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Stonehenge: The Story So Far, Julian Richards

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<< Feature Articles >> Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip

Submitted by Tom_Bullock on Monday, 04 July 2016  Page Views: 20728

Neolithic and Bronze AgeType: Stone Circle

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Tom Bullock, May 2011
Tom Bullock, May 2011 submitted by Andy B : Tom Bullock photographing a round barrow in Surrey on a visit to see me in May 2011. Sadly Tom died in late June in Croatia. He had a heart attack just after finishing up a swim off of the Dalmatian Coast. Tom was a retired astronomy and photography lecturer from California, and has visited more stone circles than anyone else I am aware of. He authored the Stone Circles CD-ROM that many of y... (Vote or comment on this photo)
Tom Bullock writes: I have, as of June 2004 visited 1233 stone circles and rows throughout the UK, Ireland and Brittany. [and many more since but we never had the chance to tot them up - MegP Ed] This is the result of a fascination with them ever since, fifteen years ago, I was granted a Sabbatical as a lecturer in Astronomy to investigate the extent to which astronomical alignments were incorporated into their layout and construction.

During my first soujourn in England in 1989, I limited myself to those sites that were commonly known about, appeared on road atlases, and were located next to roads: i.e., those providing easy access.

But after my Sabbatical report was submitted and published by my college, I was unable to put the subject out of my mind. So I returned to the UK and Ireland to visit additional ones a few years later, and so it has been almost every year since. With each return, I am challenged to visit and record the increasingly more vague, difficult to find or access, and/or remote. This year, I am on a 3-month attempt to finish up visiting the remaining sites in my database that have any degree of reliability as far as knowing there is something on the ground to actually find.

I began this year’s research [2004] with my first ever visits to sites on the Channel Islands and Shetland Isles. I then began working my way northward from Edinburgh to find those sites I had been unable to visit in 2000 because of the Foot and Mouth disease outbreak at the time. I just completed working my way down through the Western Isles for the third time (except for Barra, which was a first for me), and I am presently working through the Inner Isles (Mull, Ulva, Tiree, Islay, Jura). I will continue working my way southward until I run out of time or money or both.

Soon after I began doing research on stone circles and rows, it became increasingly obvious there was no one resource for obtaining the coordinates, descriptions, measurements and photographs of the 2000+ sites.

So I took it upon myself to accumulate such a database, and make it available to the public. That goal culminated in the production of a CD-ROM in 2000 that contained photographs and data for the 500+ sites I had visited up to that time. Last year, 2003, I teamed up with Andy Burnham from the Megalithic Portal and we co-produced the second edition of the CD-ROM with over 900 sites represented.

Upon return to California in July 2004, I will add the sites I have visited on this trip and incorporate them into that second edition. By then I estimate there will be a total of about 1500 sites on it.

I venture to guess that I am in possession of the most comprehensive and accurate photographic, descriptive and location (coordinates) database of stone circles in existence.

In the process of accumulating this database, I have learned some important lessons that may be of help to others wanting to do their own field research:

1. Just because an OS Map doesn’t show anything at the coordinates of a site you have been provided doesn’t mean there is nothing there of importance or interest. There are many omissions on the Maps.

2. Conversely, just because the OS Map indicates something at a particular place doesn’t mean there will be something there to see and measure. The Maps are not always kept up to date as regards sites that have been destroyed.

3. What the OS Map indicates is at a particular site is not necessarily what you will find there. A ‘Standing Stone’ on the Map may be a stone row in which one stone is standing and others are prostrate in an obvious alignment that can be measured. ‘Standing Stones’ may be, in fact, a stone circle in which the stones are somewhat askew but obvious to the informed researcher that they formed a circle at one time.

4. Coordinates and descriptions of circles and rows can sometimes be unreliable, so it is important to search around if you find yourself at the provided coordinates but unable to see anything that resembles a circle or row. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of using a GPS and a compass when doing field research. It will save you not only hours of time, but much frustration. I can tell you ghastly stories of the hours I have wasted because I was using the Map incorrectly, or I was too lazy to pull the compass out of my pocket.

5. Locals can be completely unreliable when it comes to telling you the location of sites. In fact, don’t be surprised if people who live within 200 metres of a site tell you they have no idea of anything like what you are describing to them. This very thing happened during my visit to one of the Channel Islands. There were, according to the coordinates and descriptions recorded in my database, two burial sites within the confines of a small housing area. I went into the local store, asked the two salespersons as well as the prople standing in line behind me waiting to pay for their groceries, and not a single one knew anything about them.

