A recently discovered Bronze Age burial chamber on Dartmoor has aroused the interest of archaeologists and offers the possibility of new insights into the ancient history of this part of Devon. This exciting find can compete with the one at Whitehorse Hill in 2011, where the remains of a young woman dating from around 1700 BC. were excavated.
The chamber itself and its contents are estimated to be about 4,000 years old, but everything else remains a mystery until experts can carry out a thorough examination. The exact location also remains secret to protect the site against any unwanted interference in the meantime.
The operation will begin with a thorough laser scan of the discovery site to determine exactly what the site contains, after which the relics will be removed with surgical precision. Given that the stones weigh at least 300 kilos, combined with the difficulty in accessing the site, a helicopter will be needed to transport finds from this remote location.
The earlier discovery at Whitehorse Hill attracted worldwide attention because it revealed new details about life in the early Bronze Age. There is even a YouTube video about the life of the young woman who was found there. It is hoped that the new discovery will turn out to be just as illuminating.
Translation Alun Harvey
