Oldest Known Saltworks in Britain Found on North Sea Coast
New excavations at an old Neolithic site in North Yorkshire have uncovered something truly remarkable. Under the direction of independent archaeologist Dr. Stephen Sherlock, a team of researchers found an underground carved-out structure that contained artifacts and telltale features of an ancient salt production site or saltworks. Radiocarbon dating data has confirmed that this salt making facility was in use nearly 6,000 years ago, placing its origin solidly in the Early Neolithic period.
Neolithic salt production facilities have been unearthed in other parts of Europe, specifically in France, Germany, and the Balkans. However, this is the first time such a site has been found in Britain. Previously discovered salt making installations could only be traced back to the Bronze Age, which makes this new discovery at the Street House archaeological excavation in Loftus, North Yorkshire the oldest saltworks ever found in Britain.
... the archaeological team found the remains of a brine storage pit, along with three hearths, many flint and stone tools, ceramic baked materials, and hundreds of pieces of Neolithic pottery, some of which were coated with traces of salt.
https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/saltworks-0015121
