The recent identification of 10,000-year-old elk bones in the collection of the Museum in the Park, Stroud, is paving the way for fresh insights into the prehistoric landscape of the Cotswolds. This discovery sheds new light on the region’s ancient ecology and the species that once roamed its wetlands.
A Remarkable Discovery
These ancient bones, which have been part of the museum’s collection for nearly a century, have now been confirmed to date back to approximately 8700 BC. The identification was made possible through a research project led by prehistoric archaeologist Pete J.B. Moore, with funding from the Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Society.
The bones include a jawbone and a metacarpus from a mature elk. They were originally discovered in 1854 at Dunkirk Mills, near Nailsworth, within peat deposits that once formed marshy wetlands along the Nailsworth Stream. Such environments would have provided an ideal habitat for browsing animals like deer and elk.
Elk in Ancient Britain
Elk were native to Britain until around 3000 BC, but they disappeared from southern England much earlier, around 8000 BC. The discovery of these remains is particularly significant, as they are among the few known examples from the Early Holocene period in the Cotswolds. This opens new avenues for understanding how elk may have survived in isolated refuges despite changing climates and human activity.
Insights into Prehistoric Life
The elk bones were found alongside remains of other animals, including aurochs (the wild ancestors of modern cattle), red deer, and boar. Evidence suggests that these bones may have been part of a human rubbish dump, possibly indicating hunting activity in the region. Further research is required to determine whether all the bones found at the site belong to the same period, which could provide deeper insights into the interactions between prehistoric humans and their environment.
The Importance of Peat Preservation
The geology of the Cotswolds, dominated by limestone, does not typically preserve organic material such as plant remains and pollen. However, the rare peat deposits in which these bones were discovered have helped protect them for thousands of years. This presents a unique opportunity for researchers to study the vegetation and ecological conditions of the Early Mesolithic period.
Understanding Climate and Extinction
As modern climates continue to warm, this research provides valuable context for studying survival and extinction patterns in the local area. By examining how prehistoric species adapted—or failed to adapt—to environmental changes, scientists can gain a better understanding of ecological resilience and the impact of shifting climates on wildlife.
Museum’s Role in Preserving History
Cllr Martin Brown, chair of Stroud District Council's Community Services & Licensing Committee, expressed enthusiasm about the discovery:
"It's fascinating to see that new findings are still being made within the museum's collections. The museum is a wonderful resource for the Stroud district, and the council is proud to fund it, ensuring it remains free of charge to everyone."
The elk bones are now on display in the Foundations Gallery at the Museum in the Park, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s ancient past.
Ongoing Research and Future Publications
The research was funded by the Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Society. A preliminary account of the findings has been published in its March 2025 newsletter, with a full report expected in the society’s upcoming annual journal, Transactions.
Managed by Stroud District Council in collaboration with the Stroud District (Cowle) Museum Trust, the Museum in the Park is housed in a Grade II-listed 17th-century former wool merchant's house. With over 4,000 artifacts on display—ranging from dinosaur fossils to historical relics—the museum continues to be a vital hub for preserving and interpreting the rich history of the Stroud district.
