 Avebury is the site of one of the largest Neolithic monuments in Europe dating to around 5000 years ago, which makes it older than Stonehenge 20 miles away.
At Avebury, a massive ditch and external bank henge encloses an area of almost 30 acres. Within the henge is a great Outer Circle constituting prehistory's largest stone circle with a diameter of 1,100 feet. There were originally 98 sarsen standing stones some weighing in excess of 40 tons.
Nearer the middle of the monument are two other, separate stone circles. The Northern inner ring measures over 320 feet in diameter. Only of two of its standing stones remain with two further, fallen ones. The Southern inner ring was 355 feet in diameter. Almost all of it has been destroyed.
In addition, the Avebury area contains a number of other significant sites, including Silbury Hill, the tallest prehistoric man-made mound in Europe and one of the world's largest, the West Kennet Long Barrow, the West Kennet Avenue, Windmill Hill, and other significant sites.
About Avebury
Avebury Web
Megalithic Portal: Avebury Stone Circle
Modern Antiquarian: Avebury
Wikipedia: Avebury Stone Circle
Wikipedia: Stone Circle
Wikipedia: Henge
Journey to Avebury
Avebury Stone Circle and adjoining sites are north of Salisbury in Wiltshire and situated approximately midway between the towns of Marlborough and Calne off the A4.
Ordnance Survey Map (SU1013770020)
Visitors Information
Visitors information for Avebury Stone Circle and adjoining sites may be found at the English Heritage website. General tourist information for the area may be found on the Visit Wiltshire website.
Photos of Avebury
Avebury Stone Circle (2005)
Avebury Stone Circle (2005)
Avebury Stone Circle (2005)
Desriptive Sign at Avebury
Southeastern Portion of the Henge, Avebury Stone Circle
Southeastern Portion of the Avebury Stone Circle
One of the Two Southern Entrance Stones, Avebury Stone Circle
One of the Two Southern Entrance Stones, Avebury Stone Circle
Outer Stones of the Southern Inner Circle, Avebury Stone Circle
The Ring Stone, Avebury Stone Circle
The Vulva Stone, Avebury Stone Circle
The Obelisk and the "Z Feature," Avebury Stone Circle
Outer Stone of the Northern Inner Circle, Avebury Stone Circle
The Cove, Avebury Stone Circle
One Side of the Swindon Stone, Avebury Stone Circle
One Side of the Swindon Stone, Avebury Stone Circle
Northwestern Outer Circle Stones, Avebury Stone Circle
Southwestern Outer Circle Stones, Avebury Stone Circle
Southwestern Outer Circle Stones,Avebury Stone Circle
The Barber Stone, Avebury Stone Circle
Southwestern Portion of the Henge, Avebury Stone Circle
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