In a fascinating episode of BBC Two’s Digging for Britain, Series 11, the spotlight was shone on an incredible archaeological discovery that has taken the UK by storm. Accredited archaeological conservator Dana Goodburn-Brown took centre stage alongside archaeologist Steve Tomlinson and host Professor Alice Roberts in the Digging for Britain tent.
Using the cutting-edge Mantis Pixo Stereo microscope, Goodburn-Brown embarked on an extraordinary journey of exploration, delving into the mysteries concealed within two weathered pieces of leather discovered on a Kent beach in September 2022.
One of the leather fragments, believed to be the earliest shoe ever found in the British Isles, measured a mere 15 cm, making it the smallest Bronze Age shoe ever unearthed globally. The excitement reached new heights as the British Museum authenticated the second piece as a Late Neolithic-era bag, marking it as the oldest fragment of leather ever found in the UK.
Under the keen lens of the Mantis, a remarkable revelation unfolded. A waxy deposit on the side of the ancient leather bag exposed the remains of freshwater organisms, shedding light on the bag’s incredible journey. Discovered in the salty waters of the Thames estuary, this unexpected freshwater connection offers a fascinating glimpse into the historical voyage this Neolithic-era bag might have taken to grace the shores of Kent.
The discovery not only showcases the advanced capabilities of archaeological technology but also opens a window into the lives of our ancient ancestors, providing a unique perspective on their footwear and everyday accessories. As the archaeological community eagerly awaits further revelations, this extraordinary find on Digging for Britain has left us marvelling at the intricate tales woven into the fabric of our past.
The full episode is available on BBC iPlayer
