Howick House

  I think this is so cool.

 

7600 BC: The Howick House is a Mesolithic site situated in Northumberland, England, discovered by an amateur archaeologist who noticed flint tools emerging from a sandy cliff near the village of Howick. Further examination revealed a circle of large post holes with charcoal residues at their bases, numerous smaller stake holes with some angled inward from the perimeter of a hollow, and several shallow hearths inside the structure filled with charcoal, burnt nutshells, and bone fragments.

Radiocarbon dating of the charred hazelnut shells indicated that the site was established around 7600 BC and was inhabited for approximately 100 years. This discovery led to it being hailed as "Britain's oldest house."

Evidence from some hearths indicated exclusive use for nut roasting, with the volume of shells implying that food was prepared in large quantities, likely as a means of preservation for leaner times. Coupled with the robust construction suggested by the large post holes, this evidence has led to the conclusion that the dwelling was used as a permanent residence rather than temporarily or seasonally, as was previously assumed for the Mesolithic era.

Image and text gotten from Rural Historia