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

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Gavin Douglas's Latest Posts

Latest Posts

Witchy Neuk (Hillfort) — Fieldnotes

I approached Witchy Neuk by road from Rothbury (on mountain bike) Take the unclassified Rd which goes up past the cemetary and golf course. Turn right at the junction opposite Whitton Tower. (Carterside Road) Follow the signs for Newtown and Tosson, continue for about 4 miles through, Newtown, Rye Hill, Little Tosson and Bickerton. When you reach Hepple Whitefield continue a little further, to the edge of the plantaion on your left, and you come to a public footpath, also on the left. From here a short walk takes you around the north facing crags and on to the summit of the hill fort.

Its well worth exploring these crags as they are very wild and beautiful, with ancient Rowan's and Scotts Pine growing from the rocks.

The ramparts are over 2mtrs high in places and the dry stone walls supporting them can be seen.

It's also worth having a look at a cairn that is situated outside the hill fort to the SW. It appears to have been excavated, perhaps by Thomas Wake, who discoverd evidence of Roundhouses (Hut Circles) here in 1936

Several other hill forts can be seen from here: Tosson Burgh, to the NE also Harehaugh and the lesser known enclosure called Soldier's Fold to NW

Well worth a visit!

Witchy Neuk (Hillfort) — Images (click to view fullsize)

<b>Witchy Neuk</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas<b>Witchy Neuk</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas<b>Witchy Neuk</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas

Thompson's Rock (Holed Stone) — Images

<b>Thompson's Rock</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas

Hill of Tara — News

CD to support the courageous people of the front line at the Hill of Tara,


"...to support the courageous people of the front line at the Hill of Tara, who - regardless of risks for their lives, health or civil rights - have been blocking the bulldozers for months now, which are digging up ancient ground, the ground of an official World Heritage Site, the ground that holds the first High Kings of Ireland..."

More info here:


http://www.myspace.com/taravigilcampcd

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"Orthostat, The Mound of Hostages"

Sean Moriarty's research paper which shows the complexity and signifacance of the Hill of Tara and the orthostat at the Mound of Hostages can be read and downloaded here:

http://www.knowth.com/tara-orthostat.htm

The film by Maireid Sullivan (which is on this profile) which is based on Sean Moriarty's reasearch paper "Orthostat, The Mound of the Hostages"

Tara: Voices from Our Past ~ a recent discovery
a short film by Mairéid Sullivan

"Over the past five years, there has been considerable controversy regarding construction of the M3 Motorway in County Meath, especially in light of the discoveries at Roestown, Lismullin and Soldier Hill. While those finds are extremely significant, they pale in comparison to a more recent discovery at Tara.

A short film by the award winning documentary filmmaker and musician Maireid Sullivan, which is based on the research paper "Orthostat, The Mound of the Hostages" shows that the complexity and importance of The Hill of Tara goes well beyond what we've known about the site for the past few millennia.

The Tara complex is a major part of the cultural heritage of the Irish people, yet it's being destroyed by those in the government who have been entrusted with protecting it. In stark contrast, governments of third world countries are going to great lengths to excavate, restore, preserve and protect their monuments, and prosecute those who injure or deface them."

Lordenshaws Hillfort — Images

<b>Lordenshaws Hillfort</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas

Pin Well / King's Chair (Sacred Well) — Images

<b>Pin Well / King's Chair</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas

Old Bewick (Cup and Ring Marks / Rock Art) — Images

<b>Old Bewick</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas

Lordenshaws Hillfort — Images

<b>Lordenshaws Hillfort</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas

Lordenshaws Cairns (Cist) — Images

<b>Lordenshaws Cairns</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas

Lordenshaw (Cup and Ring Marks / Rock Art) — Images

<b>Lordenshaw</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas<b>Lordenshaw</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas<b>Lordenshaw</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas<b>Lordenshaw</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas<b>Lordenshaw</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas

Corby's Crags Rock Shelter (Cave / Rock Shelter) — Images

<b>Corby's Crags Rock Shelter</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas

Little Church (Natural Rock Feature) — Images

<b>Little Church</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas<b>Little Church</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas

Simonside (Sacred Hill) — Images

<b>Simonside</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas<b>Simonside</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas

Lordenshaws Cairns (Cist) — Images

<b>Lordenshaws Cairns</b>Posted by Gavin Douglas
I spend alot of my spare time biking and walking around Coquetdale, where i have lived for the last 15 years with my wife, Alison. We live near the Simonside hills, where Alison's family farm. I like to read local histories, and I have written some essays myself which have won prise's at The Morpeth Gathering. I like to photograph the sites I visit, and make home-made videos. I play guitar in a local folk/traditional group and perform at folk clubs and events in the valley. I also write tunes, many of which are inspired by the Northumbrian Landscape.

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