Cannoncourt Farm Pit facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 0.3 hectares (0.74 acres) |
| Notification | 1987 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Cannoncourt Farm Pit is a small, special area in Maidenhead, Berkshire. It's known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its amazing geology. This means it's a place where scientists can study Earth's history through rocks and soil. It's also a Geological Conservation Review site, which highlights its importance for understanding our planet's past.
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Discovering Ancient Tools
This site became famous in the early 1900s. Back then, it was a gravel pit where people dug for stones. But they found something much more exciting than gravel! They uncovered many ancient stone tools. These tools were made by early humans during a time called the Paleolithic period, also known as the Old Stone Age.
Tools from the Stone Age
The tools found at Cannoncourt Farm Pit were made using two main techniques:
- Acheulian tools: These are often large, teardrop-shaped tools called hand axes. They were used for many tasks, like cutting, chopping, and scraping. One of the biggest hand axes ever found was discovered right here!
- Levallois tools: This technique involved carefully preparing a stone core before striking off flakes. These flakes were then used as sharp tools.
Who Made These Tools?
Scientists believe these tools were made by Neanderthals. Neanderthals were a type of early human who lived in Europe and Asia. They were skilled hunters and toolmakers. Finding their tools here helps us understand where they lived and how they survived.
A Glimpse into the Past
The area where these tools were found is part of the River Thames valley. Specifically, it's in a spot called the Lynch Hill Terrace. This terrace is an old riverbed that tells us about the Thames's history.
How Old Are These Finds?
The tools and the gravel they were found in are incredibly old. They date back to a time called the Wolstonian Stage. This period was between 350,000 and 200,000 years ago. Imagine, people were living and making tools in this very spot hundreds of thousands of years ago!
Cannoncourt Farm Pit Today
Today, you won't find any active gravel pits at Cannoncourt Farm Pit. The pits were filled in a long time ago. Now, the area is covered by a path and open ground in northern Maidenhead. Even though you can't see the pits anymore, the history beneath your feet is still incredibly important for understanding our ancient past.
