NHER 11069 (Find Spot record) - Unprovenanced prehistoric finds, Harleston (Redenhall with Harleston, poorly located)

Various prehistoric objects recovered during the 19th century and/or early 20th century in the Harleston area of what is now Redenhall with Harleston parish, but with little or no additional information regarding provenance.

Pre 1897. Stray Find.
At some time prior to 1897 a prehistoric perforated stone object was found at Harleston. This find is noted in (S1), which describes it as a stone hammer-head with a diameter of 3 1/4 inches (8.3cm). It is also mentioned in (S2). Information from (S3).

From the context in which this implement is discussed by (S1) it is clear that it is what would now be commonly described as a pebble macehead. These objects are not closely datable, having been found in both Mesolithic and later prehistoric context. As is commonly the case this macehead is quartzite and is now part of the Evans Collection held by the Ashmolean Museum (1927.3513), where it is recorded as having once been in the possession of C. R. Manning. The location of this object was confirmed by A. Lawson (NAU). Information from (S4). This object is also listed in (S5) and (S6).

Reference is made by (S7) to a quartzite "hammer" that had been found in Harleston by Rev. C. R. Manning (Rector of Diss). Although this was previously recorded as a separate discovery (NHER 11068) it seems highly likely that it is the same object as that described in (S1); particularly as the first edition of (S1) records it as being in the possession of Manning at this time (S8).
Amended by P. Watkins (HES), 7 January 2014.

Pre 1907. Stray Find.
Harleston is listed in (S9) as one of the locations in Norfolk that had produced Neolithic finds of "Sandy Site Type" prior to 1907. Reference is made to (S5) and (S10) - the nature of the finds described in the latter is not clear at present.
Previously recorded as NHER 11067.
Amended by P. Watkins (HES), 7 January 2014.