Monument record MDR2227 - Human inhumations and artefacts, Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton
Type and Period (2)
- INHUMATION (Neolithic - 4000 BC to 2351 BC)
- CAVE (Neolithic - 4000 BC to 2351 BC)
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Full Description
SK 1357 8299: Treak Cliff Cavern, Inhumations, Neolithic Axe: [sited from sketch plan].
Sepulchral cave, with collapsed roof, 400 ft. south-west of the point at which the footpath to the Blue John Mine leaves the Castleton to Chapel-en-le-Frith main road. In September 1921 the remains of at least three individuals were found by workmen mining for fluorspar. A small polished and re-chipped Neolithic celt of greenish volcanic rock, and a much worn red deer antler pick, were also found. (1)
The guide of Treak Cliff cavern indicated the site of the old cave (now blocked by quarry spoil) at SK 1352 8305, c 3.0m below natural ground level. The finds were sent to Liverpool University and classed as Bronze Age. The axe is now in Stockport Museum and a skull, and other skeletal remains, are held at the Cavern (open to the public). (3)
SK 1357 8299: Treak Cliff Cavern, Stone axe: (SK 136831) A stone axe, group VI banded, from Treak Cliff Cave is in Sheffield Museum; Acc. No. J 1959 6/C/18. (5)
'This show cave comprises an outer series of caves much altered by pipe working for Blue John. It was known in the 18th century as Old Miller Mine, entered by a 1780's century adit called George Wittingham's Level. An inner series of natural caves was discovered in 1926during mining for Blue John. The whole cave is 305m long. (8).
Sources/Archives (9)
- <1> SDR1649 Article in serial: Armstrong, A. 1923. 'A sepulchral cave at Tray Cliff, Castleton', Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute. Volume 53, pp 123-128.
- <2> SDR19100 Article in serial: Anon. 1924. 'Sepulchral cave at Tray Cliff near Castleton', Derbyshire Archaeological Journal. 'Notes' No. XI, pp 124-125.
- <3> SDR6293 Personal Observation: F1 FRH 03-SEP-65.
- <4> SDR15414 Bibliographic reference: Bramwell, D. 1971. Trans. Cave Research. Vol. 3, No. 1, p 63.
- <5> SDR13190 Article in serial: Moore, C N and Cummins, W A. 1974. 'Petrological Identification of Stone Implements from Derbyshire and Leicestershire', Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society. Volume 40, pp 59-78. p 69.
- <6> SDR8643 Bibliographic reference: Marsden, B. 1977. The Burial Mounds of Derbyshire. pp 110-111.
- <7> SDR13943 Index: NDAT. 0579.
- <8> SDR20407 Unpublished document: Barnatt, J (PDNPA). 1993. Winnats Head Farm, Castleton, Derbyshire, archaeological survey, 1993. No. 61, p 9.
- <9> SDR18970 Photograph: Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA). Black and white photograph collection. 534:27 (taken 1921).
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred SK 1357 8299 (10m by 10m) (Centre) |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | CASTLETON, HIGH PEAK, DERBYSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (3)
- EDR363
- EDR3709
- EDR787
Please contact the HER for details.
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Sep 14 2017 2:04PM