Find Spot record MDO2440 - Palaeolithic axe, Shipton Hill, Shipton Gorge

A flaked chert axe was found while digging a drain at Shipton Hill in 1953. There appears to be some confusion over its date - it has been described as both Neolithic and Palaeolithic. It is in Dorset County Museum, Dorchester.

From SHIPTON HILL: a celt, presented by MR W. BUTCHER, HIGHER STURTHILL, SHIPTON GORGE. Accession No. 1954.29. [Presented with other finds from the neighbourhood, for which see 38 SE 3]. <1>

This axe was of chert and chipped to shape. It was approximately 8 ins. long, 1½ ins. wide and of oval section. It was not straight but slightly crescentic. The axe was found while digging a drain near the house in 1953. <2>

[SY51199201] By description this axe seems to be of Ne. type. At the time of recording Col Drew, of the D.C.M. could not be contacted, and the axe was not displayed. The site of finding was pointed out on the ground by MR BUTCHER. <3>

The celt has been classified as Palaeolithic. (Chert). <4>

<1> Dorset County Museum, Dorset County Museum Accessions Book (Unpublished document). SWX1315.

<2> Quinnell, N V, Various, Field Investigators Comments NVQ, F1 NVQ 10-MAR-55 (Unpublished document). SDO11903.

<3> Quinnell, N V, Various, Field Investigators Comments NVQ, F2 NVQ 06-MAY-55 (Unpublished document). SDO11903.

<3.1> Butcher, Mr W, Oral: Mr W Butcher, Higher Sturthill, Shipton Gorge (Verbal communication). SDO19083.

<4> Corr. 6" (Map). SDO19708.

<5> National Record of the Historic Environment, 451386 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Dec 18 2023 2:28PM