, Tunbridge Wells

Summary

A number of flint implements were found after the discovery of an Iron Age Hillfort in 1939 at High Rocks. The site was subsequently investigated between 1954-6. Four phases of use were suggested dating the site to the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. Amongst the finds were a large quantity of Mesolithic flints including cores, blades/flakes, microliths, axes and scrapers. Seven hearths were also recorded and were attributed to the late Mesolithic period on the basis of Carbon14 dating. A Neolithic leaf shaped arrowhead and mid-Neolithic pottery were also recovered and possible post hole structures, perhaps from a temporary shelter, were identified. On the basis of the evidence it is thought that the Rock Shelters were only intermittently occupied rather than a continuous settlement.

Location

Grid reference Centred TQ 5606 3837 (400m by 155m) FCE
Map sheet TQ53NE
County KENT
District TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT
Civil Parish ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT

Map

Type and Period (4)

Full Description

<1> Suss Arch Coll 98 1960 173-221 plans photos Figs(JH Money) (OS Card Reference). SKE49763.

<2> Suss Arch Coll 100 1962 (OS Card Reference). SKE49762.

<3> Kent Arch Rev 35 1974 Radiocarbon dates from Kent 148 (OS Card Reference). SKE45768.

<4> CBA Res Rep 20 Gaz of Me sites in Eng & Wales 1977 302 (JJ Wymer) (OS Card Reference). SKE38878.

<5> CBA Res Rep 29 Arch in Suss to AD 1500 1978 15 19 (PL Drewett,ed) (OS Card Reference). SKE38896.

<6> CBA Res Rep 43 Arch in Kent to AD 1500 1982 21 (PE Leach ed) (OS Card Reference). SKE38898.

<7> BAR 76 Culture & Enviroment in Prehist Wales 1980 132 133 (JA Taylor) (OS Card Reference). SKE37566.

<8> F1 ASP 19.1.65 (OS Card Reference). SKE42176.

<9> Field report for monument TQ 53 NE 9 - January, 1965 (Bibliographic reference). SKE2708.

Sources/Archives (9)

  • <1> OS Card Reference: Suss Arch Coll 98 1960 173-221 plans photos Figs(JH Money).
  • <2> OS Card Reference: Suss Arch Coll 100 1962.
  • <3> OS Card Reference: Kent Arch Rev 35 1974 Radiocarbon dates from Kent 148.
  • <4> OS Card Reference: CBA Res Rep 20 Gaz of Me sites in Eng & Wales 1977 302 (JJ Wymer).
  • <5> OS Card Reference: CBA Res Rep 29 Arch in Suss to AD 1500 1978 15 19 (PL Drewett,ed).
  • <6> OS Card Reference: CBA Res Rep 43 Arch in Kent to AD 1500 1982 21 (PE Leach ed).
  • <7> OS Card Reference: BAR 76 Culture & Enviroment in Prehist Wales 1980 132 133 (JA Taylor).
  • <8>XY OS Card Reference: F1 ASP 19.1.65. [Mapped feature: #76 rock shelter, ]
  • <9> Bibliographic reference: Field report for monument TQ 53 NE 9 - January, 1965.

Finds (7)

Protected Status/Designation

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

  • Intrusive Event: HIGH ROCKS ESCARPMENT (Ref: EI 14679) (EKE3777)

Related Thematic Articles (1)

Record last edited

Mar 4 2021 8:40PM