Generally the Mesolithic Period (8,600-3,700 BC) has shown some evidence of occupation in County Durham particularly towards the coast although no signs have been found in the parish. At this time the people were hunters following the migration of animals such as red deer and reindeer. The main evidence of occupation comes from finds of stone axe heads, and round Cairns and barrows. The nearest finds have been on the coast around Seaton Carew.
The Neolithic Period
The Neolithic Period (3,700-2, 300 BC) really marks the beginning of farming, as we know it today. Arable farming was brought over from the continent although there is again little evidence of any activity within the parish; indeed most of the recorded sites are south of the River Tees.
The nearest find was of a polished stone axe in Fairfield, Stockton, with other finds at the coast, which appears to have been an attractive location for early man.
The Bronze Age
There have been many finds of Bronze Age (2,300-800 BC) artifacts particularly in the Cleveland Hills and again around the coast at Hartlepool.
Yet again there is no evidence of activity in the parish. However this lack of finds does not necessarily mean the parish did not have a small population at this time.
It is likely that early man did live and hunt in the area but no remains have yet been found from this period.
