E18 South Woodford, Woodford

This elegant pointed hand-axe comes from South Woodford. It is over 300,000 years old. The hand-axe is made of flint and was used by one of our earliest human ancestors.

Gathering flint

Nodules of flint were picked up along the margins of rivers. They were then skilfully shaped into tools. Freshly-worked flint is razor sharp.

This hand-axe was found in excellent condition. This suggests that it lay virtually undisturbed since it was last used.