‘Picardy’ pin unearthed at CEMEX’s Kingsmead Quarry

Another significant ‘find', a text: 9th October 2008: Another significant ‘find', a ‘Picardy' pin, has been unearthed at CEMEX's Kingsmead Quarry at Horton near Windsor in Berkshire. Thought to date back to the Bronze Age, probably around the 11th century BC, the pin was found as the result of archaeological investigations by the leading building materials provider, CEMEX UK, prior to mineral extraction of sand and gravel on the site.

The well-worn pin is approximately 20 cm long and is thought to have been used either as a costume or hair pin. From other finds on the site, which have included flint tools, arrowheads, broken pottery and a bronze and leather working tool, plus evidence of a field system and the burnt remains of some of the crops, it is believed that the inhabitants of the area were farmers.

The most significant and an extremely rare find on the site in July 2008, was one of the best preserved examples of the site of a Neolithic house. It was believed to be over 5000 years old and was one of two or three prime examples in this country.

Sand and gravel have been quarried in the area since 1946, and over the next 10 years, archaeological investigations will continue at Kingsmead as mineral extraction on the site progresses.

Andrew Fitzpatrick of Wessex Archaeology explained: "These finds are key to enhancing our knowledge and understanding of the history around the Rivers Colne and Thames, to the benefit of local communities and historians. They also reflect the scale of general changes in society over the centuries, and illustrate how quarrying can make a positive contribution to society beyond the provision of building materials."

at Horton near Windsor in Berkshire. Thought to date back to the Bronze Age, probably around the 11th century BC, the pin was found as the result of archaeological investigations by the leading building materials provider, CEMEX UK, prior to mineral extraction of sand and gravel on the site.

The well-worn pin is approximately 20 cm long and is thought to have been used either as a costume or hair pin. From other finds on the site, which have included flint tools, arrowheads, broken pottery and a bronze and leather working tool, plus evidence of a field system and the burnt remains of some of the crops, it is believed that the inhabitants of the area were farmers.

The most significant and an extremely rare find on the site in July 2008, was one of the best preserved examples of the site of a Neolithic house. It was believed to be over 5000 years old and was one of two or three prime examples in this country.

Sand and gravel have been quarried in the area since 1946, and over the next 10 years, archaeological investigations will continue at Kingsmead as mineral extraction on the site progresses.

Andrew Fitzpatrick of Wessex Archaeology explained: "These finds are key to enhancing our knowledge and understanding of the history around the Rivers Colne and Thames, to the benefit of local communities and historians. They also reflect the scale of general changes in society over the centuries, and illustrate how quarrying can make a positive contribution to society beyond the provision of building materials."