The following report presents the results of a general archaeological walkover survey undertaken ... more The following report presents the results of a general archaeological walkover survey undertaken by Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group during February 2022. The survey found evidence for the small scale activities of a modest sized local population that probably dates from the Late Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age (c.3000BC-700BC). This was represented by small groups of cairns that might have been for field clearance, funerary activity or both, alongside numerous small standing stones of possible esoteric function. Various formal stone settings were also recorded. The very ephemeral features that comprise the evidence probably survives due to lack of subsequent intensive use of the locale. Evidence for later interaction with this landscape is not evident before the post medieval use of the moors for grouse shooting, but then includes evidence for that activity, as well as quarrying in places, and evidence supporting the claim that Emlin was utilised during World War two.
A report of a walkover survey undertaken at Whitwell Moor, South Yorkshire, between 2013-16. Nume... more A report of a walkover survey undertaken at Whitwell Moor, South Yorkshire, between 2013-16. Numerous features were recorded using hand held gps devices and pro-forma sheets. These probably relate to two phases of activity. The most recent is urban and industrial expansion in the Little Don Valley during the 19th century. The earlier phase is probably Late Prehistoric in date and ceremonial in character.
Interim report of an auger survey undertaken to investigate a gorge on the Magnesian Limestone zo... more Interim report of an auger survey undertaken to investigate a gorge on the Magnesian Limestone zone between Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
As may be guessed by the title, the book covers prehistory in the Don Valley, which is a major dr... more As may be guessed by the title, the book covers prehistory in the Don Valley, which is a major drainage basin in South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire, and extending as far as Derbyshire and No...
This is an interim report describing the recording of twenty two panels of prehistoric rock-art a... more This is an interim report describing the recording of twenty two panels of prehistoric rock-art at the small plateau of Spout House Hill, South Yorkshire, in the spring and early summer of 2020. They appeared to be in four concentrations representing at least two phases of activity relating to a period stretching from the Late Mesolithic or Early Neolithic to the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age. One group (group two) arguably marks or commemorates the use of Ewden Valley by hunting or pastoral groups at an early date, while the remaining groups possibly mark or commemorate later value of the locale in a wider context. It is intended that full publication will follow in a forthcoming work of synthesis.
One hundred and ten chipped stone artefacts were examined by me during 2018, and in February of 2... more One hundred and ten chipped stone artefacts were examined by me during 2018, and in February of 2020. They belong to several separately collected assemblages with different findspots that are located within close or very close proximity to each other at the summit of Broomhead Moor in South Yorkshire, where springs which feed into Agden Dike and Ewden Beck have their sources. Despite the scattered distribution and distinct episodes of collection, at markedly different dates, the combined assemblage is characterised by significant homogeneity. The raw material of the artefacts is overwhelmingly of black chert, almost certainly derived from deposits located in the vicinity of Monsal Dale in Derbyshire. They relate almost entirely to the Late Mesolithic. I have suggested that they relate to the activities of a distinct mobile community at the outer edge of its home range.
Fieldwalking was undertaken by Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group in the summer of 2010 ... more Fieldwalking was undertaken by Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group in the summer of 2010 further to an invitation by the landowners, Barbara and Ian Wright of Bank Farm. Gridded fieldwalking yielded flintwork indicative of general activity in the area relating to the Mesolithic, and the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. Pottery recovered included a number of Late Medieval sherds, as well as some sherds from the Early Modern period to be associated with burgeoning middle class urban culture.
A trench was excavated on a small plateau overlooking Ringinglow Road and Common Lane, Sheffield,... more A trench was excavated on a small plateau overlooking Ringinglow Road and Common Lane, Sheffield, in order to evaluate for archaeological potential a cropmark feature detected on Google Earth. Excavation revealed a well built stone lined and roofed drain with pottery in-situ in rubble overlying the feature. Dating of the pottery indicates that the feature, a probable field drain, was constructed no later than the beginning of the nineteenth century. An unusual (for the region) flint was recorded from the topsoil and an unusually large assemblage of clay pipe stems and bowls from such a small excavation.
