22nd July 2006
This summer saw LPS exploring ancient sites in the historic and mystical Wiltshire. A dedicated number of members visited some of the most popular sites on the LPS day trip event.
Wayland’s Smithy was the next location on the LPS list. This Neolithic burial chamber dates back to around 3500BC. Its long trapezoid shape with stone chambers is set beautifully, being surrounded by tall trees, giving the site giving it a really mystical feel. The stone chambers are accessible although not very big. They can be a bit of a squeeze as some members found out! As it had been raining for some time at this point, it was decided to retire temporarily to local accommodation to dry off and plan the rest of the day.
The last stop of the trip was a visit to the Avebury stone circles. These large stone circles hold the village of Avebury within them plus many other historical sites close by. Members walked round the site following the path of the huge stones, taking in the sheer size of the stone and the high steep bank and ditch that surrounds them. Everyone agreed that this was a breath taking monument but the atmosphere, has to be said, is somewhat spoiled by the million sheep that graze the site (and the mess and noise they make!) At one end of the stones stands the well-known haunted pub, The Red Lion. This is where the LPS concluded its trip and what better way than a relaxing drink at an ancient haunted pub?!
Uffington boasts some very impressive sites including the White Horse, which was the first stop of the day. This huge horse is carved in to the chalk and dates back to the late Bronze Age. It measures 374ft in length and over looks Dragon Hill, where legend has it, St George slew the Dragon. Unfortunately the best view is from the air but members had the chance to get up close and look at the detail of the elegant carving. A short walk up from the White Horse is Uffington Castle, an Iron Age Hill Fort. We made our various ways over the vast fort to the field beyond where a phenomenon yet to be investigated by LPS was waiting. A Crop Circle. Various theories from UFOs to natural phenomena are suggested for the making of crop circles and of course the man-made suggestion. Members logically worked out the sequence of making the crop circle by analysing the direction and shapes of the trodden wheat, and discussed various ideas of the pattern it had created. Looking back now, it was hard to determine the intricate pattern we were walking around.
Uffington White Horse
Much to everyone’s joy, the rain stopped and the sun came out, so it was off to the next site
West Kennett Long Barrow is another Neolithic burial chamber but on a grander scale. Its impressive structure was built around 3500BC and used for a thousand years, which obviously shows it’s high status and ritual significance. It is set on top of a hill and is very accessible as you can walk upright through the main passage through to the back chamber and access the smaller stone chambers on either side of the passage. Members spent a good amount of time here, looking at the structure and beauty of the barrow. Many visitors before have left offerings to the monument such as apples, incense, and flowers. Some of the La Tène decoration can still be seen on the stone slabs. It even has a bird that has taken up lodgings.
West Kennett La Tène Patterns
Avebury Stone Circles
Report by Stephanie Lawn
To view more images see:
Oxfordshire and Wiltshire Album