Book explores a history that is etched in stone

THE story of how prehistoric peoples survived and eventually thrived is written in stone.

- Tony Henderson reports

Northumberland-based geologist Ian Jackson

In his latest book, Defined by Stones, Northumberland-based geologist Ian Jackson visits 50 locations in the North of England that show how the rocks of the region sustained human life.

"Prehistory and geology are inextricably linked. Our ancient ancestors’ relationship with the natural landscape was intimate," says Ian.

"Rocks provided them with shelter, water, tools and weapons and were also the pillars of their beliefs and rituals. It was stone that defined our ancestors. Without it they could not hunt, farm or light fire. It was essential to their lives."

"Written in stone" has become a saying embedded in the English language. Another is “strike a light”.

Its origins are illustrated in one of Ian’s 50 places - Kirkhaugh near Slaggyford in the South Tyne Valley. This is the site of a prehistoric burial cairn, excavated in 1935 and again in 2014.

The Early Bronze Age grave produced gold tresses for dressing hair, an arrowhead, whetstone for sharpening, a hammer stone, blocks of sandstone for metalworking and a nodule of pyrites, or fool's gold.