The Sanctuary, Avebury, Wiltshire
The Sanctuary is a late Neolithic monument, begun in about 3000 BC. It was originally a complex circular arrangement of timber posts, which were later replaced by stones. These components are now indicated by concrete slabs. Its function remains a mystery: possibly it enshrined the dwelling place of some revered person. Huge numbers of human bones were found here, accompanied by food remains suggesting elaborate death rites and ceremonies. Later,West Kennet Avenue was constructed to connect it with newly-built Avebury, reinforcing the status of this enigmatic but clearly very important site. The site was visited in the later 17th century by John Aubrey and in the early 18th century by Dr. William Stukeley. It seems that many of the stones were still there when they visited, although most had fallen over. However the bulk of the stones appear to have been removed and/or destroyed in the years around 1724. The records of Aubrey and Stukeley were used to relocate and rediscover the site in 1930. This site is now in the care of English Heritage (2010). Read detailed archaeological description.
