Scheduled MonumentsEnglandKirkhead Cave

Kirkhead Cave

England
List entry 1012117
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Kirkhead Cave is a limestone cave located near Silverdale in Lancashire, England, which has yielded archaeological evidence of human occupation dating to the Mesolithic period. The cave contains stratified deposits that have provided significant insights into early post-glacial settlement patterns and subsistence practices in north-west England. Excavations have recovered artefacts and faunal remains indicating that the site was used seasonally by hunter-gatherer communities during the early Holocene. The cave remains an important archaeological resource for understanding the transition from the Palaeolithic to Neolithic periods in the region.

Kirkhead Cave is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1012117. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Kirkhead Cave?

Kirkhead Cave is a limestone cave located near Silverdale in Lancashire, England, which has yielded archaeological evidence of human occupation dating to the Mesolithic period. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1012117.

Who is responsible for protecting Kirkhead Cave?

Kirkhead Cave is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1012117.

What other scheduled monuments are near Kirkhead Cave?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Wraysholme Tower (0.8 km), World War II fighter pens and other airfield remains and defences of the former airfield of RAF Cark (1.7 km), Peter Hill, Cark (2.5 km).

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