A WOODEN tool, thought to be the “world’s oldest” in the UK, has been discovered by archaeologists in a farmyard trench. The spade was discovered during archaeological excavations by Wessex Archaeology for the Moors at Arne project at Poole Harbour in Dorset. 5 Archaeologists have discovered a 3,000-year-old spade – one of the oldest and most complete wooden tools ever found in the UK Credit: SWNS 5 The wooden tool was found in a muddy trench at Poole Harbour in Dorset Credit: SWNS 5 Wessex Archaeology Conservator Thomas Wicks takes a tiny sample of wood from the spade for testing Credit: SWNS Dating of the spade suggests it dates back to the Bronze Age - crafted more than 3,000 years ago.
The oak spade would likely have been an important tool for its owner due to the challenging and waterlogged landscape - which was key in preserving the object. Ed Treasure from Wessex Archaeology, who led the environmental analysis of the spade said: "The moment the spade started to be uncovered, the team on site knew it was a very special object. "Now we're able to analyse it here in the laboratory, and we're starting to reveal its story.
Read More on UK News 'DEPRAVED MONSTER' My daughter was raped & killed by stranger on bench - he has no remorse WALKER 'MURDERED' Man, 55, charged with murder after dog walker found unconscious on path "It's made of oak, and radiocarbon dating of the wood itself confirms it is c.3500-3400 years old, placing it firmly in the Middle Bronze Age. "Fur.