Ancient 6,000 year old tombs discovered next to Stonehenge

by Amy Judd | June 12, 2009 at 09:39 am

748 views | 68 Recommendations | 10 comments

Two ancient, 6,000 year-old tombs have been discovered next to Stonehenge in Hampshire, England.

The prehistoric complex contains two 6,000 year-old tombs and are just 15 miles from the famous Stonehenge, but they have gone unnoticed until now. Archaeologists are hopeful that the discovery will provide clues as to what life was like for people 6,000 years ago and how they might have lived.

"It's one of the most famous prehistoric landscapes, a Mecca for prehistorians, and you would have thought the archaeological world would have gone over it with a fine-toothed comb," Dr. Helen Wickstead, the Kingston University archaeologist leading the project, said.

These kinds of burial practices would have been common at this time as the bodies would have been left in the open until all the flesh had decayed and then the skeleton would be placed in these tombs.

The tombs were discovered by Damian Grady, an English Heritage Photographer, who was flying over the area and taking pictures of the land and one of his photographs showed two long mounds not previously found.

After discussions with colleagues, Mr Grady was left in little doubt that the mounds were the site of ancient tombs. He contacted Dr Wickstead inviting her to investigate.

They have not fully excavated the land yet, as it will depend on the locals to decide.

“We’re treading very carefully on the excavation issue,” Dr Wickstead said.

“We want to be sure that it’s what people living in Damerham village want. It’s their heritage.”

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Jarrett Martineau

at 10:15 on June 12th, 2009

Wow, what a find!

waitingforapril

at 10:52 on June 12th, 2009

I wasn't expecting much from my trip to Stonehenge, but it was truly inspiring. I could have spent the entire day photographing.

waitingforapril has contributed a photo to this story.

GoMoJo (not verified)

at 11:20 on June 12th, 2009

This reminds me of the book "Sarum" - An awesome read!

ZUGZWANG IMAGES

at 11:41 on June 12th, 2009

What an incredible place...arrived with my lady on a grey over-cast day that made the harsh calling of the crows that accompany the Henge all the more atmospheric...I remember the cold wind making my eyes water and tricky to take pictures but after wanting to visit this special place for so many years of my life it was more than worth it and frozen fingers too haha! I recently watched a Time Team / Tony Robinson special about Henge excavations over the last years and learned more....the Henge seems to be both a spiritual and academic learning curve simultaneously! I really wanted to be at the up-coming Solstice but can't make it....next year definitely! Great to see these new discoveries....I can't wait to see the out-come....will the mystery ever be truly solved?

Peace!

ZUGZWANG IMAGES aka Sonni

p.s. yes GoMoJo...Sarum is an awesome read indeed!

ZUGZWANG IMAGES has contributed a photo to this story.

Janelle Martin

at 11:45 on June 12th, 2009

Seeing Stonehenge in person was a magnificient moment! Never in my life did I ever imagine, other than the photos in my college Art Appreciation textbook and via the Internet, that I would actually see this.

The hillside view, complete with the beautiful grazing sheep, was an awesome view for me and the other twenty-two American college tourists from Arkansas. Upon arrival, we saw the burial mounds in the distance which were very intriguing as well.

This experience was more awesome and exciting than I am able to explain in writing. Thank you for allowing me to share my photo and my first hand experience about Stonehenge.

Janelle Martin
Monticello, Arkansas
USA

Janelle Martin has contributed a photo to this story.

Barbara McPherson

at 14:19 on June 12th, 2009

Some people believe this area is crisscrossed with underground 'lay' lines of power. Also nearby is a huge stone construct -- the Avebury henge. The cathedral at Wells has a spring that is reputed to be magical. Makes you start to believe in fairies and little people.

Laughing-Samurai (not verified)

at 18:05 on June 12th, 2009

Barbara, the Chinese call them "Dragon Lines" which are naturally occurring lines of energy or magnetism. The ancients understood this. Many of the ancient Roman roads follow Lay Lines. Important churches were also built on them.

The British mystic and writer, John Michell wrote about Lay Lines amongst many other interesting subjects. John Michell, who I knew, died this year in May at 76-years.

If you are interested in ley lines you would do well to consider reading John Michell's Book, "View over Atlantis", and his volume concerning Glastonbury. I know of no better treatment.

Uwe Paschen

at 15:32 on June 12th, 2009

That is quiet the find in deed. The place never stop to amaze me.

Laughing-Samurai (not verified)

at 17:01 on June 12th, 2009

I think this vindicates those of us who have protested, and continue to protest about the destruction of Stonehenge and it's surrounding area, like building car parks and tunnels just for the sake of the tourist.

In addition to what Barbara McPherson states about Lay Lines, Stonehenge is crisscrossed by Lay Lines, which is probably why this site was chosen to build the stone circle.

Also Lay Lines from Stonehenge go out to other important historical sites like Glastonbury, and St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall, and to the place of King Arthur's Castle, also in Cornwall.

Lay Lines also ran from Stonehenge to Carnac in France when the countries were still joined. Carnac is lines of standing stones which unlike Stonehenge, are free to visit and experiences no visitor problems.

Glastonbury is also an ancient burial mount similar to this new discovery.

I think what is important, is that whole area around Stonehenge is riddled with possible historical sites which are waiting to be discovered, but I also agree that the local population plays an important role in deciding what happens with any new finds, but unfortunately once the info is made public, treasure hunters will be getting their metal detectors out! Treasure Trove can still make a finder very rich!