Stone Age Linmere Podcast

Ancient Footprints Beneath a New Community: Mesolithic Pits Discovered at Linmere

If you’re one of the first residents to have moved into Linmere Phase One, back in 2022, you might be forgiven into thinking you’re one of the very first people to live on this land and witness the growth of a brand-new community. In truth, we’re following the foundations of people living in the region of Linmere, from many thousands of years ago.

The archaeological investigations carried out before the Phase One development have shown that people were drawn to this landscape long before roads, houses, or infrastructure existed, with the discovering of up to 25 pits dating to the late Mesolithic era, roughly between 10,000 and 6,000 years ago, a time when Britain was inhabited by hunter-gatherer groups adapting to changing climates and environments after the last Ice Age.

The work was undertaken by Albion Archaeology (Bedford) and later joined by the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), on account of the significance of the find. The discovery created national news and provided a wealth of artefacts to contribute to our understanding of the Mesolithic age.

Whilst the pits no longer exist, and their remains reside under the Phase One development, the materials collected, including animal bones and remnants of tools, are subject to ongoing analysis in Albion and MOLA laboratories. As this work continues, we interviewed Mike Luke, from Albion Archaeology, to bring this remarkable story to life and to recreate some of the experience of life in Linmere, from a pre-historical age.

Linmere is designed to be a place for communities that embraces the natural environment, and where all generations can enjoy a great quality of life. This exciting new collection of leafy and walkable neighbourhoods, situated north of Houghton Regis Bedfordshire, located close to M1 Junction 11a. Nestled into verdant surroundings, its first homes completed and inhabited in 2021. The Land Trust will maintain and preserve these spaces on behalf of Houghton Regis Management Company.