Grime's Graves Prehistoric Flint Mine - English Heritage
Grime's Graves is the only Neolithic flint mine open to visitors in Britain. A grassy lunar landscape of over 400 shafts, pits, quarries and spoil dumps, they were first named Grim's Graves - meaning the pagan god Grim's quarries, or 'the Devil's holes' - by the Anglo-Saxons. It was not until one of them was excavated in 1870 that they were found to be flint mines dug over 5,000 years ago, during the later Neolithic and early Bronze Ages. Today visitors can descend 9 metres (30 ft) by ladder into one excavated shaft, an unforgettable experience.
The small exhibition area illustrates the history of this fascinating site. Set amid the distinctive Breckland heath landscape, Grime's Graves is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the home of a wide variety of plants and fauna.
There are currently no toilets on this site.
Venue Type:
Heritage site, Prehistoric site, Archaeological site
A Prehistoric Landscape Discovery Visit
This strange and beautiful landscape was created over 4000 years ago when prehistoric miners dug over 400 flint mines. It is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest with rare plants and animals. Join a tour to discover the amazing skill of the prehistoric miners and flint-knappers, learn how the mine was dug with just antler and bone tools and see, handle and learn the importance of flint tools.
Duration: 1 1/2 hours
Key Stage: 1, 2, 3, History, Science
How to obtain
Call 01223 582732 to arrange a 1 hour session on weekdays between March 1st and October 31st. Price £60 per group of up to 30 pupils until April 2009, £75 per group after April 2009. Visit http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.19494 for more information.
Grime's Graves Prehistoric Flint Mine - English Heritage
Brandon
Norfolk
IP26 5DE
England
Website
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/grimes-graves-prehistoric-flint-mine/
