What began as an archaeological dig in Cumbria, England, has rewritten the early history of Northern Britain. Bones initially dubbed “the oldest northerner” have been definitively identified as belonging to a young girl, estimated to be between two and a half and three and a half years old, who lived approximately 11,000 years ago. The discovery, made at Heaning Wood Bone Cave near Great Urswick in 2023, provides a rare glimpse into the Mesolithic period in a region where glacial activity has historically obscured evidence of early human life.
The initial assessment of the remains suggested a male individual, but more detailed analysis conducted by the University of Central Lancashire revealed the skeletal fragments – specifically a portion of the maxilla (upper jaw and face) – were female. Archaeologists have affectionately named the child “Ossick Lass,” a local dialect term meaning “Urswick girl,” to connect her to her place of rest.
The significance of this find extends beyond simply identifying the remains. Prior to this discovery, the oldest known human remains in Northern Britain were those found at Kent’s Bank Cavern, dating back approximately 10,000 years. Ossick Lass predates that find by a full millennium, pushing back the timeline of human presence in the region. The relative scarcity of such discoveries in Northern Britain is attributed to the impact of past glaciations, which have eroded or destroyed much of the archaeological record.
The excavation at Heaning Wood Bone Cave, initiated by local archaeologist Martin Stables in July 2016, has yielded a wealth of artifacts alongside Ossick Lass’s remains. These include a shell bead and a pendant crafted from a deer tooth, suggesting a level of symbolic thought and craftsmanship within this early Mesolithic community. Stables described the excavation as a journey through time, stating, “It’s as if I went back in time to 9,000 BC.” He emphasized the poignant nature of uncovering the burial of a young child over 11,000 years ago, noting that he was “the first to bear witness to the obviously caring burial of someone’s child.”
The careful burial of Ossick Lass is particularly noteworthy. The Mesolithic period, spanning roughly from 10,000 to 4,000 BCE, represents a transitional phase in human history, between the Paleolithic hunter-gatherer lifestyle and the Neolithic agricultural revolution. Burial practices during this time varied, but the deliberate interment of a young child suggests a degree of ritual and emotional investment in the deceased. The presence of accompanying artifacts further supports this interpretation.
The identification of Ossick Lass relied on detailed anatomical analysis and, crucially, DNA analysis. While the specific details of the DNA sequencing haven’t been publicly released, the ability to determine sex from ancient skeletal remains has advanced significantly in recent years. Traditional methods based on pelvic bone morphology are often inconclusive, particularly with fragmented remains. DNA analysis provides a more definitive answer, though it requires well-preserved genetic material, which is often a challenge with archaeological finds of this age.
The discovery also highlights the importance of continued archaeological investigation in regions previously considered less likely to yield significant finds. The challenging geological conditions of Northern Britain have historically discouraged extensive excavation. However, the success at Heaning Wood Bone Cave demonstrates that valuable insights into early human history can be gained even in areas where preservation is poor.
The find is not just about rewriting timelines; it’s about adding a human face – or, more accurately, a young face – to the story of early Britain. Ossick Lass represents a tangible connection to a population that lived through a period of significant environmental and cultural change. Further research on the artifacts recovered from the cave and potentially on any additional remains discovered, will undoubtedly shed more light on the lives and beliefs of these early inhabitants of Northern Britain.
The University of Central Lancashire’s analysis and Martin Stables’ dedication to the excavation have provided a crucial piece of the puzzle in understanding the peopling of Britain after the last glacial period. The naming of the child, Ossick Lass, serves as a respectful acknowledgement of her individual existence and her place in the long and complex history of the region.
