Unearthing an 8,500-Year-Old Legacy: How an 11-Year-Old’s Discovery Led to Mesolithic Findings

In an extraordinary twist of fate, what began as a child’s curiosity during a simple field walk 20 years ago has culminated in one of Worcestershire’s most significant archaeological finds. A recent excavation at the Milestone Ground in Broadway has revealed artifacts dating back as far as 8,500 years, shedding new light on Britain’s ancient past. This dig, which has uncovered human and animal bones, Roman pottery, and Mesolithic flints, owes its success to the sharp eyes of an 11-year-old boy, Nathan Hazlehurst, who first stumbled upon key items in 2004.

Nathan, now in his 30s, vividly remembers that fateful day. Bundled up against the cold, he joined other members of the Young Archaeologists’ Club on a field walk, scouring the ground for ancient artifacts. Among his findings were fragments of Roman pottery and a handful of flints, which would later turn out to be significant clues about the area’s rich history. Looking back, Nathan described the experience as “incredible,” recalling how his childhood discoveries helped spark a much larger investigation that is still yielding finds today.

The discovery in Broadway is particularly notable for its Mesolithic evidence, a period stretching back to when Britain was still connected to mainland Europe. Nina O’Hare, an archaeologist from Worcestershire’s Archive and Archaeology Service, noted that these finds could predate the formation of the island itself, offering insight into how human activity evolved during this transformative period.

Jamie Wilkins, another archaeologist involved in the project, expressed excitement over the scope and significance of the dig. “This is the best site I’ve ever worked on,” he shared, explaining that Mesolithic finds are exceptionally rare. The small flints uncovered across the site, often worked into blades, appear to have been used for processing tasks, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of those who inhabited the land thousands of years ago.

The excavation has also unearthed items from the Roman, Saxon, and Neolithic periods, further enriching the timeline of human activity in the region. A cracked beaker vessel, dating from the Early Bronze Age (2400-1700 BC), is just one of the many finds adding depth to Broadway’s story.

The Milestone Ground has been a treasure trove of history, with thousands of items collected since the dig began. While the excavation is ongoing, and the site is securely managed, archaeologists expect the project to conclude by the spring of 2025. As work continues, discussions are underway to display some of the more notable finds, providing the public with a rare opportunity to see 8,500 years of history up close.

On 12 October, the site will host an open day, offering guided tours that promise to immerse visitors in the world of Mesolithic life, Roman occupation, and Bronze Age rituals. The event will give the community a chance to explore the remarkable history hidden beneath their feet, much of which was brought to light thanks to the enthusiasm and sharp eyes of a young boy two decades ago.

The significance of this discovery cannot be overstated. For Nathan Hazlehurst and his fellow young archaeologists, the adventure that started on a cold day in 2004 has blossomed into an archaeological journey of immense historical importance. The finds at Broadway not only enrich the local heritage but also offer invaluable insights into Britain’s ancient past, shaping our understanding of the people who once walked this land long before it became the island we know today.

As Ms. O’Hare aptly put it, “Having that much history to add to Broadway’s story is really rare to find.”