49 min listen
#117: Above Great Moss: Stone axes of the earliest settlers
FromCountrystride
ratings:
Length:
49 minutes
Released:
Jan 19, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
...in which we rewind the centuries to the Neolithic Age on a journey in search of Lakeland's earliest settlers and their highly-valued stone axes. In the company of archaeologist Steve Dickinson, we set out from Brotherilkeld – the great medieval farmstead with Norse roots. Leaving the valley walls behind, we enter wild country, once a place of forest groves and wood pasture stalked by deer and lynx, wolves and bears. As we trace the river upstream, we imagine the 6000-year-old endeavours of our earliest ancestors, as they left their coastal settlements in search of a rare band of volcanic cutting stone. Arriving atop Scar Lathing – a maiden ascent for Mark and Dave – we seek out two extraordinary archaeological finds that paint a picture of a lost civilisation: of Cumbria's first extractive industry; of ritual burials; and of a deep communion with high places that was etched into immaculately crafted artefacts.
Steve is on Twitter at @SteveDickinson2
Steve is on Twitter at @SteveDickinson2
Released:
Jan 19, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (100)
Countrystride #13: The Solway Coast - Wetlands, birdsong and lost lines: ...In which we wander with Ann Lingard along the mosses, marshes and mudflats of the Solway coast. Enveloped in birdsong, we take in big skies, skeleton trees and wildlife-rich marshes before discussing the rise – and dramatic fall – of one of Cumbria's ... by Countrystride