WILTSHIRE

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Stonehenge, Amesbury (Neolithic & Bronze Age) ref SU 122422

The best known monument in the world and it's here, in little ole' England.  It demonstrates determination and skill of prehistoric men.  It's also easy to visit, a major road running alongside it.  Many people are pleased about proposed plans to remove this road and improve the surrounding area.  I'm unsure.  I kinda like the ease of access and the flow

of traffic honking their horns as they drive by.  I like jumping out of my car to take a quick picture when I haven't time to hang around.  Anyway, back to the stones. The Heel Stone is 4.9m high and is right next to the road.  This was possibly the first stone erected on the site.  The Slaughter Stone stands opposite the Heel stone.  There has been much written about Stonehenge and so I will leave it here and draw your attention to the other delights of Wiltshire :-)

Round Barrows close to Stonehenge

The Sanctuary

The sanctuary was totally destroyed in the 18th century, but Maud Cunnington rediscovered it.  It consists of 2 concentric rings of small stones, the outer circle being 40m in diameter.

Avebury, (Neolithic) ref SU 103700

The Avebury complex is surrounding by a huge ditch enclosing an area approx 427m in diameter.  The outer circle contained 98 stones and nearer the centre were 2 more cirlces of stones.  An amazing complex that is well worth a visit, as is the village itself.  It hasn't been spoilt by the tourism the stones obviously bring.  From the southerm edge runs West Kennet Avenue a long row of stones taking you towards The Sanctuary (see above) & further still West Kennet Long Barrow.

West Kennet Long Barrow, Avebury (Neolithic) ref ST 955423

A very impressive chambered barrow that you can explore.  Again, don't forget those candles.  Fantastic on a warm, sunny day, not so good on a nasty rainy day (see photo opposite).  It measures 100m long & 2.4m high.  At the eastern end is a chamber 12m long which can be entered.

Silbury Hill, (Neolithic) ref SU 100685

The largest man made mound in Europe and only a short walk from the Avebury complex.  It is 40m high and although a steep climb it is accessable.  It is generally frowned upon, but

there are area's in the surrounding fence that can be climbed over with ease.  The only problems can be the surrounding moat after bad weather.  Excavations have discovered that Silbury Hill was built in 4 continuous stages, but there are no records of any burials being found.