Rapid walkover surveys were undertaken by Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group of the bank... more Rapid walkover surveys were undertaken by Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group of the banks of Broomhead Reservoir during periods when the water level was exceptionally low due to drought in the summers of 2014 and 2018. These surveys were undertaken at short notice in response to the unusual conditions during September of those years. Numerous features of probable post medieval and early modern date were recorded, as well as several that are possible prehistoric features. A small assemblage of prehistoric chipped stone artefacts were also recovered, along with pottery sherds of Roman, Medieval and post-medieval date. While this material was being examined, our attention was drawn to the existence of much larger previously unrecorded assemblages of chipped stone and pottery collected by Mr Terry Howard during the 1960s from the same location under similar circumstances. Examination of this information recovered earlier was incorporated within the present report. The data indicates that Ewden Valley was the location of activity throughout prehistory, and that specific sites on terraces overlooking the floodplain of the valley were chosen to undertake tasks during the Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age. Pottery from later periods is testament to the continued importance of the valley in later prehistory and historical periods.
The following report presents the results of the first phase of archaeological surveying on the G... more The following report presents the results of the first phase of archaeological surveying on the Gritstone uplands on the west and north side of Sheffield to be undertaken under the auspices of Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership. The surveys are one of a number of elements that form the "Hidden History" component of the Heritage Lottery Funded project led by Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trusts. The survey found evidence for the small scale activities of a modest sized population that probably relate from the Late Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age (c.2200BC-700BC). This was represented by small groups of cairns that might have been for field clearance, funerary activity or both, alongside numerous small standing stones of possible esoteric function. The very ephemeral features that comprise the evidence probably survives due to lack of subsequent intensive use of the locale. Evidence for later interaction with this landscape is not evident before the post medieval use of the moors for grouse shooting.
Interim report of an auger survey undertaken to investigate a gorge on the Magnesian Limestone zo... more Interim report of an auger survey undertaken to investigate a gorge on the Magnesian Limestone zone between Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
The following report presents the results of a general archaeological walkover survey undertaken ... more The following report presents the results of a general archaeological walkover survey undertaken by Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group during February 2022. The survey found evidence for the small scale activities of a modest sized local population that probably dates from the Late Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age (c.3000BC-700BC). This was represented by small groups of cairns that might have been for field clearance, funerary activity or both, alongside numerous small standing stones of possible esoteric function. Various formal stone settings were also recorded. The very ephemeral features that comprise the evidence probably survives due to lack of subsequent intensive use of the locale. Evidence for later interaction with this landscape is not evident before the post medieval use of the moors for grouse shooting, but then includes evidence for that activity, as well as quarrying in places, and evidence supporting the claim that Emlin was utilised during World War two.
A report of a walkover survey undertaken at Whitwell Moor, South Yorkshire, between 2013-16. Nume... more A report of a walkover survey undertaken at Whitwell Moor, South Yorkshire, between 2013-16. Numerous features were recorded using hand held gps devices and pro-forma sheets. These probably relate to two phases of activity. The most recent is urban and industrial expansion in the Little Don Valley during the 19th century. The earlier phase is probably Late Prehistoric in date and ceremonial in character.
Interim report of an auger survey undertaken to investigate a gorge on the Magnesian Limestone zo... more Interim report of an auger survey undertaken to investigate a gorge on the Magnesian Limestone zone between Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
As may be guessed by the title, the book covers prehistory in the Don Valley, which is a major dr... more As may be guessed by the title, the book covers prehistory in the Don Valley, which is a major drainage basin in South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire, and extending as far as Derbyshire and No...
This is an interim report describing the recording of twenty two panels of prehistoric rock-art a... more This is an interim report describing the recording of twenty two panels of prehistoric rock-art at the small plateau of Spout House Hill, South Yorkshire, in the spring and early summer of 2020. They appeared to be in four concentrations representing at least two phases of activity relating to a period stretching from the Late Mesolithic or Early Neolithic to the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age. One group (group two) arguably marks or commemorates the use of Ewden Valley by hunting or pastoral groups at an early date, while the remaining groups possibly mark or commemorate later value of the locale in a wider context. It is intended that full publication will follow in a forthcoming work of synthesis.
