As they surveyed the foreshore in spring of 2010, archaeologists from TDP found six timber piles of up to 0.3 metres in diameter. Although no definite alignment or function can yet be determined, it is clear that the piles formed part of a prehistoric structure which stood beside the river over 6500 years ago, during the Mesolithic period, when river levels were lower and the landscape very different. Structures of Mesolithic date are very rare anywhere in Britain.
late Mesolithic stone tools, including a fine tranchet adze (a woodworking tool), were also discovered, as well as slightly later Neolithic pottery
Kept secret until it could be fully recorded and investigated, the site is located at the confluence of the Rivers Effra and Thames. Near the timbers, late Mesolithic stone tools, including a fine tranchet adze (a woodworking tool), were also discovered, as well as slightly later Neolithic pottery of two distinct types. The area, may have been a significant, named place continuing through centuries or even millennia. It is only 600m downstream from the Bronze Age timber-built bridge or jetty (c1500 BC) which hit the headlines in the 1990s.
Archaeologists from TDP made the discovery as they investigated the area as part of a continuing project to record archaeological and historical remains on the foreshore. With support from English Heritage, the Museum of London and the geomatics team of Museum of London Archaeology a detailed survey was carried out, radiocarbon dates obtained for the six piles, and specialist analysis of the artefacts and environmental evidence performed. Radiocarbon dates taken from the timbers have indicated that the trees were felled between 4790 BC and 4490 BC. The three samples returned dates of 4792-4610 cal BC, 4690-4490 cal BC and 4720-4540 cal BC.
Radiocarbon dates taken from the timbers have indicated that the trees were felled between 4790 BC and 4490 BC
The timbers are located very near the lowest tide level of the Thames. More evidence may be recovered in future since, like most of the astonishing remains that have been discovered on the foreshore – from huge collections of ships timbers to human burials to Saxon fish traps – the site is affected by the scour created by the twice-daily tides and the growing river traffic. The remains are also threatened by planned riverside developments, including the much needed combined sewer overflow which will pass metres from the timbers. A major research project is under way.
More information
‘London’s Top Secret’ by Gustav Milne, Nathalie Cohen and Jon Cotton, is published in London Archaeologist, Winter issue, vol 12 no 11, on 6 January 2011
The Thames Discovery Programme (TDP), generously supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, has two intertwined strands. First, the TDP staff team are undertaking an archaeological survey of the exposed and threatened sites on the foreshore. This new survey updates and extends the original Thames Archaeological Survey recorded some ten years ago. Secondly, the archaeologists are actively encouraging public participation in the subsequent monitoring of these threatened sites. Over 200 volunteers have been trained by the TDP to be members of the Foreshore Recording & Observation Group or FROG, which systematically monitors the 20 key sites on a regular basis, providing a long-term sustainable future for the monitoring and enjoyment of the river’s historic maritime heritage.
Mesolithic Timeline from British History
Mesolithic flint tranchet adze
http://www.pasthorizons.com/index.php/archives/01/2011/londons-oldest-structure-revealed