This flint hand-axe was found in West Ham in 1905. It can probably be
dated to about 300,000bc. It was made and used by one of our earliest
ancestors.
Close to the river
Large numbers of such tools have been found in the ancient river gravels
that underlie east London. This suggests that the area was once home to
groups of early people who hunted and scavenged along the riverbanks.
Practical purpose
Though now very worn, the hand-axe would originally have been used to skin
and butcher animals and game.
