Question for Steve Gray (and others) | Forum

nigelswift Nov 26, 2004 09:24:43

Replying to ocifant

Realistically though, permission for anything invasive in the WHS isn't going to be easy is it, not until the establishment got convinced it really was something.
Ideally, if it was cleared of the trees and scrub it would be good as it would stand out better, and a non-invasive surface survey might show something about it's shape.

I have this suspicion that it has a number of Silbury-like distinct facets rather than just being round, though that could be wishful thinking - anyone else noticed?

How could we prove it, as amateurs? Steve - any suggestions? My thought was that if we put a tall pole on top with a fixed length of string and then walked round on the slope of the mound holding the string taught and placed marker sticks..... or something?

StoneLifter Nov 26, 2004 09:34:36

Replying to nigelswift

Only an archaeologist can 'prove' it. A publication of some kind will do. A television programme with Richard Bradley saying 'this is part of the prehistoric Avebury landscape' would do the trick.

Wasn't Silbury Hill built very specifically ? If Silbaby is related then a similar construction technique may be anticipated. A Victorian rubbish heap is unlikely to have round plan.

Steve Gray Nov 26, 2004 13:17:33

Replying to nigelswift

"My thought was that if we put a tall pole on top with a fixed length of string and then walked round on the slope of the mound holding the string taught and placed marker sticks..... or something?"

I think the time for that would be May 1st. ;o)

Seriously, though, the pole would have to be very securely mounted (driven in) to the top in order to avoid it moving when the string is tensioned and the undergrowth would probably get in the way of the string. Maybe we could do a GPS survey and possibly geophys if anyone has access to the equipment. George might be able to help; he was talking about running a geophys workshop near Thornborough. The snag is all that fly-tipping is likely to make geophys difficult.

I like the Time Team idea. It would make great TV. Even though Silbaby is part of the WHS, it's a sadly neglected part. If TT were turned down by NT/EH we could have a publicity field day along the lines of, "If it's not important then where's the problem and if it is important then why is it being so badly neglected?"

Silbaby -a plea.