Lower Palaeolithic flint implements and animal remains from Clacton Channel (palaeochannel), Jaywick Sands (EHER 2934)

Lower Palaeolithic flint implements including scrapers, points and cores were excavated from the Clacton Channel in 1934, along with animal and non-marine mollusca remains. The majority of the flint finds are of classic Clactonian type. These included 21 cores, 30 flakes and 139 unretouched flakes. This excavation is significant because the worked flints recovered during the excavations and as surface finds from Lion Point were analysed to attempt to determine where the Clactonian flint industry fits into the sequence of Palaeolithic flint working. It was concluded that the Clactonian flint industry is older than that represented in the Middle Gravels of the 100-ft Terrace.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. September 1934. Excavation prior to development of housing estate. Lower Palaeolithic implements found at Jaywick in September 1934, during excavations by Oakley and Leakey. The finds came from the Clacton Channel, an ancient river bed containing Pleistocene deposits. The finds are held by the British Museum and include 21 cores, 30 flakes, 139 retouched flakes and 5 miscellaneous objects. The majority are of classic Clactonian type, and were analysed to attempt to better understand the Clactonian flint industry and its chronological relationship with other Palaeolithic flint working industries. It was concluded that the Clactonian flint industry is older than that represented in the Middle Gravels of the 100-ft Terrace at Swanscombe. Three of the cuttings revealed considerable quantities of mammalian bones (including straight-tusked elephant, rhinoceros, boar, bison and deer) and it was suggested by the excavators that this part of the site may be the location of a watering hole. Non-marine molluscs were also recorded from several of the cuttings and auger samples. See n<1> <2> <3> <4> <5> for further information. Site Assessment = More information on date needed. Accession numbers?