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<< Our Photo Pages >> Arbor Low Earthwork - Multiple Stone Rows / Avenue in England in Derbyshire

Submitted by vicky on Friday, 29 June 2012  Page Views: 18737

Neolithic and Bronze AgeSite Name: Arbor Low Earthwork
Country: England County: Derbyshire Type: Multiple Stone Rows / Avenue
Nearest Town: Bakewell  Nearest Village: Middleton
Map Ref: SK160636  Landranger Map Number: 119
Latitude: 53.169278N  Longitude: 1.762112W
Condition:
5Perfect
4Almost Perfect
3Reasonable but with some damage
2Ruined but still recognisable as an ancient site
1Pretty much destroyed, possibly visible as crop marks
0No data.
-1Completely destroyed
 3 Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
 4 Access:
5Can be driven to, probably with disabled access
4Short walk on a footpath
3Requiring a bit more of a walk
2A long walk
1In the middle of nowhere, a nightmare to find
0No data.
 5 Accuracy:
5co-ordinates taken by GPS or official recorded co-ordinates
4co-ordinates scaled from a detailed map
3co-ordinates scaled from a bad map
2co-ordinates of the nearest village
1co-ordinates of the nearest town
0no data
 4

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Couplands visited on 12th Aug 2023 - their rating: Cond: 1 Amb: 4 Access: 4

Couplands visited on 4th Mar 2023 - their rating: Cond: 2 Amb: 4 Access: 4

elad13 visited on 16th Sep 2019 - their rating: Cond: 2 Amb: 4 Access: 4

lichen visited on 5th Jan 2014 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 4

malboll myf AngieLake TimPrevett mark_a have visited here

Average ratings for this site from all visit loggers: Condition: 2 Ambience: 4 Access: 4

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by TimPrevett : Looking towards the Henge from the most clear part of the Avenue. (Vote or comment on this photo)
Earthwork and possible avenue in Derbyshire. It seems very few people notice this slight earthwork to the southwest of Arbor Low. Further study and investigation as part of the site's ritual landscape,should prove worthwhile.

An earthwork avenue running south-south-west from the bank of the Arbor Low henge leads most of the way across the field to the Gib Hill barrow, suggesting that the two were perhaps once linked. The grassy mound itself is sometimes known as the ‘serpent’ and may have been constructed at the same time as bank of Arbor Low, although some believe it could be nothing more than a field boundary.

The Class II henge was built about 2500 BC and consists of a circular bank, 76m in diameter and 2.1m high, with an internal ditch around 9m wide and 1.8m deep, enclosing a central area. There are entrance causeways at the northern and southern ends. The stone circle inside consists of more than forty recumbent limestone slabs, with three lying in the very centre. These central stones form a 'cove' close to which a skeleton was found during excavations between 1901 and 1902.

That the stones are lying flat rather than standing has been explained through the actions of zealous Christians toppling them or simply that time and subsidence caused them to fall over. However, since no holes have been found in which the vertical stones would have stood, it is possible that they were never erected. Whether this was intentional or simply due to an incomplete project being abandoned, we may never know.

A large round cairn was built later in prehistory east of the henge using material taken from the earth bank. It was excavated in 1845 and found to contain a cremation burial and various grave goods which are now in Sheffield City Museum.

Note: Dr Ian Parker Heath from the Arbor Low Environs Project will be speaking at our Megalithic Portal live event in Derbyshire at the end of July
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Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by malboll : Arbor Low, December 2011. (1 comment - Vote or comment on this photo)

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by TimPrevett : The avenue 21/12/09 - shadows lengthening across the snow with the setting of the sun. (3 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by rockmanzym : Arbor_Low_4_25pc Arbor Low - Panorama - July 2013 Image copyright: Rockman of Zymurgy, hosted on Flickr and displayed under the terms of their API. (1 comment - Vote or comment on this photo)

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by TimPrevett : Snow covered avenue on SW side of Arbor Low 21/12/09 (Vote or comment on this photo)

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by PaulM : An earthwork avenue running south-south-west from the bank of the Arbor Low henge leads most of the way across the field to the Gib Hill barrow, suggesting that the two were perhaps once linked. The grassy mound itself is sometimes known as the ‘serpent’ and may have been constructed at the same time as bank of Arbor Low, although some believe it could be nothing more than a field boundary. (2 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by Postman : Arbor Low summer solstice 2023

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by FrothNinja : Arbor Low Earthwork - looking away from the henge

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by FrothNinja : Arbor Low Earthwork - looking toward the henge

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by elad13 : Arbor Low Earthwork picture was taken September 2019

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by SumDoood : Google's aerial view seems to show crop marks and similar features sufficient to provoke some serious ponderings.

