Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-7cvxr Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-28T06:56:17.044Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Analytical Surveys of Stonehenge and its Immediate Environs, 2009–2013: Part 1 – the Landscape and Earthworks

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 August 2014

David Field ,
Neil Linford ,
Martyn Barber ,
Hugo Anderson-Whymark ,
Mark Bowden ,
Peter Topping ,
Paul Linford ,
Marcus Abbott ,
Paul Bryan  and
Deborah Cunliffe
...Show all authors
David Field
Affiliation:
2 West Nolands, Yatesbury, Wiltshire, SN11 8YD. davidjfield1950@gmail.com
Neil Linford
Affiliation:
English Heritage, Fort Cumberland, Fort Cumberland Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO4 9LD
Martyn Barber
Affiliation:
English Heritage, The Engine House, Firefly Avenue, Swindon SN2 2 EH
Hugo Anderson-Whymark
Affiliation:
University of York, Department of Archaeology, The King’s Manor, York, Y01 7 EP
Mark Bowden
Affiliation:
English Heritage, The Engine House, Firefly Avenue, Swindon SN2 2 EH
Peter Topping
Affiliation:
School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU
Paul Linford
Affiliation:
English Heritage, Fort Cumberland, Fort Cumberland Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO4 9LD
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Integrated non-invasive survey in the Stonehenge ‘triangle’, Amesbury, Wiltshire, has highlighted a number of features that have a significant bearing on the interpretation of the site. Among them are periglacial and natural topographical structures, including a chalk mound that may have influenced site development. Some geophysical anomalies are similar to the post-holes in the car park of known Mesolithic date, while others beneath the barrows to the west may point to activity contemporary with Stonehenge itself. Evidence that the ‘North Barrow’ may be earlier in the accepted sequence is presented and the difference between the eastern and western parts of the enclosure ditch highlighted, while new data relating to the Y and Z Holes and to the presence of internal banks that mirror their respective circuits is also outlined.

Résumé

Prospections analytiques de Stonehenge et de ses environs immédiats, 2009–2013: Partie 1 – paysage et fortifications, de David Field, Neil Linford, Martyn Barber, Hugo Anderson-Whymark, Mark Bowden, Peter Topping et Paul Linford

Une prospection intégrée, non invasive du ‘triangle’ de Stonehenge, à Amesbury, Wiltshire, a souligné un certain nombre de traits qui ont une portée considérable sur l’interprétation du site. Parmi eux se trouvent des structures topographiques pré-glaciaires et naturelles, y compris un tertre de craie qui pourrait avoir eu une influence sur le développement du site. Des anomalies géophysiques ressemblent aux trous de poteaux du parking dont on connait la date mésolithique tandis que d’autres, sous les tertres funéraires à l’ouest, pourraient indiquer une activité contemporaine de Stonehenge lui-même. Des témoignages que le Tertre Funéraire Nord pourrait être plus ancien que dans la séquence admise actuellement sont présentés et la différence entre les parties est et ouest du fossé de l’enclos est mise en évidence, tandis que de nouvelles données au sujet des Trous Y et Z et de la présence de talus internes calqués sur leurs circuits respectifs sont aussi résumées.

Zussamenfassung

Analytische Surveys von Stonehenge und seiner unmittelbaren Umgebung 2009-2013: Teil 1 – Die Landschaft und die Erdwerke, von David Field, Neil Linford, Martyn Barber, Hugo Anderson-Whymark, Mark Bowden, Peter Topping und Paul Linford

Integrierte zerstörungsfreie Surveys im „Stonehenge-Dreieck“ bei Amesbury, Wiltshire, haben eine Reihe von Merkmalen sichtbar gemacht, die einen bedeutenden Einfluss auf die Interpretation des Ortes haben. Darunter sind periglaziale und natürliche topographische Strukturen, einschließlich eines Kreidehügels, die die Entwicklung des Fundplatzes beeinflusst haben mögen. Einige geophysikalische Anomalien ähneln den Pfostenlöchern aus dem Bereich des Parkplatzes, die ins Mesolithikum datieren, während andere unter den Hügeln im Westen vielleicht auf Aktivitäten verweisen, die zeitgleich mit Stonehenge selbst sind. Es werden auch Hinweise vorgelegt, dass der „North Barrow“ früher innerhalb der akzeptierten Sequenz datiert, und der Unterschied zwischen den östlichen und westlichen Teilen des Umfassungsgrabens wird herausgestellt. Zudem werden neue Daten in Bezug auf die Y- und Z-Löcher und auf die Existenz innerer Wälle, die deren jeweilige Kreisbahnen spiegeln, kurz behandelt.

