OUTING: Visit to excavations at Marden Henge - FULLY BOOKED
1:45 pm, Wednesday, 28 July, 2010

English Heritage have started a 6-week archaeological excavation at one of Britain's most important but least understood prehistoric monuments, Marden Henge, near Devizes. Site Director, Jim Leary, will lead a tour of the excavations.

Henge monuments are enigmatic features of late Neolithic Britain. Unlike Stonehenge and Avebury, Marden Henge no longer has any surviving stone settings, although it may once have had, but its sheer size is astounding. Comprising a substantial and well-preserved bank with an internal ditch that defines and encloses an area of some 10.5 hectares (approximately equivalent to 10 football pitches), it is one the largest Neolithic henges in Britain but has now been severely damaged by ploughing and erosion.

Once, there was a huge mound at the centre of the henge, which was similar to a smaller version of Silbury Hill. This mound collapsed in 1806 and was completely leveled by 1817. English Heritage hopes to find out more about this feature by obtaining dating material from any surviving features within its centre. The excavation also hopes to find out more about a mysterious circular feature in the southern half of the henge, which comprises a large circular depression surrounded by a bank and gullies.

There is the opportunity to meet and have lunch at the Triple Crown in Marden prior to the visit, as they have kindly agreed that we can use their car park. Please make sure you indicate if you wish to have lunch as they need know to accommodate us.

TIMINGS
1pm Lunch at The Triple Crown
1.45 Meet up for visit in Car Park
2pm on site.
Visit will be approx 1.5 hrs

Booking:

Booking essential – numbers limited to 25

Please tell us if you will be having a meal at the Triple Crown. Book online, or telephone 01380 727369.