Summary
A cave site listed by R.C.A.H.M.W. and G.G.A.T. as containing animal bones. Not visited by the Trust survyors due to a cliff collapse - the immediate area appeared dangerous. The cave appears to extend some distance into the cliff so the sediments are presumed to be intact.
Identification Images (0)
Monument Types
- CAVE (Palaeolithic - 500000 BC to 10001 BC)
Description
cave site listed by R.C.A.H.M.W. (1976 p20) and G.G.A.T. (No 1424w) as containing Pleistocene fauna possibly discovered by Valdemar sometime prior to 1970. The cave was not visited by the Trust surveyors as due to a cliff collapse the immediate area appeared dangerous. A brief examination suggested that the roof of the cave had collapsed leaving an archway over the entrance. The cave appears to extend some distance into the cliff so the sediments are presumed to be intact.
2003 survey
Thi9s cave was not visited during the previous survey as a recent cliff collapse had made the area dangerous. A brief examination suggested the roof had collapsed leaving an archway over the entrance. The cave was not located during the present survey either, the rocky cove in which it is situated is only accessible at low tide, several small sea caves are visible but this cave was not obvious. It appears to extend some way into the cliff so the deposits within are presumed to be intact. Evans was also unable to locate the cave and stated that it is only reachable by rope or ladder. Falconer describes the cave as " a ravine with diverging walls the bottom of which is not roofed over, but presents a cliff about 43 feet high composed of limestone breccia". Davies describes it as a backwards eroding gully with a collapsed shaft at the rear. Much of the sediment is still left intact, suggesting considerable archaeological potential. Underneath this cave is a 50m long sea modified cave.
It is listed by RCAHMW as containing Pleicto0cene fauna. It was excavated in the 1850s-60s by Wood, and again sometime prior to 1970 by Valdemar. Devensian and Ipswichian fauna were recovered, including the remains of cave bear, badger, fox, wolf, hyena, bison, boar, narrow nosed rhinoceros, straight tusked elephant and water vole. No indication of human occupation has been recorded.
References
- SZO47175 - Photograph - black and white: John Latham. 01/05/1987. Pennard, Crow's Hole cave.. 88986.
- SZO50082 - National Trust Report: Philip Poucher. 2002/3. Pennard & Bishopston - The National Trust archaeological Survey, Poucher 2002/3.
- SZO5678 - Unpublished document: E Plunkett Dillon. 1987. Survey of Pennard Cliffs and Bishopston Valley 1987 National Trust.
Designations
None Recorded
Other Statuses and References
- Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Common Land
- HER/SMR Reference (External): 01424w
- Heritage Coast
- Site of Special Scientific Interest (Biological)
Associated Events
- ENA3008 - Field Survey, Pennard & Bishopston - The National trust Archaeological Survey Poucher 2002/3
- ENA3009 - Field Survey, Pennard Cliffs and Bishopston Valley - Emma Plunkett Dillon 1987
Associated Finds
- FNA651 - ANIMAL REMAINS (Prehistoric - 500000 BC to 42 AD)
Related Records
None Recorded