Cheddar Man refers to one of the oldest and most complete human skeletons ever found in Britain, dating to around 10,000 years ago (the Mesolithic period). His remains were discovered in 1903 in Gough’s Cave, located within Cheddar Gorge. He is an important figure in understanding early post-Ice Age inhabitants of the British Isles.
Scientific analysis, including DNA testing conducted by researchers from Natural History Museum, revealed that Cheddar Man likely had dark to black skin, blue eyes, and dark curly hair—challenging older assumptions about early Europeans. His genome also showed that he was closely related to other Mesolithic populations in Western Europe. Today, a reconstruction of his face is displayed at the Natural History Museum in London, giving a striking glimpse into Britain’s ancient past.
Cheddar Gorge is located in the southwest of England, within the county of Somerset. It sits near the village of Cheddar, about 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Bristol and around 20 miles (32 km) north of Taunton.
It’s famous for being the largest gorge in England, with dramatic limestone cliffs, caves (including Gough’s Cave), and scenic walking routes. It’s a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring natural history—especially if you’re interested in places like Cheddar Man.
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