First-time visitors to Avebury might be forgiven for spending only an hour or so there (usually in the south-east or south-west quadrants) before popping into the Henge or National Trust shops for souvenirs. More frequent visitors may have gone a little further afield, along the West Kennet Avenue, and perhaps following the sign at the bottom of the Avenue have climbed Waden Hill for that magnificent and unexpected view of Silbury from Waden’s summit. Others, who have visited Avebury many times and over many years, will have discovered more of its lesser-known features and will have shared much of that information on The Modern Antiquarian and similar forums dedicated to megalithic interests; in so doing they will have contributed to our ever-growing understanding of the Avebury World Heritage Site and surrounding area. While it is true that the whereabouts of some of the features at Avebury are perhaps best not posted on the internet for danger of theft or vandalism the same cannot be said for all of its lesser-known features.
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Staddle stone supporting the old wooden storehouse at Winterbourne MonktonFrequent visitors to Avebury will probably have seen the enigmatic figure carved on the church font there; some may also have been to the Church of St Mary Magdalene at nearby Winterbourne Monkton to see the fascinating figure carved on its font. Some visitors to Winterbourne Monkton however may not have noticed the staddle stones supporting the old wooden storehouse to the right of the church gate - a rare find these days and a feature within walking distance of the Avebury Henge itself.
In sharing with others the lesser-known features of our megalithic and non-megalithic heritage at Avebury we are not only increasing our knowledge and enjoyment of this World Heritage Site and its surrounding area we are also drawing attention to its wider importance - and in so doing hopefully also helping to ensure its long-term protection.
This feature first appeared on the Heritage Journal -
In sharing with others the lesser-known features of our megalithic and non-megalithic heritage at Avebury we are not only increasing our knowledge and enjoyment of this World Heritage Site and its surrounding area we are also drawing attention to its wider importance - and in so doing hopefully also helping to ensure its long-term protection.
This feature first appeared on the Heritage Journal -
http://heritageaction.wordpress.com/ and is re-posted here with Heritage Action's kind permission.
