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:
Two bowl barrows north-west of Waterend FarmMiddle Saxon occupation on Chequer MeadowBowl barrow 380m south west of Santon HouseBowl barrow on Bunker's Hill, 650m west of Pilgrims' WalkRed Castle medieval ringwork, church and Saxon settlement remainsThetford Warren LodgeWeeting Castle moated site and 12th century manor house with post-medieval ice houseArea of Saxon town N of Red CastleBell barrow known as White HillBowl barrow 580m north east of The Lodge, BrandonPriory of the Canons of the Holy Sepulchre and part of Saxon townBowl barrow and pond barrow in Mount Ephraim Plantation, 810m north west of Field BarnRoman building E of Fengate FarmThetford Cluniac prioryCaston Hall, site ofSanton moated site and associated medieval settlementSite of town ditch: Icknield Way allotmentsSite of St Helen's Church with adjacent earthworks and holy wellBowl barrow known as Blood Hill with associated remains of a boundary bankWest Tofts deserted villageBank and ditch NE of London RoadBowl barrow 100m south east of Woodcock CottageBowl barrow at Slave's HillBowl barrow 230m south west of Little Lodge FarmSite of Saxon town including site of St John's churchyard on playing fieldsTwo bowl barrows 560m east of Emily's WoodGrimes Graves, including round barrow in Grimes Graves PlantationBowl barrow at Mound PlantationBowl barrow in Mount Ephraim Plantation, 770m north west of Field BarnPepper Hill bowl barrow, 400m north east of Mill FarmWayside cross known as Stump Cross in Mount Ephraim Plantation.
