3.4 The small finds

It is difficult to assess the large quantity of isolated finds or lithic scatters known from across the study area. The quality of data concerning each entry is extremely variable, depending upon its source, date, and chronicler. There are also a number of biases within the data which include the location of fieldwork or amateur interest, the presence of conurbations, the nature of agricultural practices, and the presence or not of mineral extraction. These factors obviously affect the preponderance of, for example, highly recognisable bronze axe heads, as opposed to small flint artefacts. Nonetheless, the available evidence suggests the intensive occupation of at least the Ure-Swale Catchment during the Neolithic and Bronze Age. The concentration of bronzework around the River Swale is particularly noteworthy. It may suggest that while the Ure was associated with large-scale monument construction the Swale was especially connected to other types of activity, including perhaps everyday occupation. The possible contrast between these two river valleys, and their association with either the ‘sacred’ or the ‘profane’, should be a priority for future investigations.