More information : (SU 11806570) Langdean Circle (NR) (1) A circle of stones situated in Langdean Bottom. Named by Passmore (2) after the valley where it is situated ie "Langdean" - the "longan dene" - long valley of the 7th c Saxon charters (3). The circle (see plan) 11 yds in diameter, stands on slightly raised ground and has the appearance of the retaining circle of a barrow, but in view of its situation it may be a circular house site. A few yards to the east at SU 11856569 are two parallel rows of sarsens 10-13 yds apart, and 45 yds long, running roughly W/E, with indications of about three transverse rows. The enclosed ground is slightly lower than the surroundings. Grinsell (4) queries whether it is the site of a row of prehistoric houses. Compare with the destroyed rectangular setting of stones (see SU 06 NE 54) south of Silbury Hill at SU 09856713. (2-4) This collection of stones are as described but there has been some selection to produce Passmore's plan (2). The parallel rows of sarsens would seem to be natural and the Langdean Circle is also somewhat suspect. As it now appears it hardly conforms to a prehistoric hut or a stone circle, but proof one way or the other is unfortunately lacking. Surveyed at 1:2500. (5)
Barnatt rejects suggestions that the site represents a stone circle, arguing that the 10m diameter ring of small stones is more likely to be the rim of a barrow or a house site. The possible "avenue" of stones is also suggested to represent a fortuitous arrangement of sarsens. (6) |