Mesolithic stone tools
The Mesolithic is the name given to the period between the end of the last ice age, In Britain the Mesolithic (Middle Stone) period began around 12,000 years ago as the climate began to warm up at the end of the last Ice Age. Trees and plants began to grow again and forest animals such as deer crossed the land bridge that then linked Britain to Europe.
This period in history was the beginning of settled farming around 5,500 years ago. This period saw a big movement of people and many hunting parties began to visit England regularly, Eventually the British Isles became their home.
Mesolithic Tranchet Axe 
Mesolithic Tranchet Axe 
Mesolithic Tranchet Axe 
Mesolithic Tranchet Axe 
Mesolithic Tranchet Axe
Mesolithic Tranchet AXE
Provenance: Found close to the River Ter Valley near Chelmsford, Essex
Description: Mesolithic Tranchet Axe, made with a brown flint, This tool includes the cortex on one side and the blade sticks out from beneath. The underside shows signs of knapping with the bulb of percussion and striking ripples still present.
This item was found in context with other Mesolithic items
Size: 7 cm x 7 cm
Weight: 72g
Age: 8000 BCE – 4000 BCE
