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| Stone Formation Archive 1992 |
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 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 June 25, 1992 THIRTY five new sites of major archaeological importance, including a "lost" Bronze Age round barrow, have been discovered at the Avebury World Heritage Site. The sites were revealed during an archaeological survey in preparation for a £750,000 sewer improvement scheme in the Kennet Valley. "It is important from the historical point of view and quite exciting," said Kennet District Council's technical services director, Ron Crook. The council is designing and managing the sewerage scheme as an agent for Thames Water. Mr Cook said: "Now we know area is rich in archaeological sites we are going to put new pipes as far as possible along the old pipeline to reduce damage." The sites have been located with the aid of a magnetometer, which indicates where earth has been disturbed. Most of them are believed to be ancient settlements and burial mounds. One of the sites has been identified as a "lost" Bronze Age round barrow, shown on etchings by 18th century antiquarian Stukely, but never marked on county records. The comprehensive survey, which also involved studying old photographs and records of the area, was co-ordinated by Thames Water archaeologist Mike Hall. Thames Water spokeswoman Clare Bonney said: "It is an exciting project with exciting results. The knowledge we have helps us protect our heritage." Mr Crook says the sewer improvements will involve the replacement of old pipes, which are becoming fractured. The work could create ditches around the ancient stones and details of the scheme and the measures being undertaken to minimise its archaeological impact were due to be presented to the public at Marlborough Town Hall last night. Back to 1992 index |
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