Creativity over thousands of years - Art in the Ice Age

Last weekend took me up to Derbyshire, on the last sunny weekend of August. Despite excellent, interesting visits to both Hardwick Hall and Haddon Hall, the highlight was definitely a visit to Creswell Crags and a fascinating tour of the caves to view some art going back over 11,000 years.

This was the view that surprised us as we walked towards the cliffs and to enter the Church Hole cave where several pieces of carving were discovered in 2003. It actually took our breath away as we moved out of the woods and into a clearing that contained this beautiful lake.

Deep inside the caves of Creswell Crags lies evidence of creativity in people we often think of as hunter gatherers and little more. Clearly, these were activities that formed an important part of life, beyond simply staying alive. Looking at the examples below, it may be hard to see what the depictions are, but these are carvings that laid undiscovered for thousands of years and which are now only visible with a guide. 

This is an experience that is absolutely worth a special visit to this beautiful part of central England.