Hatfield Earthworks (Marden Henge), Marden, Wiltshire

Hatfield Earthworks, also called Marden Henge, is a large Late Neolithic henge enclosure. It is an earthen bank and ditch that encloses an area of around 35 acres. It is close to the river Avon, which may have flowed much closer to the site in the Neolithic period than it does at present. There are two causeways or entrances, one to the north and the other to the east. In 1768, during levelling of part of the bank, numerous antlers and a human skeleton were found. The site was also investigated by Colt Hoare and William Cunnington in 1809. Further excavations in 1969 focused on the northern entrance and an area just inside it. These found pottery of Early-Middle Neolithic date as well as pieces of worked flint. The Hatfield Barrow and another round barrow lie within the enclosed area. This site is now in the care of English Heritage (2010). Read detailed archaeological description.

Location

Wiltshire Marden

Period

Prehistoric (to AD42)

Tags

henge barrow earthwork archaeology neolithic english heritage stone age