| Author | Henge monument excavated near Sittingbourne |
Andy B
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from Surrey, UK
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|  Posted 01-08-2014 at 21:10
Remains of prehistoric monuments similar to that of Stonehenge are being excavated near Sittingbourne.
SWAT Archaeology, based in Faversham, discovered the ‘henge-type monument’ during an archaeological investigation ahead of a housing development at Iwade Meadows.
Of particular interest are a number of prehistoric monuments dating back around 6000 years.
Dr Paul Wilkinson from SWAT Archaeology explains it further:
SWAT Archaeology is undertaking an ongoing programme of investigation in advance of development by Persimmon Homes at Iwade Meadows just to the west of Sittingbourne in Kent.
Important archaeological remains dating to several periods have been found in the archaeological investigation. These date from Neolithic through to the medieval period and are being excavated and recorded prior to building the houses.
Of particular interest are a number of prehistoric monuments dating back some 6000 years and situated on a gentle north-west facing slope overlooking the Ridham fleet, a stream running through the centre of the site. The monuments are in a location that would have formerly had extensive views to the Swale Estuary and the Island of Sheppey beyond.
The largest monument is 30m diameter and formed of a pair of ring ditches.
The archaeological evidence suggests that the outer ditch may have originated in the Neolithic and been later transformed in the Bronze Age into a funerary monument with the addition of the inner ring. Further analysis is needed to determine the exact date, phasing and character of these two monuments.
The outer ring has an entrance facing north-east suggesting that it may have originated as a henge-type monument, a ceremonial gathering place of which Stonehenge is our most well-known example.
Read more at http://www.canterburytimes.co.uk/Stonehenge-type-monument-excavated-Faversham/story-21787303-detail/story.html
With thanks to Angie Lake for the link (and membership resub!)
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PJK7009
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01-09-2013
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from South West Wales
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| Posted 04-08-2014 at 09:26
They should build around the monument, turn the thing into parkland or something. Or at least cap it and build the houses on top. I feel this period is going to be looked back on as a very dark age for monument preservation.
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AngieLake
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from Newton Abbot, Devon
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|  Posted 08-08-2014 at 11:41
There is now a video of this site here:
http://www.canterburytimes.co.uk/North-Kent-s-answer-Stonehenge-discovered/story-22017108-detail/story.html
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