A review of the major Early and earlier Middle Pleistocene (MIS25–MIS11) Lower Palaeolithic sites in Britain

Abstract

In the fifteen years since the last major review of the British Lower Palaeolithic, record new sites have been discovered and many previously known sites have been the subject of continued investigations. This research has pushed back the earliest evidence of a hominin presence in Britain into the Early Pleistocene as well as providing more detail on the scale and scope of these initial occupations. This paper presents a review of the British Lower Palaeolithic record of the Early and earlier Middle Pleistocene, highlighting recent research. The review focuses on the lithostratigraphy and geochronology of key British Lower Palaeolithic sites, and also details the multicentre method in electron spin resonance dating (ESR-MC) and explains its recent application at a number of British sites. The expansion of the temporal range of the British Lower Palaeolithic record is represented by Happisburgh Site 3, attributable to either MIS 25 or 21. This single Early Pleistocene site, alongside three sites likely attributable to the initial two interglacials of the earliest Middle Pleistocene, appears to represent sporadic excursions by hominins into Britain. Site numbers increase over time, as does the occurrence of significant technological and cultural advancements. Acheulean technology is seen in Britain for the first-time during MIS 15. The earliest known elephant-bone tool in Europe is found at Boxgrove in MIS 13, while the same period sees evidence of direct hunting at Boxgrove. Finally, the site of Barnham (MIS 11) contains the earliest evidence of hominins making fire anywhere in the world.