Conclusions​…Stone circles, are we learning much? lock

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tiompan T
tiompan Nov 4, 2013 17:08:21
Replying to Evergreen Dazed

Evergreen Dazed wrote:
Something we have learned only relatively recently, and which seems hugely important regarding what we know about stone circles, is the geophysical survey at Stanton Drew. If those pits held posts, they were huge, and there were 9 rings of them!
Similarities with Woodhenge & Durrington, but what does it mean? Did the majority of circles start as wooden structures? Have surveys of that type been carried out at any other large circles?

Pits were also found in the centre of the NE circle at Stanton Drew, but seem to have been interpreted as possible further stone pits rather than posts.

Alex Gibson reckoned that when timber circles are a feature of a developing monument they are usually earlier , not always the case , but a useful heuristic .
Other stone circles with earlier TC 's , Sanctuary ,Moncrieffe ,Machrie Moor .Henges seem to have as many TC's as Sc's .
Worth mentioning that grooved ware is often associated with TC 's .

S Sanctuary
Sanctuary Nov 4, 2013 17:26:00
Replying to tiompan

tiompan wrote:
Evergreen Dazed wrote:
Something we have learned only relatively recently, and which seems hugely important regarding what we know about stone circles, is the geophysical survey at Stanton Drew. If those pits held posts, they were huge, and there were 9 rings of them!
Similarities with Woodhenge & Durrington, but what does it mean? Did the majority of circles start as wooden structures? Have surveys of that type been carried out at any other large circles?

Pits were also found in the centre of the NE circle at Stanton Drew, but seem to have been interpreted as possible further stone pits rather than posts.

Alex Gibson reckoned that when timber circles are a feature of a developing monument they are usually earlier , not always the case , but a useful heuristic .
Other stone circles with earlier TC 's , Sanctuary ,Moncrieffe ,Machrie Moor .Henges seem to have as many TC's as Sc's .
Worth mentioning that grooved ware is often associated with TC 's .
I always thought that was pretty much a given George. It seems a natural progression doesn't it.

J jonmor
jonmor Nov 4, 2013 17:39:33
Replying to tiompan

"Alex Gibson reckoned that when timber circles are a feature of a developing monument they are usually earlier , not always the case , but a useful heuristic "

Seems entirely reasonable, but timber is easier to work so not sure that it would be much of a heuristic help because it would apply to any solution?

On subject of possible solutions, today sent a package to the people who run the other monument set we discussed (at their request): Was in that country last week but didn't get the chance to go over to them. This time round I think I'll only write it up fully if they're interested (but will copy you in if/when done).

All the best G

Jon

E Evergreen Dazed
Evergreen Dazed Nov 4, 2013 17:54:06
Replying to tiompan

tiompan wrote:
Evergreen Dazed wrote:
Something we have learned only relatively recently, and which seems hugely important regarding what we know about stone circles, is the geophysical survey at Stanton Drew. If those pits held posts, they were huge, and there were 9 rings of them!
Similarities with Woodhenge & Durrington, but what does it mean? Did the majority of circles start as wooden structures? Have surveys of that type been carried out at any other large circles?

Pits were also found in the centre of the NE circle at Stanton Drew, but seem to have been interpreted as possible further stone pits rather than posts.

Alex Gibson reckoned that when timber circles are a feature of a developing monument they are usually earlier , not always the case , but a useful heuristic .
Other stone circles with earlier TC 's , Sanctuary ,Moncrieffe ,Machrie Moor .Henges seem to have as many TC's as Sc's .
Worth mentioning that grooved ware is often associated with TC 's .
V interesting re grooved ware.
I seem to have read over the years, about a number of different sites, stones 'ended' the activity, almost like the final act at the end of a sites life. A 'sealing off' for want of a better expression. Nice and tidy re the obvious wood/life, stone/death thing but i doubt it was ever that simple!