Resumen

Prospecciones analíticas de Stonehenge y su entorno inmediato, 2009-2013: parte 1 –el paisaje y las excavaciones, por David Field, Neil Linford, Martyn Barber, Hugo Anderson-Whymark, Mark Bowden, Peter Topping y Paul Linford

Las prospecciones integrales no invasivas en el “triángulo” de Stonehenge, Amesbury, Wiltshire, han revelado numerosos rasgos significativos para la interpretación del sitio. Entre ellos existen estructuras periglaciales y topográficas naturales, incluyendo un montículo de creta que podría haber tenido influencia en el desarrollo posterior del sitio. Algunas anomalías geofísicas son similares a los agujeros de poste de cronología mesolítica documentados en el parking, mientras que otros documentados bajo los túmulos del oeste podrían indicar una actividad contemporánea al propio Stonehenge. Se presentan evidencias de que el “túmulo del norte” podría ser más antiguo que lo considerado en la secuencia aceptada y se destacan las diferencias entre las zonas este y oeste de la zanja del cercado, mientras que nuevos datos de los hoyos Y y Z; y la presencia de bancadas internas permiten delimitar sus respectivos circuitos.

Keywords

Stonehengegeophysical surveybarrowsY & Z Holes
Type
Articles
Information
Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society , Volume 80 , December 2014 , pp. 1 - 32
Copyright
© The Prehistoric Society 2014 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Abbott, M. & Anderson-Whymark, H. 2012. Stonehenge Laser Scan: archaeological analysis report. English Heritage Research Department Report Series 32–2012. Portsmouth: English Heritage Google Scholar
Amadio, L. & Bishop, S. 2010. The Cursus Barrows and Surrounding Area: archaeological survey report. English Heritage Research Department Report Series 85–2010. Swindon: English Heritage Google Scholar
Annable, F.K. & Simpson, D.D.A. 1964. Guide Catalogue of the Neolithic and Bronze Age Collections in Devizes Museum. Devizes: Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Society Google Scholar
Ashbee, P., Smith, I.F. & Evans, J.G. 1979. Excavation of three long barrows near Avebury. Proceedings of the Prehistory Society 45, 207–300 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Atkinson, R.J.C. 1957. Worms and weathering. Antiquity 31, 219–223 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Atkinson, R.J.C. 1965. Wayland’s Smithy. Antiquity 39, 126–133 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Atkinson, R.J.C. 1979. Stonehenge. Harmonsworth: Penguin Google Scholar
Atkinson, R.J.C., Piggott, C.M. & Sanders, N.K. 1951. Excavations at Dorchester, Oxon. Oxford: Ashmolean Museum Google Scholar
Baldwin, E. 2010. Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Interim Geophysical Survey Report Field Season I (2010–2011). Unpublished interim report for the National Trust and English Heritage. University of BirminghamGoogle Scholar
Banton, S., Bowden, M.C.B., Daw, T., Grady, D. & Soutar, S. forthcoming. Parchmarks at Stonehenge, July 2013. Antiquity Google Scholar
Barber, M. 2011. A History of Aerial Photography and Archaeology: Mata Hari’s glass eye and other stories. Swindon: English Heritage Google Scholar
Barber, M. 2014a. ‘Restoring’ Stonehenge 1881–1939. English Heritage Research Report Series 7/2014. Swindon: English Heritage Google Scholar
Barber, M. 2014b. Stonehenge Aerodrome and the Stonehenge Landscape. Swindon: English Heritage Research Report Series 7/2014 Google Scholar
Barber, M., Grady, D. & Winton, H. 2003. From pit circles to propellers: recent results from aerial survey in Wiltshire. Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Society Magazine 96, 148–160 Google Scholar
Barclay, A. & Halpin, C. 1999. Excavations at Barrow Hills, Radley, Oxfordshire. Volume 1 The Neolithic and Bronze Age Monument Complex. Oxford: Oxford Archaeological Unit Google Scholar
Barrett, K. & Bowden, M. 2010. Normanton Down: archaeological survey report. English Heritage Research Department Report 90–2010. Swindon: English Heritage Google Scholar
Bewley, B., Crutchley, S. & Shell, C. 2005. New Light on an ancient landscape: lidar survey in the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. Antiquity 79, 636–647 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bond, J. 1991. Landscape regression analysis (Appendix H). In T. Darvill (ed.) Stonehenge Conservation and Management Project: environmental statement, 383–444. London: Debenham Tewson & Chinnocks Google Scholar
