East Surrey Museum giant flint axe

Sometimes known as the ‘Thames Pick’, East Surrey Museum’s giant Late Mesolithic/Early Neolithic axe is just over a foot long.

ESM_foot_long_flint_axe
East Surrey Museum foot long Late Mesolithic/Early Neolithic flint axe
Copyright: Image courtesy of Brian Wood

It was found in St Mary’s Churchyard in Oxted and is believed to be Mesolithic or early Neolithic and is something in the region of 5,000 to 8,000 years old.

Amazingly, it is in absolute mint condition.

Due to its size and condition experts believe it may have had a ceremonial use rather than being a working tool.