|
 |
|
|
| Stone Formation Archive 1976 |
|
 Stone Formations news, views, gallery and archive brought to you by Weird Wiltshire Introduction Latest News News Archive Stonehenge Stonehenge Project Stonehenge 360 Avebury Saviours Stones Village Solstice Wayland Smithy Long Barrow Woodhenge Gallery Summer Solstice Gallery 2002 Summer Solstice Gallery 2004 Postcards Wallpaper Links  |
First published on March 24, 1976 ARCHAEOLOGISTS, in their never ceasing search for the answer to the mystery of Avebury's stone circle, have come up with what might be a few more clues. Further traces of human habitation near the Avebury stone circle have been found by archaeologists this week. On a site where Wiltshire County Council workmen have been excavating a car park on the Devizes side of Avebury village, sings of what is believed to be a prehistoric settlement have been discovered. Supervising the car park excavations, which started last week have been archaeologists, Maj Lance Vatcher and his wife Faith. Mrs Vatcher is the curator of the Alexander Keiller Museum at Avebury. "Whenever the soil in this area is being opened up we keep a watch," said Mrs Vatcher. "There is so much material about and we're always looking for neolithic settlement sites." The excavations on the new site just outside the outer circle of stones has so far come up with very little of obvious interest. Dark patches in the predominantly white chalk subsoil are evidence of past disturbance and possibly of 'prehistoric activity,' said Mrs Vatcher. Her husband said: "It's very difficult to be precise about what it is until the evidence is all together. I believe this to be prehistoric." Although the couple are being cagey about their finds, it's believed to be evidence of some very early hutments or dwellings. The dark patches in the soil which the couple have so far excavated have revealed nothing of importance they say. "There is nothing obvious here for people to see," said Maj Vatcher. Asked if he thinks the evidence of an early settlement could be connected with the stone circle. Maj Vatcher said: "I would say from first impressions, probably not." The only visible evidence of an archaeological discovery are several depressions in the chalky soil. When the archaeologists have completed their probing, the car park will be gravelled. Back to 1976 index |
|
