Details
This study provides both a useful synthesis of the evidence for Mesolithic activity in the Kennet Valley and a considered analysis of the results of excavations in the area. Drawing on his own work and experience as well as on all other available reports, Roy Froom interleaves descriptions of individual sites with chronological reviews, focusing on the archaeology of the main river valley and its flood plain, before offering further reflections on the wider valley. A picture is built up predominantly of continuity, with incremental changes in tool production, rather than noticeable discontinuities. The occupation of sites, however, shows a distinct increase in duration and intensity across the period from the Early to Late Mesolithic, and a provisional scheme is outlined based on blade analysis.