In 2001 a number of timbers were seen in the north side of Staithes Beck. They were originally thought to date from the development of Alum working in the area but a single radiocarbon date of 1730-1440BC placed them in the early Bronze Age.
Excavation revealed a mass of timbers of different sizes. Alder, hazel, ash, cherry, oak, elm and willow were all present. It seemed as though a rough timber platform had been created on a stand of clay on the southern bank of the stream. Tool marks were clearly visible on some of the timbers. There is, however, some doubt as to whether the structure was diliberate of just a mass of felled timber swept downstream.
Information from Tees Archaeology
Newsletter No.2 April 2003