Stone from Avebury

The pages are overdue for stones. These are from Avebury in Wiltshire, a "World Heritage Site," which seems to be saying little when you consider that Liverpool riverside is also one. However, Avebury is quite amazing - a huge megalithic landscape, which includes Silbury Hill and Old Kennet long barrow.
The little concrete posts were put there in place of missing stones, when Avebury was rebuilt, less than 100 years ago. This reconstruction was necessary because the stones were demolished or buried in the medieval period. By that time, the Church had more or less won its struggle to dissuade the villagers from paganism. The stones then came to be associated with the Devil and fell victims to a religious fervour to stamp out his works, plus farmer's desire for easily obtainable building stones.
Most of the walls in Avebury village are built from the rubble that resulted from the pious destruction.
The present historic site was more or less recreated in the early 20th century by a Keiller marmalade heir, who supported the excavation of the site. The huge surrounding ditches were uncovered. Those stones that had been buried, rather than smashed or burnt, were reset in their locations. The plan was partly based on drawings made in the 17th century.

Technorati tags: Avebury, megalith, pre-history, World Heritage, English Heritage, National Trust, Wiltshire