NHER 8730 (Find Spot record) - Unprovenanced prehistoric flint implements, probably from Meadow Farm (Saham Toney, poorly located)

Various prehistoric objects known to have been recovered in Saham Toney during the late 19th century and earlier 20th century, but with little additional information regarding provenance.

REPORTED DISCOVERIES - C. F. NEWTON

Various prehistoric objects are known to have been found in Saham Toney parish by a Mr C. F. Newton during the early 20th-century, many of which were exhibited at meetings of what was then the Prehistoric Society of East Anglia (PSEA). Information from (S1) and (S2).
The location of these finds is not clear, although it appears that Mr Newton was a farmer who lived in the parish and as such it is quite possible that these finds came from various locations, rather than a single 'site'. At least one of Mr Newton's finds is however described as coming from the land of Meadow Farm, and it is possible that many (if not all) were from this area. This is supported by the fact that around 1935 a Palaeolithic scraper was reportedly found on Meadow Farm by a Mr. N. Newton; possibly a relative working the same land (NHER 8731). Potentially Palaeolithic finds recovered by Newton in this parish are now recorded under NHER 8732.

Pre 1907. Stray Find.
It is recorded in (S3) that C. F. Newton had found Neolithic objects of "Sandy Site Type" and at least one polished/stone implement in Saham Toney prior to 1907. No other details are given.

Pre 1914. Stray Find.
Object described as a partially perforated 'rubstone' exhibited at a meeting of the PSEA. This object, recorded as being found on the surface at Meadow Farm, is probably what would now be described as a pebble macehead, this is noted on (S4). According to (S5) it was the third perforated or partially perforated artefact of this type to be found. These objects are not closely datable, the simpler examples having been found in both Mesolithic and later contexts. A pebble macehead from Meadow Farm was accessioned by the NCM in 1963 (NWHCM : 1963.120.40 : A) is probably a later discovery (see NER 8742), although it appears its finder had dealings with the Newtons and it is therefore possible that this is one of the objects found by C. F. Newton. Newton's finds were previously recorded under NHER 8742.
P. Watkins (HES), 25 April 2013.

Pre 1915. Stray Find.
A fabricator with the beginnings of ocherous staining exhibitied at a meeting of the PSEA. See (S6).

Pre 1916. Stray Find.
A "harpoon barb of translucent chalcedonic flint""with retouching along two edges exhibited at a meeting of the PSEA. See (S7). Clearly some form of blade, it is possible that this object was Mesolithic.

Pre 1919. Stray Find.
Two objects exhibited at a meeting of the PSEA. One a long scraper, the other a flat-backed 'fabricator' with end rubbed by use. Both were delicately chipped and highly lustrous. See (S8)

Pre 1920. Stray Find.
Exibition of a flint described as a ""small implement of Cissbury [Neolithic] type"". See (S9).

P. Watkins (HES), 25 April 2013 and 11 August 2014.