SHINE: Mesolithic occupation site, Hardhurst, Unstone (DDR8796)

As the site was being destroyed by intensive ploughing, a rescue excavation was conducted during the winters of 1977 and 1978. The surface scatter of flints broadly coincided with the buried distributions and structural features. Excavations revealed structural evidence of a sequence of Mesolithic occupation. The major features were a curvilinear ring of stakes of uncertain purpose and a complex group of irregular hollows and stake holes dug into the bedrock; these are also of unknown function. Several hearths were found and a radiocarbon determination is awaited. Based on the flint assemblage, however, the site belongs mainly to the Early Mesolithic.