Stonehenge, Avebury & Nearby Sites
Brief Guide to Stonehenge, Avebury and Wiltshire's Prehistoric Sites
Jun 7, 2008
Southern England has a large number of prehistoric structures, stone circles and other sites, many of them clustered in the county of Wiltshire. This visitors’ guide takes a brief look at some of the most famous, including Stonehenge, the nearby Woodhenge, Avebury, Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow
The Mystery of Stonehenge
Stonehenge is undoubtedly the most famous of England’s prehistoric sites, with close to a million visitors each year. Located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire (with Amesbury being the nearest town), the structure remains a wonderfully imposing sight despite the encroachment of the A344 and A303 roads and the fence that stops visitors from getting too close. Built in several phases, from around 3100BC to 1600 BC, debate has long raged as to the original purpose(s) of the site, with various theories claiming the stones were a place of healing or a burial site, a calendar or a place of worship. The site is currently managed by English Heritage and a visitor fee applies.
The Timber Circle at Woodhenge
Identified from an aerial survey in 1925, Woodhenge is located two miles northeast of Stonehenge, with many theorists linking the two sites. A timber circle and henge, its wooden structure has long since rotted away, with concrete pillars now marking the positions of the original posts. As with Stonehenge, its original purpose remains unknown, although it has been dated to the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age period. To reach Woodhenge from Stonehenge, head towards Amesbury then take the A345 towards Marlborough for about a mile.
Avebury Village and Stone Circles
One of the most impressive prehistoric sites in the world, Avebury consists of a huge ditch and circular bank earthwork or henge (enclosing an area of more than 28 acres) and three stone circles – an Outer Circle with a diameter of 335 metres, making it the largest prehistoric stone circle and two inner rings. The village of Avebury is built partly within this structure and is just off the A4. Access to the structure is free, with a charge for visiting the museum and gallery.
The Man-Made Mound Silbury Hill
The largest man-made earthen mound in Europe, Silbury Hill stands at 40 metres (130 feet tall) and represents a monumental Neolithic (New Stone Age) labour and feat. It’s located just off the A4 near Avebury and, while access to the hill itself is restricted, it can be viewed from several spots within the environs.
Prehistoric Burial Mound West Kennet Long Barrow
Close to Silbury Hill is the West Kennet Long Barrow, a Neolithic tomb which was found to contain the remains of at least 46 people. It can be reached by walking along a dirt trackway from the A4, close to Silbury Hill and is visible from the road. Just don’t go at sunrise on Midsummer’s Day if you’re of a nervous disposition, as folklore has it that the spot is haunted on that hour by a spectral figure accompanied by a ghostly white hound with red ears.
Sources: 'The Modern Antiquarian' by Julian Cope, 'Discovering Prehistoric England' by James Dyer, English Heritage website.
Click here for a guide to prehistoric sites in neighbouring Oxfordshire, including The Uffington White Horse and Wayland's Smithy.
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