An ancient weapon used more than 5,000 years ago has been found in an eroded footpath. Local Stephen Hamer was walking with a group of friends in May this year in the Rivington area when he spotted a stone which stood out. Stephen, or Ste, took it back to Horwich Heritage , with members of the group agreeing that it looked unusual.
Derek Cartwright, secretary of Horwich Heritage, said: "The stone was heavier than similar sized other stones in the locality, it could have even been some type of metal. "One end of the stone appeared to have a chiselled finish while the opposite end was flat. "The stone appeared also to have some symmetry about its shape and was coated with something that looked like rust.
The neolithic axe head which was found (Image: Horwich Heritage) "This is an incredible find and such a rare piece, well done Ste. "We are very grateful also to Ian Trumble for his identification and description of the find and his continued support to Horwich Heritage." The group agreed to show it to Ian Trumble , the chair of the Bolton Archaeological and Egyptology Society and also curator at Bolton Museum.
After examining the piece, he found that the stone was a neolithic axe head, and would have been around 5,000 years old. Read more: Town gathers 'in awe of sacrifice' of 80th anniversary of D-Day landings Read more: A 'witch hunt' is taking place Bolton - and experts need your help Read more: Families enjoy sights and sounds of olden days Bolton at bank holiday weekend ev.
