Grimes Graves by munki-boy
Grimes Graves
Grime’s Graves is the only Neolithic flint mine open to visitors in Britain. This grassy lunar landscape of 400 pits was first named Grim’s Graves by the Anglo-Saxons. It was not until one of them was excavated in 1870 that they were identified as flint mines dug over 5,000 years ago.
A small exhibition area illustrates the history of this fascinating site. Visitors can descend 9 metres (30 ft) by ladder into one excavated shaft to see the jet-black flint.
Set amid the distinctive Breckland heath landscape, Grime’s Graves is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a habitat for rare plants and fauna.
Please note that children under 7 years of age are not allowed into the mine shaft and visitors should be advised to wear sensible flat shoes.
Created: 27 August 2021 Edited: 29 November 2023
Grimes Graves Information
Grimes Graves Address
Grimes Graves Visitors Centre, Lynford, Weeting, Thetford
IP26 5DE
Website: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/grimes-graves-prehistoric-flint-mine/
Get directionsGrimes Graves LiDAR Map
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Local History around Grimes Graves
There are some historic monuments around including:
Bowl barrow 100m south east of Woodcock CottageCaston Hall, site ofPepper Hill bowl barrow, 400m north east of Mill FarmThetford Cluniac prioryThetford Warren LodgeBowl barrow at Mound PlantationBowl barrow 580m north east of The Lodge, BrandonBowl barrow 230m south west of Little Lodge FarmSite of town ditch: Icknield Way allotmentsWayside cross known as Stump Cross in Mount Ephraim PlantationBowl barrow at Slave's HillPriory of the Canons of the Holy Sepulchre and part of Saxon townRed Castle medieval ringwork, church and Saxon settlement remainsSanton moated site and associated medieval settlementWest Tofts deserted villageBowl barrow and pond barrow in Mount Ephraim Plantation, 810m north west of Field BarnSite of Saxon town including site of St John's churchyard on playing fieldsBank and ditch NE of London RoadBowl barrow in Mount Ephraim Plantation, 770m north west of Field BarnBowl barrow 380m south west of Santon HouseMiddle Saxon occupation on Chequer MeadowTwo bowl barrows 560m east of Emily's WoodBell barrow known as White HillTwo bowl barrows north-west of Waterend FarmRoman building E of Fengate FarmSite of St Helen's Church with adjacent earthworks and holy wellBowl barrow known as Blood Hill with associated remains of a boundary bankWeeting Castle moated site and 12th century manor house with post-medieval ice houseArea of Saxon town N of Red CastleBowl barrow on Bunker's Hill, 650m west of Pilgrims' WalkGrimes Graves, including round barrow in Grimes Graves Plantation.
