Neolithic village found at Cheviot Quarry

ONE of the largest Neolithic settlements so far discovered in Britain was unearthed last year at Tarmac’s Cheviot Quarry near Milfield village, Northumberland, as a result of a partnership project between Tarmac, English Heritage, Northumberland County Council and Archaeological Research Services Ltd (ARS).

The discovery was made during routine archaeological investigations at the quarry in June 2005, with subsequent work funded by Tarmac and a grant from DEFRA’s Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund, delivered through English Heritage.

The remains, some of which pre-date Stonehenge, include those of at least three buildings dating to the Early Neolithic period (around 4,000 BC) and three buildings dating to the Late Neolithic period (around 3,000 BC), together with hearths, rubbish pits and storage pits.

Dr Jonathan Last, head of research policy for prehistory at English Heritage, said: ‘To find the remains of so many buildings from the Neolithic period grouped together is incredibly important. This exciting discovery offers huge potential to improve our understanding of Neolithic ways of life in the north-east of England.’

Dr Clive Waddington of ARS described the settlement as one of the most important sites of its kind and said it provided an exciting opportunity to further understanding of Britain’s first farmers, their way of life and their beliefs about the world.

Tarmac estates manager Mike Young commented: ‘This find is particularly exciting and we’ve been able to build up a great working group with English Heritage, ARS and Northumberland County Council. It’s a great example of partnership working and a great testament to all involved that will ultimately bring the benefits of such important archaeological research to the wider public.’