Monument record MDO19448 - Mother Siller's Channel, Crouch Hill, Christchurch; Mesolithic Hearths in Trench 1

The excavation by Susann Palmer during 1970 at the base of Crouch Hill, Christchurch Harbour, recovered evidence for mesolithic hearths in Trench 1. These comprised two hearths with large areas of burnt, concreted sand round them at the base of sandy layer [2]. One hearth consisted of two slabs of Purbeck limestone placed together, and the other consisted of one big slab of limestone with an adjoining area of compact yellow clay. The sand surrounding the hearths was stained dark grey. Only a few very small pieces of charcoal were found. two microliths came from the sand around the hearths and further mesolithic material was spread all around the trench.

The excavation by Susann Palmer during 1970 at the base of Crouch Hill, Christchurch Harbour, recovered evidence for mesolithic hearths in Trench 1. These comprised two hearths with large areas of burnt, concreted sand round them at the base of sandy layer [2].

One hearth consisted of two slabs of Purbeck limestone placed together, and the other consisted of one big slab of limestone with an adjoining area of compact yellow clay. The sand surrounding the hearths was stained dark grey. Only a few very small pieces of charcoal were found. two microliths came from the sand around the hearths and further mesolithic material was spread all around the trench.

This, together with a further hearth in Trench 2, seems to represent an open mesolithic camp. The nearest source of Purbeck limestone is 15 miles distant from the site, a long way to carry hearthstones. The excavator suggested that the site may post date 5000 BC because at this time the sea would have been relatively close to the site.

<1> Palmer, S, 1970, The Mesolithic Industries of Mother Siller's Channel, Christchurch, and the Neighbouring Areas. Excavation Report., p9-33 (Article in serial). SWX3924.

<2> Le Pard, G, 1995-2003, Dorset Coast Forum Maritime Archaeological Database, Structure 15 (Digital archive). SWX8707.

Record last edited

Nov 8 2023 7:41PM