NHER 4839 (Find Spot record) - Palaeolithic handaxes from Methwold Warren

Palaeolithic objects known to have been recovered on Methwold Warren during the late 19th century or early 20th century. Methwold Warren (NHER 55577) once covered a large portion of the easternmost part of the parish and as a result these objects were previously seen as poorly provenanced. It is however notable that only a relatively small area to the south of a Warren House (TL 745 931; NHER 22008) is labelled as Methwold Warren on the 1st Edition O.S map. It is therefore reasonably likely that these finds come from this location, particularly as several large gravel pits and clay pits were open at this time in the north-eastern corner of this block of land (TL 746 929).

FINDS IN MUSEUM COLLECTIONS

The British Museum Sturge Collection includes 2 Palaeolithic handaxes that are recorded as coming from Methwold Warren (2011,8109.738). Information from (S1).
These are the two handaxes listed in (S2) and are also those listed in (S3). These implements are also noted on (S4) and in (S5), (S6) and (S7), although these sources give no additional information.

OTHER REPORTED DISCOVERIES

According to (S8) in 1916 Sturge's collection included an object described as a "side-chopper" that had also come from Methwold Warren. Sturge apparently reported that he had over 100 such objects in his collection. Sturge's collection was not given to the British Museum until after his death in 1919 and it is therefore unclear whether this object is amongst the material now held by this museum.
Previously recorded as NHER 4838.

Amended by P. Watkins (HES), 21 November 2013.