Bowden, M.C.B. 2010. Stonehenge WHS Landscape Project: Wilsford Barrows: archaeological survey report. English Heritage Research Department Report 108–2010. Swindon: English Heritage Google Scholar
Bowden, M., Barber, M., Field, D. & Soutar, S. in press. The Stonehenge Landscape: ‘a striking picture of ancient times’: analysing the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. Swindon: English Heritage Google Scholar
Bowen, C. & Smith, I. 1977. Sarsen stones in Wessex: the Society’s first investigations in the Evolution of the Landscape project. Antiquaries Journal 57, 185–197 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bryan, P.G. & Clowes, W. 1997. Surveying Stonehenge by photogrammetry. The Photogrammetric Record 15, 739–751 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Burrow, S. 2010. ‘The formative henge: speculations drawn from the circular traditions of Wales and adjacent counties. In J. Leary, D. Field & T. Darvill (eds), Round Mounds and Monumentality in the British Neolithic and Beyond, 182–196. Neolithic Studies Group Seminar Papers 10. Oxford: Oxbow Books Google Scholar
Capper, J.E. 1907. Photographs of Stonehenge as seenfrom a War Balloon. Archaeologia 60, 571 and plates 69 and 70CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Clark, M.J., Lewin, J. & Small, R.J. 1967. The Sarsen Stones of the Marlborough Downs and their Geomorphological Implications. Southampton Research Series in Geography 4. Southampton: University of Southampton Google Scholar
Cleal, R.M.J. & Walker, K.E. with Montague, R. 1995. Stonehenge in its Landscape: twentieth century excavations. London: English Heritage Google Scholar
Crutchley, S. 2002. Stonehenge World Heritage Site Mapping Project: Management Report. Swindon: English Heritage Google Scholar
Cunnington, M.E. 1914. List of long barrows in Wiltshire. Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Magazine 38, 379–415 Google Scholar
Cunnington, R.H. 1935. Stonehenge and its Date. London: Methuen Google Scholar
Cunnington, R.H. 1975. From Antiquary to Archaeologist: a biography of William Cunnington. Aylesbury: Shire Google Scholar
Darvill, T. 2005. Stonehenge World Heritage Site: an Archaeological Research Framework. London & Bournemouth: English Heritage & Bournemouth University Google Scholar
Darvill, T. & Wainwright, G. 2009. Stonehenge Excavations 2008. Antiquaries Journal 89, 1–19 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Darvill, T., Lueth, F., Rassman, K., Fischer, A. & Winkelmann, K. 2013. Stonehenge, Wiltshire, UK: high resolution geophysical surveys in the surrounding landscape, 2011. European Journal Archaeology 16(1), 63–93 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Darvill, T., Marshall, P., Parker Pearson, M. & Wainwright, G. 2012. Stonehenge remodelled. Antiquity 86, 1021–1040 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Darwin, C. 1881. The Formation of Vegetable Mould Through the Action of Worms. London: John Murray Google Scholar
David, A., Cole, M., Horsley, T., Linford, N. & Martin, L. 2004. A rival to Stonehenge? Geophysical survey at Stanton Drew, England. Antiquity 78, 341–348 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Drew, C.D. & Piggott, S. 1936. The excavation of Long Barrow 163s on Thickthorn Down, Dorset. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 2, 77–96 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Drewett, P. 1975. The excavation of an oval burial mound of the third millennium bc at Alfriston, East Sussex, 1974. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 52, 31–52 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Drewett, P. 1986. The excavation of a Neolithic oval barrow at North Marden, West Sussex, 1982. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 52, 31–52 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Field, D. & Pearson, T. 2010. Stonehenge WHS Landscape Project: Stonehenge, Amesbury, Wiltshire: archaeological survey report. English Heritage Research Department Report 109–2010. Swindon: English Heritage Google Scholar
Field, D. & Pearson, T. 2011. Stonehenge WHS Landscape Project: Stonehenge Down and the Triangle: archaeological survey report. English Heritage Research Department Report 105–2011. Swindon: English Heritage Google Scholar
