The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project
Flitholme
Location
Cumbria
Time Period
Prehistoric,
Client
National Highways,
Excavations near the small hamlet of Flitholme are uncovering some wonderful archaeological features, with on-going works revealing more and more as archaeologists progress.
Image: archaeologists posing within a posthole structure
Postholes, postholes, and more postholes…
The Oxford Cotswold Archaeology (OCA) team recently investigated numerous potential posthole structures on a site east of Flitholme. Postholes (see left image below) often vary in width and depth and can signal where wooden posts may have stood in the past. The position of postholes can help determine the size, location and shape of a structure; different size structures have varying numbers of postholes, from just a few to in some cases, hundreds.
Image: three half-excavated postholes of varying shapes, sizes, and depths
Image: archaeologists excavating and recording postholes on site – each green flag represents a posthole
Despite investigations being ongoing, archaeologists have determined at least four posthole structures on site so far, one of which is notably large in size with over fifty postholes and counting. Post-excavation analysis can uncover more information regarding these structures, such as their intended use. We have uncovered evidence of similar large posthole structures on other OCA excavations along the A66 – click below to learn more!
Shaping stones
The OCA team has continued to uncover further evidence of prehistoric life along the route of the A66. Prehistoric polished hand axes are remarkable examples of early human craftsmanship and technological innovation. The polished finish not only made the axes sharper and more durable but also reflected a growing understanding of materials and tool efficiency.
These would have been a vital tool used for chopping wood, butchering animals, even shaping other tools. The OCA team have found a number of potential polished hand axes across excavations, not just here by Flitholme. Each one tells a story of connection and the human drive to make things better
Image (right): archaeologist Erin holding another hand axe found within a Neolithic feature
Image: archaeologist Darcie holding one of the stone tool finds during excavation
Image: archaeologist holding stone tool in hands