Solent Archaeology

At https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2019/08/mesolithic-boat-buil… … some years ago a boat building site going back 8000 years ago was found in the Solent – during what is known as the Mesolithic era (pre-farming). The Solent is the estuary leading into Southampton and its entrance is behind the Isle of Wight. In fact, Bouldnor Cliff is on the island and the remains were found at the foot of the cliff – most of the Solent having been robbed of its archaeology by the daily tides. The new discovery is a platform which displays woodworking skills normally associated with farmers (later than 4000BC) whereas the boat building site is firmly dated prior to rising sea levels at 6200BC. The fact the platform has survived intact suggests the rise in sea levels was fairly quick – possibly even very quick.