Alexander Keiller (1889-1955) was, more than anyone else, instrumental in restoring parts of the now world-famous Neolithic complex at Avebury. Keiller undertook his work at Avebury during the 1920s and 1930s and, although his restoration of parts the Henge has since been criticised by some less dedicated to his vision of a restored Avebury, it is Keiller we should thank for restoring much of the Henge as we see it today.
During his time at Avebury Keiller dedicated a considerable amount of his time, energy and fortune removing the many disfiguring buildings and detritus that had accumulated in and around the village (see photo below of the Cove before his restoration and the snow-bound wonder above as it appears today). The detritus, and the now almost unbelievable disregard for this treasure from our distant past, were suffocating and threatening to totally destroy what has now rightly become (due mainly to Keiller's vision) a World Heritage Site visited by thousands each year.
Apart from removing much of this detritus and re-erecting some of its fallen stones (many other stones still, sadly, remain fallen and visible above ground while others lay hidden below it) Keiller also undertook excavations in and around Avebury. The small but fascinating museum by the church in Avebury displays many of Keiller's finds from the area and the museum still bears the name of the Alexander Keiller Museum.
Apart from removing much of this detritus and re-erecting some of its fallen stones (many other stones still, sadly, remain fallen and visible above ground while others lay hidden below it) Keiller also undertook excavations in and around Avebury. The small but fascinating museum by the church in Avebury displays many of Keiller's finds from the area and the museum still bears the name of the Alexander Keiller Museum.
