ANCIENT WESSEX
Erected between 3000 and 1600 BC, Stonehenge is the most eloquent testimony to the once dominant civilisations of the Stone and Bronze Ages. And what better way to unravel the mysteries of Stonehenge’s innermost circle than on a private tour in the company of an expert from English Heritage? As well as inspecting the antique trilithons at close hand, our early morning visit will reveal how recent excavations have radically altered interpretations about this most monumental of temples.
The ceremonial landscape that lies around Stonehenge is richly suggestive of Wessex’s ancient patrimony: we will explore the Great Cursus, the henges of Durrington Wall and Woodhenge, and a handful of the great Bronze Age barrows that bestride the surrounding hills.
The majestic façade of West Kennet chambered long barrow, framed by two enormous quarry ditches, was constructed around 3650 BC – some four centuries before the first stones were raised at Stonehenge. Immediately to the west lies Avebury, the world’s largest pre-historic stone circle, further graphic confirmation of the outstanding engineering skills of our megalithic ancestors.
We stay in Salisbury at the 17th century three-star White Hart Hotel overlooking the famous mediaeval cathedral.
This tour will be led by Julian Richards BA, FSA, MIFA an archaeologist and broadcaster perhaps best known for his appearances on BBC television’s Meet the Ancestors and Radio 4’s Mapping the Town. Julian previously worked for English Heritage and spent a decade carrying out a detailed study of Stonehenge and the surrounding landscape.
Itinerary
Day 1Course assembles 1600 for two nights at Mercure White Hart Hotel, Salisbury. Evening: sherry reception followed by course introduction.
Day 2Early morning privileged visit to Stonehenge (inner circle) followed by Neolithic henge monuments of Durrington Walls and Woodhenge, Stonehenge Cursus, King Barrows (unexplored Bronze Age barrows), Stonehenge Avenue (ceremonial approach). Evening talk.
Day 3Avebury Henge (huge earthwork enclosing three stone circles), Silbury Hill (largest man-made mound in Europe), West Kennet long barrow (early Neolithic chambered tomb). Course disperses at hotel 1700.
Cost includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, drinks reception, breakfast, two packed lunches, two dinners, early morning special entry to Stonehenge, excursions & admissions (except in the case of English Heritage properties, where English Heritage members gain free access on production of their membership card - any non-members are required to pay the relevant admission charge upon entry).
Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £90.
