More information : A circle of stones 64ft in diameter is recorded by
Passmore 377 yds north east of Down Barn, Pickledean SU 13186986.
It consists of fifteen stones placed somewhat irregularly around
the circumference with one at the centre (see plan). A possible
barrow impinges on the east or south-east edge.
Passmore admits that this circle falls within an area of natural
sarsens while Grinsell, who visited the spot in 1951, considers
that it "cannot safely be regarded as other than a natural
disposition of stones". (1-2)
It is almost certainly not a "natural disposition" though whether
it is a prehistoric monument is unknown. It is avoided by the
broad rig to the south and east. (3)
SU 1319 6988 Fourteen stones roughly forming a circle 18m
diameter, with a further stone near the centre. The stones are
set on their side or edge and protrude an average 0.4m, but none
seems to have been set on end. On the E side of the circle is an
excavated circular mound 11.0m diameter and 0.4m high, possibly a
barrow as suggested by Passmore.
Resurveyed at 1:2500. (4)
It seems possible that the crescentic mound could be an
obtrusive hut site and the circle of stones the boundary of a
small paddock. Similar paddocks occur in a natural hollow 100.0m
to the W. (5)
This feature lies within the area mapped at 1:10,000 from APs by the Fyfield Down and Overton Down Mapping Project. The stones were not visible on the APs, but an irregular ring 18m in diameter was recorded, possibly caused by densely growing grass in the vicinity of the stones. (6)
Scheduled, National Number 33951. (7) |