‘World’s oldest’ wooden tool uncovered by archaeologists in farmyard trench reveals ‘tangible’ secrets about our past
A WOODEN tool, thought to be the “world’s oldest” in the UK, has been discovered by archaeologists in a farmyard trench.
The spade was discovered during archaeological excavations by Wessex Archaeology for the Moors at Arne project at Poole Harbour in Dorset.
Dating of the spade suggests it dates back to the Bronze Age – crafted more than 3,000 years ago.
The oak spade would likely have been an important tool for its owner due to the challenging and waterlogged landscape – which was key in preserving the object.
Ed Treasure from Wessex Archaeology, who led the environmental analysis of the spade said: “The moment the spade started to be uncovered, the team on site knew it was a very special object.
“Now we’re able to analyse it here in the laboratory, and we’re starting to reveal its story.
“It’s made of oak, and radiocarbon dating of the wood itself confirms it is c.3500-3400 years old, placing it firmly in the Middle Bronze Age.
“Further scientific dating will shine more light on when the spade was made.
“This is an incredibly exciting moment, and we’re looking forward to finding out more as the process unfolds.”
The spade, crafted from one solid piece of oak, would likely have taken many hours of work to create – making it a precious tool to a Bronze Age worker.
By the Middle Bronze Age, people were settled into rural agricultural lifestyles, but little evidence was found to suggest there was a permanent settlement where the spade was uncovered.
Instead, archaeologists are currently exploring the idea that the site was visited seasonally.
Greg Chuter, the Environment Agency Archaeologist leading the programme said: “We’re working across a vast landscape that is dominated by nature with very little to suggest to the naked eye that much human activity has taken place here.
“However, just beneath the surface we’ve uncovered evidence of the ways humans have cleverly adapted to the challenges presented by this particular environment for over 3000 years.
“The spade is a fascinating part of the story and as research continues we’re looking forward to exploring the relationship between the spade and the ditch, and what else they can tell us about life here 3,000 years ago.”
Only one other Bronze Age wooden tool like this has been recovered in Britain – discovered in a Cheshire mine in 1875 and eventually radiocarbon dated in 1993 and revealed to be nearly 4,000 years old.
Archaeologists involved in the Moors at Arne project hope that ongoing research will help to understand clearly the roles that these wooden tools played.
Matt Phillips, the Senior Project Manager leading the project for Kier, added: “The current climate challenge poses increasingly severe risks for coastal ecosystems and coastal communities all around the globe.
“The archaeological story of The Moors at Arne gives us an incredible understanding of how people lived thousands of years ago and adapted to change.
“Working on complex environmental projects like this, gives us the opportunity to share fascinating insights into the past and explore what this means with communities today.”
Peter Robertson, Site Manager of the RSPB Dorset nature reserves, added: “It’s been amazing to learn about the history of the RSPB land at Arne Moors.
“The discovery of this incredible wooden spade really brings that history to life as you imagine someone fashioning and using it 3500 years ago.
“We have looked after the site, near to our RSPB Arne nature reserve, for around 28 years and are excited for the project to help protect bird species including Redshanks, Avocets, Common Terns, and Sandwich Terns.
“Without this work, this unique coastal landscape and its wealth of protected species could be lost in the future.”