Woodhenge: The Neolithic Timber Circle of Salisbury

Origins and Discovery of Woodhenge

Woodhenge is a Neolithic timber monument constructed approximately 2500 BC, contemporaneous with the nearby Stonehenge. It was discovered in 1925 through aerial photography by World War I veteran Gilbert Insall, who spotted concentric rings and dark spots in wheat fields near the village of Durrington. Excavations led by Ben and Maud Cunnington in 1926–27 revealed 168 postholes arranged in six concentric ovals, originally holding massive wooden posts estimated to have stood up to 7.5 meters tall. These posts were surrounded by a bank and ditch, forming a henge earthwork. Concrete pillars now mark the original post positions, helping visitors visualize the monument's scale and layout.

Architectural and Astronomical Significance

The oval rings of Woodhenge are aligned along a northeast-southwest axis, oriented to the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset, similar to Stonehenge. The clear view to the northeast suggests the monument was designed to mark the summer solstice sunrise, indicating its possible use in ceremonial or ritualistic observances tied to solar events. Evidence suggests that pairs of posts may have created a narrow corridor for observing the sunrise, reinforcing the site's astronomical importance. The addition of sarsen stones between timber posts later in its use hints at evolving construction and symbolic practices.

Rituals, Burials, and Artefacts

Excavations uncovered a variety of artefacts including Grooved Ware pottery, carved chalk objects, antler picks, flint tools, animal bones, and human remains. A crouched burial of a child was found near the center, once thought to be a dedicatory sacrifice, though later interpretations suggest natural causes for skull damage. Cremation remains dated to the late Neolithic were also found within postholes. Ritual deposits of objects in the ditch and postholes indicate the site was an active ceremonial center. Animal bones, particularly of butchered pigs, suggest feasting activities, possibly distinguishing Woodhenge as a place for the living in contrast to Stonehenge’s ancestral spirit associations.

Woodhenge in the Landscape of Prehistoric Monuments

Woodhenge lies just two miles northeast of Stonehenge and is part of the wider Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. The monument is believed to be connected to other nearby prehistoric sites by avenues and natural features such as the River Avon. This network of monuments may have formed a ritual landscape with symbolic divisions between wood and stone, life and death, or different spiritual domains. The site's location and alignments emphasize its integration into the cultural and spiritual fabric of Neolithic Britain.

Visiting Woodhenge Today

Today, Woodhenge is an open-air site accessible during daylight hours, with free entry and parking available nearby. Concrete markers outline the original timber posts, allowing visitors to imagine the scale and form of the ancient monument. The site offers a tranquil atmosphere amidst the Wiltshire countryside, inviting reflection on its ancient origins and significance. While there are no onsite facilities such as restrooms or cafes, information boards provide context for the site's history and archaeology.

Preservation and Legacy

Managed by English Heritage, Woodhenge is a protected archaeological site within a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Ongoing conservation efforts ensure the preservation of this unique timber circle for future generations. The site’s discovery marked a milestone in aerial archaeology and continues to inspire research into Neolithic ceremonial practices. Woodhenge stands as a testament to the ingenuity and spiritual life of prehistoric communities in Britain.