The Modern Antiquarian. Stone Circles, Ancient Sites, Neolithic Monuments, Ancient Monuments, Prehistoric Sites, Megalithic MysteriesThe Modern Antiquarian

Stonehenge Car Park Post Holes

Miscellaneous

Details of site on Pastscape

Monument No. 219856

Three large Mesolithic post holes plus a possible tree-throw hole found during excavations in Stonehenge car park in 1966. The post holes had each held substantial timber posts which appear to have rotted in situ. All fragments of wood and charcoal analysed appear to be pine. Radiocarbon dates placed each of the post holes in the early Mesolithic, circa 8500 to 7650 BC. The fourth feature did not contain evidence for a timber post, and was interpreted as a tree-throw hole. It's date is uncertain. However, it is positioned on the same line as the three post holes. No artefacts were recovered from any of the features. Although it is unclear if the post-holes were contemporary or successive features, they appear to represent a structure or structures with no direct parallels in the British Mesolithic. Speculation as to their function has so far focused on comparisons totem poles and other foci for formalised and/or ritual display.
Chance Posted by Chance
22nd September 2012ce
Edited 23rd September 2012ce

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