Snoddle Hill, Near Littleborough

 Snoddle Hill: A Neolithic and Bronze Age Archaeological Site in Littleborough, Greater Manchester/Lancashire

Location: Snoddle Hill, Littleborough, Greater Manchester/Lancashire
Grid Reference: 
Elevation: 180 meters above sea level
Access: Grade 5 (Car park near Summit Public House; steep walk, rough ground)

Overview: Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Littleborough, Snoddle Hill in Greater Manchester/Lancashire is an important archaeological site believed to have been used during both the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. The site, located at an elevation of 180 meters above sea level, provides evidence of human activity stretching back thousands of years. Access to the site is Grade 5, requiring a steep walk over some rough ground, though it is accessible via a car park near the Summit Public House.

The remains found at Snoddle Hill are thought to be linked to an ancient kerbed cairn, with the faint remains of the structure visible today. Historical records and older Ordnance Survey maps refer to the site as a Cairn Circle, hinting at its significance in ancient times. Some surveys conducted over the years have also suggested that Snoddle Hill could have been a Bronze Age round barrow, a burial mound common during that period.

Archaeological Finds at Snoddle Hill

Snoddle Hill has yielded a range of important archaeological finds over the past hundred years, offering valuable insights into the people who lived here during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Among the most notable finds are flint arrowheads, characteristic of the Neolithic period, a time when humans relied heavily on stone tools and weapons.

Another significant discovery at the site is a shale amulet made from Kimmeridge Shale, a type of shale originating from the Dorset area, hundreds of miles away from Snoddle Hill. This find indicates the presence of trade or cultural exchanges between distant regions during ancient times, as the shale amulet was likely a cherished item carried or worn by the people living here. The discovery of these items points to the site's importance, both as a burial site and a focal point for rituals and cultural practices.

The Significance of Snoddle Hill

While the exact function of the site remains unclear, the remains of the cairn and the various artifacts found suggest that Snoddle Hill was a place of great significance to the people of its time. The presence of flint tools and personal artifacts hints that the hill may have served both as a burial site and a ceremonial location. The cairn itself, with its kerbed structure, points to a carefully planned construction, possibly indicating that the site had spiritual or ritualistic importance.

The combination of Neolithic and Bronze Age finds highlights the long-lasting occupation and use of the area, with communities returning to Snoddle Hill over generations. The Cairn Circle and other features could have been part of a larger network of ceremonial sites, marking important events in the prehistoric communities’ calendars, such as seasonal festivals or burials.

Looking South West

On the left, part of the cairn stone

Exploring Snoddle Hill Today

Today, Snoddle Hill offers an intriguing glimpse into the distant past, with its faded cairn remains and archaeological finds serving as a testament to the area’s long history. Visitors can explore the site, taking in the scenic views while imagining the lives of the people who once used this land for their rituals and ceremonies.