If you've ever wondered what life was like in Nottinghamshire during the Stone Age, our new book should be on your reading list.
‘Stone Age Nottinghamshire’ has been written by the Council’s conservation and heritage staff David Budge and Chris Robinson, and edited by Virginia Baddeley. It is published by the council’s libraries, archives and information publications group.
The book is the first in a planned series of popular guides to the archaeology of Nottinghamshire. It will be launched at a special event by County Councillor John Cottee, cabinet member for culture and community.
Councillor Cottee said: "Nottinghamshire County Council is delighted to be able to continue to promote the county’s archaeological and historical heritage. The book is well illustrated with photographs including some impressive images of the art and finds from the Creswell Crags caves. It should appeal to both the general reader and also the specialist.”
The Stone Age
The guide covers the period known as the Stone Age, because metals had not yet been discovered and tools made of stone were widely used instead. This period comprises the following ages which are all covered in the book: Palaeolithic (meaning old Stone Age), Mesolithic (middle Stone Age) and Neolithic (new Stone Age).
Creswell Crags, a dramatic limestone gorge close to the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire border, is an appropriate setting for the guide’s launch. Archaeological and environmental evidence excavated from the caves show the caves provided shelter for nomadic human groups through a crucial period of human evolution between 55,000 and 10,000 years ago, and stone, bone and ivory tools from the caves reveal Middle and Upper Palaeolithic occupation.
Buy the book
You can buy a copy of ‘Stone Age Nottinghamshire’ from major libraries in the county for £7.50.
You can also order a copy by post by sending a cheque for £10.50 (including £3.00 for postage and packaging) payable to Nottinghamshire County Council to: Libraries, Archives and Information, 4th Floor, County Hall, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 7QP.
