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Geology and archaeology of the Vale of the White Horse, Oxfordshire Sunday
date tbd 2011, 10.00 to 4.30 An
interesting trip to one of the three areas of Britain which have retained their
original prehistoric landscape. The scenery of this part of the Wessex Downs has
changed little since the Neolithic, which is the oldest of its many
archaeological features to be seen on this field trip. The area has always
remained a sacred landscape from prehistory to the present and we will look at
the evidence critically. We will also explore some of the ancient traditions,
legends and the sites themselves, which still remain as evidence of an
intriguing past. Recent research has changed many of the ideas people have
regarding this area and some may surprise you! The
geological aspects will include an overview of local geology including a
discussion of the mysterious sarsens and the dry valleys. The landscape is also
explained in geological terms, which will link with the use by ancient peoples
into a ‘human landscape’ as we go through the day. Sites to
be visited are:
To book a place please send a cheque made payable to 'Dr J. Eyers' to 13 Pusey Way, Lane End, Bucks, HP14 3LG with 'Vale of White Horse' and your name and address clearly marked. Queries? Write to the above address or e-mail: mail Jill
The White Horse What is this intriguing feature? Seen here from the air, it is visible from very few vantage points on the ground - so what was its purpose? Who built it and does it look the same now as when it was first carved? All these questions are answered during the day.
Sarsens What are the sarsen stones? Where did they come from? These are an interesting part of the story of this area.
The Manger What has created this dramatic and beautiful landscape? This is a story started about 12,000 years ago and still going on today!
Dragon Hill Legend has it that this is where George slew the dragon - but I have a
more intriguing and maybe more bloodthirsty story. We need to consider firstly
whether this is a natural landscape or has some element of human intervention
and then interpret it in the light of what we know of our ancestor's and their
beliefs. Uffington The group walking the ramparts at Uffington Hillfort. It is certainly on a hill - but was this a 'fort'? We look at how we may try and work out the use of large landscape features such as these hilltop enclosures.
An ancient footpath, believed to have been in used since the Neolithic period. But how do we know this? |
View from the top
of Uffington Hillfort. This ancient landscape has hardly changed over the
many thousands of years people have lived here. The modern field boundary seen
here is a Bronze Age field boundary!
The Ridgeway