Reasons for Designation
Palaeolithic caves and rock shelters provide some of the earliest evidence of
human activity in the period from about 400,000 to 10,000 years ago. The
sites, all natural topographic features, occur mainly in hard limestone in the
north and west of the country, although examples also exist in the softer
rocks of south-east England. Evidence for human occupation is often located
near the cave entrances, close to the rock walls or on the exterior platforms.
The interiors sometimes served as special areas for disposal and storage or
were places where material naturally accumulated from the outside. Because of
the special conditions of deposition and preservation, organic and other
fragile materials often survive well and in stratigraphic association. Caves
and rock shelters are therefore of major importance for understanding this
period. Due to their comparative rarity, their considerable age and their
longevity as a monument type, all examples with good survival of deposits are
considered to be nationally important.
Details
Lob Wells Shelter is located on the south side of the shallow valley of the
Bondhay Dike, c.250m above the risings of the Lob Wells. The site consists of
a 3m overhang, 2.5m above the present floor, along a front 6m wide. During
excavations carried out by G.F. White in the 1960s and 70s, Mesolithic,
Neolithic and Roman material was recovered. However, the shelter also
contains Later Upper Palaeolithic material, including retouched tools. Only a
small area immediately beneath the overhang has been investigated. Other
areas, including the talus slope have been left undisturbed. In addition, in
situ material survives below the level of the excavations which did not reach
bedrock.
The monument includes all deposits within the cave, and outside the cave it
includes an area of 10m radius from the cave entrance.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
13241
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals Other
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
