Resolving the late Pleistocene (MIS3–1) sedimentary sequence from Doniford, UK: Implications for British-Irish ice sheet extent, megafaunal history and hominin occupation

Abstract

We present a new Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) chronology, detailed sedimentological evidence, new palynological data and a new Palaeolithic artefact from a classic site known for over 100 years. The fluvioperiglacial sedimentary sequence and chronology irrevocably indicates that the BIIS did not reach the north shore of the SW peninsular of the British Isles in MIS 3–2. Both the sedimentology and palynology suggests cool–cold steppic conditions rather than polar desert. The discovery during this project of a new unrolled bout coupé biface is significant since it adds another westerly example of this characteristic Middle Palaeolithic form associated with Neanderthals, that is relatively common in Britain (compared to Europe). The chronology and sedimentology also confirm the likely reworking of the cold fauna and Acheulian artefacts from regional floodplains prior to MIS 3. The site highlights the archaeological potential of actively eroding cliffs for expanding knowledge of hominin occupations of south–western Britain, near to an ‘edge’ of the Middle Palaeolithic world.