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Winterbourne Bassett (Stone Circle)

Stukeley's Location for Winterbourne Bassett Stone Circle


According to 'The Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine' 2003, the current location of the Winterbourne Bassett stone circle is in serious doubt. Stukeley drew the circle in 1724 and Silbury Hill and Avebury's church tower are clearly visible on the horizon. This has led archaeologists to question the current site's location and speculate that Stukeley's location may be correct [SU09307535], which is 50m south of a lane leading to Clyffe Pypard. Further evidence that supports Stukeley came from the earth resistance survey [June '98] which located a large number of sarsens that were interpreted 'as part of a naturally occuring distribution without any deliberate pattern.' Further more, the huge megalith which overlooks the so-called 'recumbent stone circle' was raised only recently. Until further excavations unearth the truth, I personally place my bet on William Stukeley's location as the actual site.
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