PORTLAND IN THE MIDDLE STONE AGE

This coastal walk takes you past archaeological sites where evidence of human occupation around 8,500 years ago has been discovered

- Edward Griffihs

Over the last million years, the Pleistocene Period, there have been at least 27 Ice Ages, the latest ending when the glaciers began to retreat about 10,000 years ago. Portland was in the periglacial zone on the periphery of the ice. Human occupation artefacts have been discovered on Portland dating back to the late-Palaeolithic (Early Stone Age). However, excavations by Portland’s renowned archaeologist and Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Society, Susann Palmer, have revealed extensive remains of Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) occupation, dating from about 8,500 years ago, at Culverwell habitation site and around the Old Lower Lighthouse. The glaciers were still melting at that time, so sea levels hadn’t risen that much and the sea at Portland Bill was about 400 yards further out than it is today. Mesolithic tools have also been found around the present lighthouse and raised beach areas at about 55ft above sea level.

These and more sites are closely passed on this walk, but do spend some of your time just enjoying the stunning views.

THE WALK