Field, D., Bowden, M. & Soutar, S. 2012. Stonehenge WHS Landscape Project: The Avenue and Stonehenge Bottom. English Heritage Research Department Report 31–2012. Swindon: English Heritage Google Scholar
Field, D., Linford, N., Anderson-Whymark, H., Barber, M., Bowden, M., Linford, P. & Topping, P. forthcoming. Analytical surveys of Stonehenge and its immediate environs, 2009–2013: part 2 the stones. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 82 Google Scholar
French, C., Lewis, H., Allen, M.J., Green, M., Scaife, R. & Gardiner, J. 2007. Prehistoric Landscape Development and Human Impact in the Upper Allen Valley, Cranborne Chase, Dorset. McDonald Institute Monograph. Cambridge: University of Cambridge Google Scholar
Gaffney, C., Gaffney, V., Neubauer, W., Baldwin, E., Chapman, H., Garwood, P., Moulden, H., Sparrow, T., Bates, R., Löcker, K., Hinterleitner, A., Trinks, I., Nau, E., Zitz, T., Floery, S., Verhoeven, G. & Doneus, M. 2012. The Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project. Archaeological Prospection 19, 147–155 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Garwood, P. 1999. Grooved Ware in Southern Britain, chronology and interpretation. In R. Cleal & A. McSween (eds), Grooved Ware in Britain and Ireland, 145–176. Oxford: Oxbow Books Google Scholar
Gerloff, S. 1975. The Early Bronze Age daggers in Britain and a reconsideration of the Wessex Culture. Prahistorische Bronzefunde VI(2). Munchen: CHBeck’scheVerlagsBuchhandlung Google Scholar
Gillings, M., Pollard, J. & Wheatley, D. 2008. Landscape of the Megaliths: excavation and fieldwork on the Avebury Monuments 1997–2003. Oxford: Oxbow Books Google Scholar
Goddard, E.H. 1913–14. A list of prehistoric, Romano-British and pagan Saxon antiquities in the county of Wilts arranged under parishes. Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Society Magazine 38, 153–378 Google Scholar
Gowland, W. 1902. Recent excavations at Stonehenge. Archaeologia 58, 37–118 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Green, M. 2000. A Landscape Revealed: 10,000 years on a chalkland farm. Stroud: Tempus Google Scholar
Grinsell, L.V. 1957. Archaeological Gazeteer. In R.B. Pugh & E. Crittall (eds), A History of Wiltshire I:I, 21–297. Victoria History of the Counties of England. Oxford: Oxford University Press Google Scholar
Groube, L.M. & Bowden, M.C.B. 1982. The Archaeology of Rural Dorset: past, present and future. Dorset Natural History & Archaeological Society Monograph 4Google Scholar
Harding, J. 2003. Henge Monuments of the British Isles. Stroud: Tempus Google Scholar
Harding, P. & Gingell, C. 1986. The excavation of two long barrows by F. de M. and H.W.F.L. Vatcher. Wiltshire Archaeological & natural History Society Magazine 80, 7–22 Google Scholar
Hawley, W. 1921. Stonehenge: Interim report on the exploration. Antiquaries Journal 1, 19–41 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hawley, W. 1922. Second report on the excavations at Stonehenge. Antiquaries Journal 2, 36–51 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hawley, W. 1923. Third report on the excavations at Stonehenge. Antiquaries Journal 3, 13–20 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hawley, W. 1924. Fourth report on the excavations at Stonehenge. Antiquaries Journal 4, 30–39 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hawley, W. 1925. Report on the excavations at Stonehenge during the season of 1923. Antiquaries Journal 5, 21–50 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hawley, W. 1926. Report on the excavations at Stonehenge during the season of 1924. Antiquaries Journal 6, 1–25 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hawley, W. 1928. Report of the excavations at Stonehenge during 1925 and 1926. Antiquaries Journal 8, 149–176 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hoare, R.C. 1812. The Ancient History of Wiltshire. London: William Miller Google Scholar
Johnson, A. 2008. Solving Stonehenge: the new key to an Ancient Enigma. London: Thames & Hudson Google Scholar
Kinnes, I. 1979. Round Barrows and Ring-ditches in the British Neolithic. British Museum Occasional Paper 7. London: British Museum Google Scholar
Linford, N., Linford, P. & Payne, A. 2012. Stonehenge Monument Field: report on geophysical surveys, September 2010, April and July 2011. English Heritage Research Department Report 34–2012. Portsmouth: English Heritage Google Scholar
