Discovering Avebury: A Journey Through Time
Nestled in the picturesque Wiltshire countryside, Avebury is a village that offers a unique blend of history, mystery, and charm. Unlike its more famous counterpart, Stonehenge, Avebury’s stone circle is the largest in Britain and provides a more immersive and accessible experience. Let’s explore what makes Avebury a must-visit destination.
The Enigmatic Avebury Stone Circle
Avebury’s stone circle, dating back to around 2850 BC, is a marvel of Neolithic engineering. The circle is not only larger than Stonehenge but also older by about 500 years. What sets Avebury apart is its accessibility; visitors can walk freely among the stones, touching and feeling the ancient monoliths that have stood the test of time. The circle is so expansive that it encompasses part of the village, including the famous Red Lion Pub.
The exact purpose of the Avebury stone circle remains a mystery, but archaeologists and historians have several theories. Here are some of the most widely accepted ideas:
Ritual and Ceremonial Use: Many believe that Avebury was used for rituals and ceremonies. The layout and scale of the stone circle suggest it was a significant site for gatherings and possibly religious activities.
Astronomical Alignments: Some researchers propose that the stones were aligned with celestial events, such as solstices and equinoxes. This would have allowed the Neolithic people to track the seasons and perhaps conduct ceremonies related to these events.
Community and Social Functions: Evidence of feasting and gatherings at the site indicates that Avebury may have served as a communal space where people from different areas came together for social and ceremonial purposes.
Spiritual and Religious Significance: The stone circle might have been a place of worship or a site for making offerings to deities. Some theories suggest it was built as a peace offering to gods who controlled natural elements and occurrences.
Despite these theories, the true purpose of Avebury remains speculative, adding to its allure and mystery.
A Village Steeped in History
The village of Avebury itself is a charming place to explore. The Red Lion Pub, located within the stone circle, is a historic landmark in its own right. Built in the 16th century, the pub is reputed to be haunted by the ghost of Florrie, a woman allegedly murdered by her husband. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the pub offers a cozy spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
Exploring Beyond the Stones
While the stone circle is the main attraction, Avebury has much more to offer. The Avebury Manor and Garden, managed by the National Trust, provides a glimpse into the lives of those who lived in the manor over the centuries. The Alexander Keiller Museum, named after the archaeologist who excavated much of the site, houses fascinating artifacts and exhibits about the area’s prehistoric past.
Exploring West Kennet Avenue From Avebury
Running south from Avebury is the stunning West Kennet Avenue. This ancient avenue is part of the larger Avebury World Heritage Site and offers a further unique glimpse into the Neolithic period.
West Kennet Avenue was constructed around 2200 BC and originally consisted of approximately 100 pairs of standing stones. These stones formed a winding path that stretched for about 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles), connecting the Avebury stone circle with another significant site known as The Sanctuary. The avenue is believed to have served a ceremonial or ritualistic purpose, possibly guiding processions between these two important locations.
Excavations in the 1930s by archaeologists Stuart Piggott and Alexander Keiller revealed much about the avenue’s construction and use. They discovered that some of the stones had been toppled and buried, likely during the medieval period. Keiller’s restoration efforts in the 1930s helped to re-erect many of the fallen stones, allowing visitors today to appreciate the avenue’s original grandeur.
Visiting The Sanctuary Near avebury
As mentioned above, West Kennet Avenue leads down to the The Sanctuary, which is situated on Overton Hill, about 1.5 miles southeast of Avebury.
The Sanctuary was constructed around 2500 BC and originally featured a complex arrangement of timber posts and standing stones arranged in concentric circles. Over time, these wooden posts were replaced by stones, creating a significant ceremonial site. The exact purpose of The Sanctuary remains a mystery, but it is believed to have been used for rituals and ceremonies, possibly related to death and burial rite1.
Excavations in the early 20th century by archaeologists Maud and Ben Cunnington revealed the locations of 58 stone sockets and 62 post-holes. These findings suggest that The Sanctuary was a place of considerable importance. Artefacts such as flint tools, animal bones, and pottery fragments were also discovered, indicating that offerings were made at the site.
West Kennet Long Barrow Near Avebury
To the west of the Sanctuary is West Kennet Long Barrow, also known as South Long Barrow, which is one of the most impressive and well-preserved Neolithic chambered tombs in Britain. The West Kennet Long Barrow ancient site offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of our prehistoric ancestors. You can access the Barrow and explore inside.
Constructed around 3650 BC, West Kennet Long Barrow was used as a burial chamber for a relatively short period. Archaeologists believe that nearly 50 individuals were interred here before the chambers were sealed with large sarsen stones. The barrow is part of a broader tradition of long barrow construction that was widespread across Neolithic Europe, particularly in the Cotswold-Severn region.
Excavations have revealed a wealth of information about the barrow’s construction and use. The tomb consists of a long earthen mound, approximately 100 meters in length, with a series of stone chambers at one end. These chambers were used to house the remains of the dead, along with various grave goods such as pottery, flint tools, and animal bones.
In the Late Neolithic period, the entrance to the barrow was blocked with large sarsen stones, marking the end of its use as a burial site. The surrounding landscape, including the nearby Avebury stone circle, West Kennet Avenue, and Silbury Hill, suggests that this area was of great ceremonial importance during the Neolithic period.
Silbury Hill
From most of these locations you cannot fail to see Silbury Hill which dominates the landscape. Silbury Hill is one of the most enigmatic and impressive prehistoric monuments in Europe. Located south of Avebury in Wiltshire, England, this massive artificial mound has intrigued archaeologists and visitors alike for centuries.
Constructed around 2400 BC, Silbury Hill is the largest man-made mound in Europe, standing at approximately 39.3 meters (129 feet) high and covering about 5 acres. The hill is composed mainly of chalk and clay, excavated from the surrounding area. Its construction required immense technical skill and labour, estimated to have taken around 18 million man-hours.
The exact purpose of Silbury Hill remains a mystery. Unlike many other prehistoric mounds, it contains no burial chamber or significant artifacts. Some theories suggest it may have been a ceremonial or religious site, possibly related to the nearby Avebury stone circle and other Neolithic monuments in the area. Its alignment and construction suggest it held significant importance for the people who built it.
Excavations over the years have revealed that Silbury Hill was constructed in several stages. The initial phase involved creating a smaller mound, which was later enlarged to its current size. The base of the hill is perfectly circular, and the summit is flat-topped, which may have been altered during the medieval period for defensive purposes. Although it is not currently possible to climb Silbury Hill. I have read that from the top all the Avebury sites can be seen.
Tips for Visiting Avebury
To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit outside of the solstices and equinoxes when the site can get quite busy. The village has a magical feel year-round, but visiting during the quieter months allows for a more intimate experience. There is a well signposted National Trust car park (free for members) which is a short walk from the stones.