One hundred and ten chipped stone artefacts were examined by me during 2018, and in February of 2... more One hundred and ten chipped stone artefacts were examined by me during 2018, and in February of 2020. They belong to several separately collected assemblages with different findspots that are located within close or very close proximity to each other at the summit of Broomhead Moor in South Yorkshire, where springs which feed into Agden Dike and Ewden Beck have their sources. Despite the scattered distribution and distinct episodes of collection, at markedly different dates, the combined assemblage is characterised by significant homogeneity. The raw material of the artefacts is overwhelmingly of black chert, almost certainly derived from deposits located in the vicinity of Monsal Dale in Derbyshire. They relate almost entirely to the Late Mesolithic. I have suggested that they relate to the activities of a distinct mobile community at the outer edge of its home range.
Fieldwalking was undertaken by Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group in the summer of 2010 ... more Fieldwalking was undertaken by Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group in the summer of 2010 further to an invitation by the landowners, Barbara and Ian Wright of Bank Farm. Gridded fieldwalking yielded flintwork indicative of general activity in the area relating to the Mesolithic, and the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. Pottery recovered included a number of Late Medieval sherds, as well as some sherds from the Early Modern period to be associated with burgeoning middle class urban culture.
A trench was excavated on a small plateau overlooking Ringinglow Road and Common Lane, Sheffield,... more A trench was excavated on a small plateau overlooking Ringinglow Road and Common Lane, Sheffield, in order to evaluate for archaeological potential a cropmark feature detected on Google Earth. Excavation revealed a well built stone lined and roofed drain with pottery in-situ in rubble overlying the feature. Dating of the pottery indicates that the feature, a probable field drain, was constructed no later than the beginning of the nineteenth century. An unusual (for the region) flint was recorded from the topsoil and an unusually large assemblage of clay pipe stems and bowls from such a small excavation.
Rapid walkover surveys were undertaken by Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group of the bank... more Rapid walkover surveys were undertaken by Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group of the banks of Broomhead Reservoir during periods when the water level was exceptionally low due to drought in the summers of 2014 and 2018. These surveys were undertaken at short notice in response to the unusual conditions during September of those years. Numerous features of probable post medieval and early modern date were recorded, as well as several that are possible prehistoric features. A small assemblage of prehistoric chipped stone artefacts were also recovered, along with pottery sherds of Roman, Medieval and post-medieval date. While this material was being examined, our attention was drawn to the existence of much larger previously unrecorded assemblages of chipped stone and pottery collected by Mr Terry Howard during the 1960s from the same location under similar circumstances. Examination of this information recovered earlier was incorporated within the present report. The data indicates that Ewden Valley was the location of activity throughout prehistory, and that specific sites on terraces overlooking the floodplain of the valley were chosen to undertake tasks during the Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age. Pottery from later periods is testament to the continued importance of the valley in later prehistory and historical periods.
The following report presents the results of the first phase of archaeological surveying on the G... more The following report presents the results of the first phase of archaeological surveying on the Gritstone uplands on the west and north side of Sheffield to be undertaken under the auspices of Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership. The surveys are one of a number of elements that form the "Hidden History" component of the Heritage Lottery Funded project led by Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trusts. The survey found evidence for the small scale activities of a modest sized population that probably relate from the Late Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age (c.2200BC-700BC). This was represented by small groups of cairns that might have been for field clearance, funerary activity or both, alongside numerous small standing stones of possible esoteric function. The very ephemeral features that comprise the evidence probably survives due to lack of subsequent intensive use of the locale. Evidence for later interaction with this landscape is not evident before the post medieval use of the moors for grouse shooting.
Interim report of an auger survey undertaken to investigate a gorge on the Magnesian Limestone zo... more Interim report of an auger survey undertaken to investigate a gorge on the Magnesian Limestone zone between Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
This is the draft version of a paper published in the Yorkshire Archaeological Journal, Vol. 91 p... more This is the draft version of a paper published in the Yorkshire Archaeological Journal, Vol. 91 pp1-17, in 2019. I've posted the abstract and references to it here before, but this time the full pre-publication text with images as a pdf are provided.
"The prehistory of Southern Yorkshire and the northeast midlands is poorly understood in scholarship. Its Neolithic and Bronze Age rarely figure in wider discourses in Britain. This is partly due to its apparent dearth of monumental sites. This paper describes the re-discovery of a large circular enclosure first mapped in the 1970s and subsequently forgotten. Overlooking the city of Sheffield, it proves that the region was an integral part of that wider prehistoric world and not marginal to it. The enclosure, a possible "henge", is not alone. South Yorkshire, with its diverse environments and prehistoric archaeology, should no longer be marginalised."
