Story perspectives

Ancient Burial Site Reveals 11,000-Year-Old Girl's Remains

2/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers identified the remains of a young girl nicknamed Ossick Lass, buried over 11,000 years ago in Heaning Wood Bone Cave, Cumbria.
Excavations in 2023, led by archaeologist Martin Stables, recovered her remains with five perforated periwinkle shell beads, among earliest grave goods in northern Britain.
The January 2026 study notes the cave served as a burial site across three eras, with remains of at least seven others, predominantly female.

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Story summary

Researchers identified the remains of a young girl nicknamed Ossick Lass, buried over 11,000 years ago in Heaning Wood Bone Cave, Cumbria.
Excavations in 2023, led by archaeologist Martin Stables, recovered her remains with five perforated periwinkle shell beads, among earliest grave goods in northern Britain.
The January 2026 study notes the cave served as a burial site across three eras, with remains of at least seven others, predominantly female.