Aveline's Hole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aveline's Hole |
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Aveline's Hole
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| Location | Mendip Hills, Somerset, England |
| Depth | 16 m (52 ft) |
| Length | 68 m (223 ft) |
| Elevation | 99 m (325 ft) |
| Discovery | 1797 |
| Geology | Limestone |
| Cave survey | Mendip Cave Registry & Archive (1968) |
Aveline's Hole is a famous cave located in the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England. It is found within the limestone rocks of Burrington Combe.
This cave is very important because it contains the earliest scientifically dated cemetery in Britain. The human remains found here are between 10,200 and 10,400 years old. This makes it the largest collection of human bones from the Mesolithic period (Middle Stone Age) found in Britain.
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Aveline's Hole: A Glimpse into the Past
Britain's Oldest Cemetery
Aveline's Hole holds a special secret: it's home to the oldest known cemetery in Britain. Scientists have found human remains here that are over 10,000 years old. This makes it the oldest scientifically dated burial site in the country.
Even though many items from the collection have been lost over time, more than fifty different people are represented. Only two complete skeletons have been found. Some of the bodies were buried with special items. These include animal teeth with holes, a red mineral called ochre, and seven pieces of fossil ammonite. These items suggest that people were adorned, or decorated, when they were buried.
Ancient Art and Protection
Inside Aveline's Hole, there are also some unique markings on the cave walls. These are a series of inscribed crosses. Experts believe these crosses date back to the early Mesolithic period, right after the last Ice Age.
The patterns of these crosses are similar to others found in Northern France, Germany, and Denmark. To protect these ancient engravings, a special gate has been placed at the cave's entrance. This was done after discussions with groups like English Heritage, the landowner, and English Nature.
History and Access
Aveline's Hole was rediscovered in 1797 by two men who were digging for a rabbit. Later, in 1860, a scientist named William Boyd Dawkins excavated the cave. He also made the entrance larger. Dawkins named the cave "Aveline's Hole" after his teacher, William Talbot Aveline.
Today, access to the cave is managed by the University of Bristol Spelæological Society. Entry is limited, especially during the bat hibernation season. This helps to protect the bats that live in the cave.