A report of a walkover survey undertaken at Whitwell Moor, South Yorkshire, between 2013-16. Nume... more A report of a walkover survey undertaken at Whitwell Moor, South Yorkshire, between 2013-16. Numerous features were recorded using hand held gps devices and pro-forma sheets. These probably relate to two phases of activity. The most recent is urban and industrial expansion in the Little Don Valley during the 19th century. The earlier phase is probably Late Prehistoric in date and ceremonial in character.
South Yorkshire and the North Midlands have long been ignored or marginalized in narratives of Br... more South Yorkshire and the North Midlands have long been ignored or marginalized in narratives of British Prehistory. In Remembered Places, Forgotten Pasts, largely unpublished data is used for the first time in a work of synthesis to reconstruct the prehistory of the earliest communities across the River Don drainage basin. The author uses a relational approach to account for the complex and sophisticated interaction between people and materiality. Monuments and material culture are considered together, in relation to the diverse landscapes across which they were deposited in the distant past. The memory of significant places along lines of movement are central to the approach taken, combined with the changing character of the land which supported people. Virtually absent in recent narratives, the forgotten prehistoric pasts of the region are now able to be approached on a systematic basis. The author concludes that a region that was the centre of dynamic interaction between mobile groups in its earliest phase gave way to a pastoral lifestyle facilitated by extensive wetlands. These wetlands were connected by waterways and gorges. Thus connected, the wetlands were located to either side of its drier, centrally defining feature, the Magnesian Limestone ridge.
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Papers by Tim Cockrell
The survey found evidence for the small scale activities of a modest sized local population that probably dates from the Late Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age (c.3000BC-700BC). This was represented by small groups of cairns that might have been for field clearance, funerary activity or both, alongside numerous small standing stones of possible esoteric function. Various formal stone settings were also recorded. The very ephemeral features that comprise the evidence probably survives due to lack of subsequent intensive use of the locale. Evidence for later interaction with this landscape is not evident before the post medieval use of the moors for grouse shooting, but then includes evidence for that activity, as well as quarrying in places, and evidence supporting the claim that Emlin was utilised during World War two.
The survey found evidence for the small scale activities of a modest sized population that probably relate from the Late Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age (c.2200BC-700BC). This was represented by small groups of cairns that might have been for field clearance, funerary activity or both, alongside numerous small standing stones of possible esoteric function. The very ephemeral features that comprise the evidence probably survives due to lack of subsequent intensive use of the locale. Evidence for later interaction with this landscape is not evident before the post medieval use of the moors for grouse shooting.
Talks by Tim Cockrell
The survey found evidence for the small scale activities of a modest sized local population that probably dates from the Late Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age (c.3000BC-700BC). This was represented by small groups of cairns that might have been for field clearance, funerary activity or both, alongside numerous small standing stones of possible esoteric function. Various formal stone settings were also recorded. The very ephemeral features that comprise the evidence probably survives due to lack of subsequent intensive use of the locale. Evidence for later interaction with this landscape is not evident before the post medieval use of the moors for grouse shooting, but then includes evidence for that activity, as well as quarrying in places, and evidence supporting the claim that Emlin was utilised during World War two.
The survey found evidence for the small scale activities of a modest sized population that probably relate from the Late Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age (c.2200BC-700BC). This was represented by small groups of cairns that might have been for field clearance, funerary activity or both, alongside numerous small standing stones of possible esoteric function. The very ephemeral features that comprise the evidence probably survives due to lack of subsequent intensive use of the locale. Evidence for later interaction with this landscape is not evident before the post medieval use of the moors for grouse shooting.
"The prehistory of Southern Yorkshire and the northeast midlands is poorly understood in scholarship. Its Neolithic and Bronze Age rarely figure in wider discourses in Britain. This is partly due to its apparent dearth of monumental sites. This paper describes the re-discovery of a large circular enclosure first mapped in the 1970s and subsequently forgotten. Overlooking the city of Sheffield, it proves that the region was an integral part of that wider prehistoric world and not marginal to it. The enclosure, a possible "henge", is not alone. South Yorkshire, with its diverse environments and prehistoric archaeology, should no longer be marginalised."