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
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Local History around Grimes Graves
There are some historic monuments around including:
Site of town ditch: Icknield Way allotmentsWest Tofts deserted villageBank and ditch NE of London RoadArea of Saxon town N of Red CastleThetford Warren LodgeBowl barrow 380m south west of Santon HouseBowl barrow on Bunker's Hill, 650m west of Pilgrims' WalkSite of Saxon town including site of St John's churchyard on playing fieldsSite of St Helen's Church with adjacent earthworks and holy wellPriory 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 BarnBowl barrow at Mound PlantationWeeting Castle moated site and 12th century manor house with post-medieval ice houseThetford Cluniac prioryBowl barrow in Mount Ephraim Plantation, 770m north west of Field BarnBowl barrow 580m north east of The Lodge, BrandonWayside cross known as Stump Cross in Mount Ephraim PlantationPepper Hill bowl barrow, 400m north east of Mill FarmBowl barrow 230m south west of Little Lodge FarmRed Castle medieval ringwork, church and Saxon settlement remainsCaston Hall, site ofBell barrow known as White HillGrimes Graves, including round barrow in Grimes Graves PlantationTwo bowl barrows 560m east of Emily's WoodBowl barrow at Slave's HillTwo bowl barrows north-west of Waterend FarmMiddle Saxon occupation on Chequer MeadowBowl barrow 100m south east of Woodcock CottageRoman building E of Fengate FarmSanton moated site and associated medieval settlementBowl barrow known as Blood Hill with associated remains of a boundary bank.
