UK's Oldest Cave Art Rediscovered in Bacon Hole, Wales
Striped rock dismissed as natural in 1928 reclassified as UK’s oldest cave art

Image: Theguardian
New analysis has confirmed that the rock art in Bacon Hole, a cave in south Wales, dates back 17,100 years, making it the oldest known cave art in Britain. Initially dismissed in 1928 as a natural phenomenon, this discovery sheds light on prehistoric human activity in the region.
- 01The rock art was originally discovered in 1912 but was deemed inauthentic by 1928.
- 02Dr. George Nash led a team that used uranium-thorium dating to confirm the art's age at 17,100 years.
- 03The analysis revealed that the painted lines were intentionally created by humans, not natural processes.
- 04Bacon Hole is located in south Gower and is currently not protected as a scheduled monument.
- 05The research was published in the journal Quaternary and involved collaboration with multiple universities.
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The rock art discovered in Bacon Hole, a cave near the Mumbles in south Wales, has been reclassified as the oldest cave art in the UK, dating back 17,100 years. Initially reported in 1912, the authenticity of the painted panel was dismissed by 1928, with claims that the red streaks were merely a natural occurrence. However, recent analysis led by Dr. George Nash, a specialist in prehistoric art, utilized uranium-thorium dating to confirm its age. The study concluded that the lines were intentionally created by humans, indicating a structured pattern. This research, published in the journal Quaternary, highlights the significance of Bacon Hole as a habitation site for hunter-gatherer groups during a transitional climate phase. Although the cave is not currently designated as a scheduled monument, archaeologists advocate for its protection. The project was supported by the National Trust and involved collaboration with several universities, reinforcing the importance of understanding prehistoric human activity in Wales.
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The rediscovery of the cave art has implications for cultural heritage and tourism in the region.
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