Long, W. 1876. Stonehenge and its barrows. Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Magazine 26, 1–244 Google Scholar
Marshall, P., Darvill, T., Parker Pearson, M. & Wainwright, G.W. 2012. Stonehenge, Amesbury, Wiltshire: chronological modelling. English Heritage Research Department Report 1–2012. Portsmouth: English Heritage Google Scholar
McOmish, D., Field, D. & Brown, G. 2002. The Field Archaeology of Salisbury Plain Training Area. Swindon: English Heritage Google Scholar
McOmish, D., Riley, H., Field, D. & Lewis, C. 2005. Fieldwork in the Avebury area. In G. Brown, D. Field & D. McOmish (eds), The Avebury Landscape; aspects of the field archaeology of the Marlborough Downs, 12–33. Oxford: Oxbow Books Google Scholar
Newall, R.S. 1929. Stonehenge. Antiquity 3, 75–88 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Parker Pearson, M. 2012. Stonehenge: exploring the greatest Stone Age mystery. London: Simon & Schuster Google Scholar
Parker Pearson, M., Cleal, R., Marshall, P., Needham, S., Pollard, J., Richards, C., Ruggles, C., Sheridan, A., Thomas, J., Tilley, C., Welham, K., Chamberlain, A., Chenery, C., Evans, J., Knusel, K., Linford, N., Martin, L., Montgomery, J., Payne, A. & Richards, M. 2007. The age of Stonehenge. Antiquity 81, 617–639 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Parker Pearson, M., Allen, M., Bayer, O., Casswell, C., Chan, B., French, C., Garwood, P., Nunn, B., Pitts, M., Pollard, J., Pullen, R., Richards, C., Richards, J., Robinson, D., Rylett, J., Shaw, D., Teather, A. & Thomas, J. 2008. Stonehenge Riverside Project 2008. Interim Report. Sheffield: Sheffield University Google Scholar
Parker Pearson, M., Chamberlain, A., Jay, M., Marshall, P., Pollard, J., Richards, C., Tilley, C. & Welham, K. 2009. Who was buried at Stonehenge? Antiquity 83, 23–39 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Payne, A. 1995. Geophysical surveys at Stonehenge. In Cleal et al. 1995, 495–510 Google Scholar
Petrie, W.M. Flinders. 1880. Stonehenge: plans, description, and theories. London (facsimile 1989 c/w Stonehenge Astronomy – an update by G. Hawkins. London: Histories & Mysteries of Man) Google Scholar
Pitt Rivers, A.H.L. 1898. Excavations in Cranborne Chase 4. Privately PrintedGoogle Scholar
Pollard, J. & Ruggles, C. 2001. Shifting perceptions: spatial order, cosmology, and patterns of deposition at Stonehenge. Cambridge Archaeological Journal 11(1), 69–90 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
RCHM(E) Royal Commission on Historical Monuments (England). 1979a. Stonehenge and its Environs. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press Google Scholar
RCHM(E) Royal Commission on Historical Monuments (England). 1979b. Long Barrows in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. London: HMSO Google Scholar
Richards, J. 1990. The Stonehenge Environs Project. London: Historic Buildings & Monuments Commission Google Scholar
Smith, I. 1991. Round barrows Wilsford cum Lake G51–G54. Excavations by Earnest Greenfield in 1958. Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Society Magazine 84, 11–39 Google Scholar
Smith, J. 1771. Choir Gaur; the Grand Orrery of the Ancient Druids commonly called Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain. Salisbury Google Scholar
Soil Survey of England and Wales. 1983. Legend for the 1:250,000 Soil Map of England and Wales. Harpenden: Soil Survey Google Scholar
Stone, E.H. 1924. The Stones of Stonehenge. London: Robert Scott Google Scholar
Stukeley, W. 1740. Stonehenge: a temple restor’d to the British druids. London: W. Innys & R. Manby Google Scholar
Whittle, A.W. 1991. Wayland’s Smithy, Oxfordshire: excavations at the Neolithic tomb in 1962–63 by R.J.C. Atkinson and S. Piggott. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 57(2), 61–101 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Whittle, A.W. 1992. Excavations in the Neolithic and Bronze Age complex at Dorchester-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, 1947–1952 and 1981. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 58, 143–201 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wood, J. 1747. Choir Gaure, Vulgarly called Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain, Described Restored and Explained. Oxford: Oxford Theatre Google Scholar