Wookey Hole Cave
Wookey Hole Cave Complex
Palaeolithic to Iron Age (40000–500 BCE)·Creswellian / Neolithic·🇬🇧 Somerset, Mendip Hills, United Kingdom
About
About Wookey Hole Cave
Wookey Hole Cave in Somerset, Mendip Hills, United Kingdom is a Palaeolithic to Iron Age (40000–500 BCE) cave attributed to Creswellian / Neolithic culture. Detailed survey and excavation document architectural phasing. The site includes a principal feature and ancillary settlement or ceremonial elements.
Why it mattersKey Creswellian / Neolithic site illustrating Palaeolithic to Iron Age (40000–500 BCE) cave traditions.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of Wookey Hole Cave
- 02Function of ancillary enclosures
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for Creswellian / Neolithic
- 02Defensive and ritual focus
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 40000 BCE occupation
- Period
- Palaeolithic to Iron Age (40000–500 BCE)
- Culture
- Creswellian / Neolithic
- Purpose
- Cave with human and hyena remains, Witch of Wookey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 40000 BCE occupation
Initial construction
c. 1000 CE
Abandonment or reuse
On the ground
Structures & features
51.2291° N · 2.6711° W · 338 m · 3 mapped features
Wookey Hole Cave — Principal Feature
structurePrimary cave feature at Wookey Hole Cave
51.2299° N · 2.6703° WWookey Hole Cave — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary complex at Wookey Hole Cave with settlement traces
51.2284° N · 2.6717° WWookey Hole Cave — Outlier
rock artOutlier alignment or rock art at Wookey Hole Cave
51.2302° N · 2.6721° W