The Neolithic period

Two fragments of tuff from a re-chipped Neolithic stone axe head

The caves used since the Upper Palaeolithic continued in use during the Neolithic, but with a different function. They appear to have become associated with burial of the dead, as at Ravencliffe Cave where the remains of some twenty individuals were found along with animal remains and Neolithic tools.

During the 1940’s the interior of Fin Cop hillfort was ploughed, and an assemblage of flint was collected. This assemblage contained many diagnostic Mesolithic pieces, but also some Late-Neolithic/Early Bronze Age flints, such as a transverse arrowhead, thumbnail scraper and a bi-facially worked flint knife. Downslope from the hillfort a fine scraper made on a broad blade was discovered, dating to the Neolithic period.

The discovery of recycled polished stone axe head fragments from within the hillfort confines has further demonstrated the Neolithic presence on Fin Cop. The axe head has a green lustre, which is typical of Group VI Langdale axes from Cumbria. In addition to this, some small pottery sherds that may belong to the Neolithic Peterborough Ware (Impressed Ware) tradition were recovered from the same area.