Monument Number 219856 |
| Hob Uid: 219856 | |
Location :
Wiltshire
Amesbury
|
| Grid Ref : SU1206042370 |
| Summary : 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 approximately on a line wth the three post holes. No artefacts were recovered from any of the features. The C14 dates suggest that the post-holes were not contemporary but 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. |
More information : SU 12104235. When topsoil was being cleared prior to
constructing the westward extension of the Stonehenge car park
three large post holes, 4 1/2 to 5ft in diameter and 5ft deep
were revealed. They were 32-40ft apart in a slightly curved line
running E-W and each contained traces of a post 1-1 1/2ft in
diameter. There was no dating evidence.
Their positions have been marked by concrete plinths in the new tarmac. (1)
The concrete markers are situated at SU 12054237, 12064237 and 12084237. No further information.
Surveyed from OSAPs. (2)
These post holes were tentatively assigned to the Neolithic period, but radiocarbon dating, obtained from organic samples recovered from two of the post holes, (7180bc +/-180 and 6140 bc +/- 140) assign them to the Mesolithic period. (3)
This location falls within the area mapped from aerial photographs by both RCHME's Salisbury Plain Training Area NMP and EH's Stonehenge WHS Mapping Project. No further information could be gained from photographic evidence. (6) |