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by AngieLake : A second, but much smaller stone to the approx north of Gib Hill (in background), which seemed to have a mark like a 'W' or 'M' engraved on it. (Too cold on 16 Dec to crawl about investigating!) [See earlier pic of a larger stone nearby for this one's position.] 2nd stone approx aligns 200 degs from 1st stone, to distant rounded hill... possibly Wolfscote Hill? Arbor Low henge aligns 60-65...

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by AngieLake : The stone that lies north of Gib Hill, here looking 220 degs, approx., towards the summit of Lean Low. Note that between the stone and the distant trees there is a small stone (see next photo). On freezing 16 Dec, I did not notice the second larger stone in Shropshire Traveller's Feb 07 posting.

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by AngieLake : The almost solitary stone lying due North of Gib Hill, in freezing conditions on 16 Dec 07. [Shropshire Traveller - Tim - seems to have the same one photographed in his Feb 07 posting, albeit with another close by.]

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by AngieLake : This stone stands virtually alone in the large field surrounding Gib Hill. Here (freezing cold 16 Dec 07) Arbor Low henge lies at about 60-65 degs from the stone... possible to see Summer Solstice sun rising over the banks from this position, I guess?? Gib Hill is due south.

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by TimPrevett : From the field en route to Gib Hill. The Avenue is bisected by this drystone wall. The earthwork is visible to the naked eye, but on a photo is not so easily seen, so I have crudely marked the path of the Avenue. The eminently intervisible beech tree crowned Minning Low is circled in the distance.

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by TimPrevett : To the west of Arbor Low and north of Gib Hill I noticed these stones. At first I thought they were in line of an old field boundary, but closer inspection showed they were some way out. Further opinions?

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by TimPrevett : Notice the slight linear curvature of the ground from the foreground to the drystone wall? That is where the avenue continues.

Arbor Low Earthwork
Arbor Low Earthwork submitted by TimPrevett : Very near to the path of the avenue, on land not accessible, I noticed this prominence (foreground). Tree stump or stone? Also notice the barrow on the skyline. (3 comments)

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Alastair's Derbyshire Stone Circle Pages by Alastair McIvor


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Nearby sites listing. In the following links * = Image available
 58m SSE 149° Arbor Low 1* Stone Circle (SK16036355)
 332m SSW 213° Gib Hill* Long Barrow (SK15826332)
 401m SSW 199° Gib Hill Plantation* Misc. Earthwork (SK15876322)
 424m SW 225° Arbor Low 2* Henge (SK157633)
 993m NE 39° Cales Dale* Round Barrow(s) (SK16636437)
 1.7km WSW 253° Parsley Hay* Round Cairn (SK144631)
 1.8km SW 218° Lean Low* Round Barrow(s) (SK149622)
 2.2km SSW 204° Moneystones* Round Barrow(s) (SK151616)
 2.3km W 270° Custard Field Farm* Round Barrow(s) (SK137636)
 2.4km NNE 32° One Ash Shelter* Cave or Rock Shelter (SK17266559)
 2.9km NNE 18° Ringham Low* Chambered Cairn (SK169664)
 3.0km NE 53° Calling Low Dale* Cave or Rock Shelter (SK184654)
 3.0km S 188° End Low* Round Barrow(s) (SK156606)
 3.1km WSW 253° Carder Low* Round Barrow(s) (SK130627)
 3.3km ENE 70° Bee Lowe Round Cairn (SK19166473)
 3.4km ESE 113° Rusden Lowe Round Barrow(s) (SK19116231)
 3.7km WSW 253° Lud well (Hartington)* Holy Well or Sacred Spring (SK125625)
 3.8km NNW 342° Monyash Round Barrow 1* Round Barrow(s) (SK148672)
 3.9km SE 136° Smerril Moor Chambered Cairn (SK187608)
 4.1km NNW 340° Monyash Round Barrow 2 Round Barrow(s) (SK146675)
 4.2km ESE 104° Larks Low Bowl Barrow* Round Barrow(s) (SK20086260)
 4.2km SSW 202° Dale End* Modern Stone Circle etc (SK14455970)
 4.4km SSE 160° Aleck Low* Round Barrow(s) (SK175595)
 4.5km W 274° Pilsburry holed standing stone* Holed Stone (SK1148363892)
 4.5km SE 138° Sites of Meaning Marker Stone, Long Dale* Modern Stone Circle etc (SK1906060254)
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"Arbor Low Earthwork" | Login/Create an Account | 9 News and Comments
  
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Re: Arbor Low Earthwork by Couplands on Monday, 23 October 2023
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Pin on map inaccurate , use grid ref SK 16017 63496
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Earthwork investigated by the Arbor Low Environs Project by Andy B on Friday, 29 June 2012
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A dig took place earlier this year in a bid to uncover more about the history of the area around the henge of Arbor Low and Gib Hill.

