A new exhibition exploring one million years of British history is to open at the Natural History Museum in February 2014.

Based on 12 years of research led by the Museum itself, Britain: One Million Years of the Human Story, will explore the changing faces and spaces of prehistoric Britain.

Using the latest scientific and display techniques, the attraction will bring rarely seen specimens to life, enabling visitors to observe history long before the Romans, Saxons and the Vikings.

Artifacts like the Swanscombe skull, from the earliest known Neanderthal in Britain, and the Clacton spear, the oldest wooden spear in the world, are just some of the objects to be housed at the exhibition.

It is well-documented that Britain has one of the richest yet under appreciated records of early human history in the world.

After 12 years researchers have been able to discover tools, animal bones and other artifacts in river deposits and caves, which reveal intriguing details about early ways of life.

By analysing this trail of evidence, the 50-strong team of archaeologists, palaeontologists and geologists from more than 20 research institutions have collaborated with the Natural History Museum to provide a detail-rich story of our past.

“From the earliest human fossils in Britain to one of the oldest wooden tools in the world, you will be surprised by the history hidden beneath your feet,” said Professor Chris Stringer, palaeontologist and world-leading human origins researcher at the Natural History Museum.

“The story behind the humans who inhabited ancient Britain has taken us more than a decade to piece together. This gives us an exciting glimpse into our past, which also leads us to reflect on our future.”

It is thought plans are also being put together to tour the exhibition, though a date is yet to be decided.

Britain: One Million Years of the Human Story will open to the public on 13 February 2014.