Picken's Hole facts for kids
Picken's Hole is a small cave found on the southern side of Crook Peak in the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England. It's a special place because it has been named a scheduled monument. This means it's an important historical site protected by law. Sometimes, people have mixed up Picken's Hole with another cave nearby called Scragg's Hole.
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About Picken's Hole
This interesting cave is located about 8 meters (or 26 feet) below the flat land above it. It also sits about 27 meters (or 88 feet) above the valley floor below. The cave got its name from M. J. Picken. He was the person who discovered ancient teeth in the soil that badgers had dug up in the area.
Discoveries Inside the Cave
Picken's Hole is very important for understanding ancient times. Many old tools and objects from the Middle Paleolithic period were found here. This period was a very long time ago, when early humans lived.
Ancient Teeth and Bones
Scientists also found two teeth from the Neolithic period in the cave. These teeth are about 4,800 years old! Even older animal bones were discovered, dating back about 35,000 years. These bones tell us about the amazing animals that once lived in this area.
Animals of the Past
The animal bones found in Picken's Hole include creatures like the spotted hyena and lion. There were also animals suited for colder climates, such as the Arctic fox, mammoth, and woolly rhinoceros. Other animals found were horses, reindeer, susliks, and northern voles. These discoveries help experts learn about the ancient environment and the animals that roamed the Mendip Hills thousands of years ago.
