FOR the first time ever archaeologists can confirm there was neolithic occupation on the summit of Badbury Rings.

The first ever excavations within the Iron Age hill fort on the Kingston Lacy estate have unearthed neolithic flints, which would have been used as cutting instruments.

The work has been carried out by the National Trust in conjunction with East Dorset Antiquarian Society and a team of volunteers.

Martin Papworth, an archaeologist for the National Trust Wessex, said: "Previous interpretations of these impressive earthworks have been based on what can be seen from the surface and by comparing Badbury with other excavated hill forts in Dorset such as Hod Hill and Maiden Castle.

"To date it is the only hill fort of its size not to have been excavated in the area. Its location on the River Stour would suggest that it played a key role in defending the area and that later it would have been involved in battles during the Roman invasion."

And it seems that when they weren't fighting bloody battles the Romans were tucking into luxury picnics at the summit - among the items unearthed are oyster shells thought to date back to Roman times.

The excavations, which were prompted by concerns that tree roots on the summit were damaging the monument, have already revealed neolithic flits and as the dig continues the trust is hoping to find further evidence about the date of the earliest occupation.

Finds so far date the first occupation of Badbury Rings to between 3500 and 1500 BC.

Mr Papworth added: "We are hoping that this first excavation of Badbury Rings will help us untangle the chronology of this important piece of Dorset's history - to clarify the dates of its first occupation and when it was finally abandoned."

The excavation is due to end tomorrow and there is a daily tour of the site at 2pm.

First published: September 23