Archeologists have uncovered the site of Britain's oldest house, the waterside home of nomad hunters dating back about 11,000 years. The dwelling, which has lake views, a thatched roof and very original features, predates the country's famous Stonehenge monument by around 6,000 years and was built at a time when Britain was still connected to continental Europe. Teams from the University of York and University of Manchester working at the site believe the circular shaped home was built in about 8,500 BC next to an ancient lake at Star Carr, near Scarborough, in northeastern England. Discoveries made at the site suggest the house was about 3.5 meters wide, constructed of timber posts and likely had a roof of thatched reeds. Archeologists have also uncovered a 11,000-year-old tree trunk, with its bark still intact, and found traces of a wooden jetty-like platform on the bank of the ancient lake that could be the first evidence of carpentry in Europe. Artifacts found at the site – which include part of an oar, arrow tips and deer skulls – offer clues to the lives of the settlers. The Star Carr site, which dates back to 9,000 BC, was first discovered in 1947. Archaeologists began work to uncover the house about two years ago.
