| Description | This site, situated on a gravel terrace north of the river Wharfe at Broken Brow, has been prolific for flint finds for many years, and was field walked by E.T. Cowling and others as early as the 1930s. Since that time, gravel extraction has destroyed much of the river terrace which was probably a resource full area of small lakes and drier islands for settlement in prehistoric times.
The flints are reported in Cowling 1973 (a total of 41 is given, which includes 4 gravers and 1 scraper) and comprise much Neolithic material but also considerable quantities of Mesolithic flint artefacts (the present location of all the flint material is unknown, but is probably in Otley Museum). Human remains (PRN 1232) were found in a peat island left after gravel working in 1968 and associated wood was C 14 dated to 4910 +/ 125 b.p. Should such remains prove more extensive, this would be a most important waterlogged prehistoric site in the region. Indeed, intensification of gravel working in the area of these remains prompted the preparation in 1987 of a project brief for survey and trial excavation by the WYAS, but the uncertain nature of the extent of the deposits resulted in no further action.
Field observation of quarry sections in 1988 revealed an apparent timber horizon at approximately 1.30 m sub surface which was interpreted by the observer (B. Matthews) as the possible remains of a Mesolithic trackway; not seen by WYAS. Further observation of quarry sections by WYAS in 1989 and 1991 revealed organic horizons within the gravel (including substantial timbers) which were interpreted as probably natural in origin. Further observation in summer 1991 and in 1992 revealed organic horizons interpreted as natural. One horizon, however, had large stones at the top and contained 18th c. clay pipe. |