There was a celebration in Stanton Drew on the weekend of 22-23 July 2023, of the 300th anniversary of the visit of the celebrated antiquarian, William Stukeley.
****** The weekend was fantastic. Many thanks to all our visitors, speakers, volunteers and helpers. ******
More guided tours will be held on 10/11 September! See here for details.
Stanton Drew is the site of the most important stone circles in England, after Stonehenge and Avebury. There are three circles, of which the Great Circle is second only to Avebury in size, and a cove of three stones in the village.
William Stukeley was the leading antiquarian of the eighteenth century, and the first to perform a rigorous study of Avebury and Stonehenge. He visited Stanton Drew just the once, on the 23rd July 1723, but in that short time he produced a detailed plan, made several accurate drawings, and wrote an account that was to bring Stanton Drew to national prominence.
On Saturday 22nd July, there was a symposium of talks on William Stukeley, and the archaeology of Stanton Drew, given by leading academics and archaeologists.
On Sunday 23rd July 2023, the exact 300th anniversary, there was a day of events in the village, including tours of the stones and an exhibition.
Some of the feedback:
What a great day – huge congratulations to all involved. It gripped three generations of our family!
“I had a great time today at the Stukeley 300 celebrations, so thank you for everything you’ve done.”
“Marvellous tour – really enjoyed it.”
“Such a treat to hear from a wide variety of knowledgeable and engaging speakers”
“high class speakers … on a well run and fully attended day. Made this prehistorian’s Saturday pass in a flash.”
“I’ve lived here for 45 years, and never have known so much about the stones.”
“Certainly was fabulous team work. xx”
For more information, email info@stukeley300.org.uk
Stukeley’s 300th anniversary is also being celebrated at Avebury, where the National Trust is mounting an exhibition of his drawings. The exhibition runs from 24 June to 10 November.
Photo (cropped) by Stevekeiretsu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Drawing is from William Stukeley, Itinerarium curiosum, Vol. 2 (London, 1776).