Found by Mr Turton in the soil overlying the gravel, ... several hearths floored with burnt Bunter pebbles. In association with these was a very large boulder, c 4ft long, weighing 14cwt. A glacial erratic, probably placed there by man. Grooved, perhaps to split it. (1)
8 hearths and a post hole were discovered in a scatter around the stone. There is one other post hole in the NE corner of the same field. In fields to the S and SE are burnt quartzite boulders. (2)
Glacial erratic stone ... found in ballast-hole. (3)
Identification of the boulder as a man-moved stone extremely uncertain. On visits to the gravel pits (6) has seen pits, sterile of finds, in the working face. Photos, plans and sections of the finds are stored at NUM. The material was presented by GF Turton. Examination of the photos of the so-called "post-hole(s)" and "hearths" indicate that these classifications should be accepted with reserve. The glacial erratic is now mounted on a plinth in the University grounds with a plaque giving its origin. The grooves in it appear to be of artificial origin but local informed opinion supports the suggestion that they were intended to split the stone into portable fragments. (4)
No surface finds were made in the proximity of the site (at above grid ref). (7)
See L8037 for pottery, L799 for cropmarks, L944 for flints.

<1> Thoroton Society, 1950, TTS, pp 73-4 (Published document). SNT364.

<2> Chalmers WR, 11/10/1957, letter (Personal comment). SNT547.

Other Refs: plan AO2108

<3> Houldsworth HO, 1950,1953, OS Corr 6in (Personal comment). SNT806.

<4> Woodhouse WC, 1960, Pers Comm (Personal comment). SNT1438.

<5> Chalmers WR, Pers Comm (Personal comment). SNT546.

Other Refs: Curator, NUM

<6> Houldsworth HO, Hon Corr (Personal comment). SNT789.

<7> Colquhoun FD, 1960, Pers Comm (Personal comment). SNT575.