The Arbor Low Environs Project, set to take place over the next five years, is a collaboration between archaeologists, students, volunteers and farmers.

It is being co-directed by independent research archaeologists Drs Ian and Catherine Parker Heath and Dr Hannah Cobb of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Manchester.

Several test trenches, about a metre square, have been dug as experts try and find out more about the history of the site.

Running alongside the main dig Dr Catherine Parker Heath, of Enrichment Through Archaeology, has been ensuring that members of the local community can get involved.

Read more in the Buxton Advertiser
http://www.buxtonadvertiser.co.uk/news/local/children-dig-into-the-past-1-4449549

and follow the regular updates at the Arbor Low Environs Project
http://www.arborlowenvironsproject.org/

Digging is finished for this year but the project has some way to run yet

I'm delighted to say that Dr Ian Parker Heath will be speaking on the Sunday of our Megalithic Portal Live event in Derbyshire at the end of July, to give an update on how the project has gone so far
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=2146414093
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Arbor Low Avenue by TwentyTrees on Tuesday, 20 February 2007
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Reminds me of the entrance from the extant avenue at Avebury which doglegs into the henge as if hiding then revealing as you enter the henge its centre hidden by the bank. Approaching Arbor Low from the line of the 'avenue', which appears to start near Gib Hill, has a similar effect.

The 'avenue' appears to extend to the wooded area in the east, near to Gib Hill, which is also scheduled (the wood!), and contains a number of large stones - not aware of any research into this area. It must have been scheduled for some reason.

The English Heritage geophysical survey in 1998 found nothing conclusive although the area surveyed was limited and the granularity lower than is desirable for prehistoric sites: "Outside the henge, various linear anomalies criss-cross the site. Running north-south in the east of the survey area are two sets of positive linear anomalies [8]. Across the surveyed area, broadly parallel to [8], are several other linear anomalies [9]-[12], and approximately orthogonal to these are another series [13]-[20]. These linear anomalies are difficult to interpret, particularly as there is some variation in the character of both positive and negative responses. They may represent ditches, or perhaps the accumulation of soil against former field boundaries; but it is also conceivable that they correspond with as yet un-recorded joint systems in the underlying Carboniferous limestone."

The term henge covers a multitude of different shapes of monuments: Arbor Low, Durrington Walls and Avebury - characterised by a ditch inside a bank. Stonehenge is the least henge like - except in its earliest phases. The Avebury avenue connection with the Sanctuary suggests the avenue is processional, for ritual, which supports the 'reveal' idea. If Arbor Low does have an Avenue then we need to know whats at the end of it. Further, there may be more than one avenue, as at Averbury.
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    Re: Arbor Low Avenue by TwentyTrees on Tuesday, 20 February 2007
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    Try this link to see the extent of the scheduling Arbor Low.
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    Re: Arbor Low Avenue by TimPrevett on Wednesday, 21 February 2007
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    I forget how good MAGIC map is. I usually have my eye 50 miles west in Wales, and not 50 miles east to the Peaks. Yes, the Avenue dog-legs through the wood and comes out t'other side of Gib Hill. Must take a peep next time, having printed that map out. Thankyou!
    [ Reply to This ]
    Re: Arbor Low Avenue by oriana on Sunday, 29 January 2012
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    Is it possible the avenue is more of a processional marker, and that this is why it does not make clear sense ie one straight line.

    Do you have an visual of this "avenue" in relation to the stone circle/ earthrings?

    ref http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x_NE1GNbfQ
    [ Reply to This ]

Arbor Low Avenue by TimPrevett on Tuesday, 20 February 2007
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What I find intriguing here, is that if this is an avenue, it does not line up with the entrace. When you think of how neatly the aveune at Stonehenge enters the henge, the arrangement at Arbor Low seems somewhat vexing. Could it be indicative of changing the layout of the henge, or developments over time?
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    Re: Arbor Low Avenue by oriana on Sunday, 29 January 2012
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    As a result of discovering this website I visited the low last year. I am researching for a book on the Nabta Playa stone circle in the Sahara desert, but Arbor is closer and so an intriguing first stop. My co-travellers were less enthusiastic so I could not linger. Am fascinated by the avenue of outlying stones you have identified and would like to ask you to view the following:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x_NE1GNbfQ.

    Is it all possible to position the outlying stones on a map?
    Do you need some help?
    [ Reply to This ]

Re: Arbor Low by Vicky on Monday, 17 September 2001
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Cows causing damage again during a visit in mid-September 2001. Cows are an unacceptable management method at this site.
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