So I just started wandering through the area, asking anyone I encountered, and finally met a fellow who provided general directions. There it was, a rather large site (25m by 25m) stuck between two council houses! The other site was just down the road a bit, not more than 200 metres from that little store!

So, you’re asking, "What good is all of this research doing? What’s the point? Who cares, besides you?" That’s an interesting question, and I’m glad you posed it. While I have personal reasons for doing the field research (I love the British landscape, the people and the historical landmarks), there is a wider and more important consequence of having an accurate database of the sites.

They are as much a part of what makes Britain Britain as the language, the Thames, Big Ben, Scotch Whiskey, or Monty Python. They are but one of a vast number of roots from which Britain evolved over the centuries.

And wouldn’t it be a shame if they were neglected to the point of being bulldozed, pushed over or ploughed under! Many of them have suffered that very fate in modern times, it is only because no one cared, and now they are lost forever. They weren’t taking up much room, and weren’t in anyone’s way.

Read Part Two of Tom's update, and Part Three, where he visits the Isle of Fetlar, one of the smaller Shetland Isles.

Note from Andy B: The image above is of Tom Bullock photographing a round barrow in Surrey on a visit to see me in May 2011. Sadly Tom died in late June in Croatia on his latest marathon excursion. He had a heart attack just after finishing up a swim off of the Dalmatian Coast.

Tom was a retired astronomy and photography lecturer from California, and has visited more stone circles than anyone else I am aware of. He authored the Stone Circles CD-ROM that many of you will know and was a significant early contributor to the Megalithic Portal.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, myself included.

There will be a celebration of Tom Bullock's life to be held Sunday, August 28th at Roaring Camp's Bret Harte Hall in Felton, California.

Note: An article in memory of Tom Bullock, one of our major site and photo contributors, who died five years ago this week. Originally published in 2004 and updated in 2011

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"Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip" | Login/Create an Account | 23 News and Comments
  
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Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip so far by enjaytom on Saturday, 16 July 2016
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Andy, I've assembled forty years work into "Heritage & History", 145,000 word count, 250 images 500 pages. These words on paper directly complement Tom Bullocks work. A 106 megabyte CD awaits you.
Tom Bullock's record of the numbers of stones circles leads directly to an estimate of the population in Mesolitihic and Neolithic times. It is my belief each village had its own 'justice circle', therefore 1500 sites multiplied by an average village population of about 20 families = 100 equates to 150,000. A lot!
See what others think about that idea.
Neil.
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Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip by Anonymous on Monday, 01 October 2012
I am so saddened and shocked to hear of Professor Bullock's death. I took his Astronomy class 18 years ago and I have never been the same since. He took us to a star party, which I had never heard of before, and what I saw through his telescope was absolutely amazing--it was Saturn. I could not believe what I had seen. That is the very moment that changed me from the inside out, and without Professor Bullock I would not have had that. I often think about him, and google his name--I still have the textbook he wrote. What a wonderful scientist he was.
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Tom Bullock Obituary by Andy B on Saturday, 01 October 2011
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Tom Bullock passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on June 26 while touring in Hvar, Croatia. He was doing two of his favorite things, traveling and swimming. A beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many he will always be sorely missed.

Thomas Lee Bullock was born the second son of Frank and Ruth Bullock on October 2 1937 in Alameda CA. Tom graduated from Castlemont High School in Oakland Ca in the class of 1955. He was still in contact with many friends from there and served on the reunion committee.

He attended Stanford University for one year before entering West Point Military Academy graduating in the Class of 1960. While in the Army he also attended UCLA and received a masters degree in Astrodynamics. It was a family trip to Clear Lake CA where Tom met Pamela Royer whom he later married. It was while they were stationed in Germany that their children were born. First twins Monica and Naomi, then later son Nigel. Tom continued to swim regularly in Clear Lake with his children and grandchildren.

Tom leaves behind his three children, four grandchildren, and one great grandson. Tom resigned his post in the Army during the Vietnam war to be closer to his children following his divorce from Pam. He began his career at West Valley College in 1969 as Planetarium director and instructor of Astronomy. He taught there for 29 years and made many life long friendships through his passion for the stars, telescopes and photography. He would lead many all night star parties on Fremont Peak to share these experiences with friends and students. Tom retired in 1998.

Tom got his first camera with one hundred ice cream wrappers and one dollar at the age of nine. His lifelong passion for photography never waned. His camera and he would go on to travel the world, visiting every continent and many many countries pursuing interesting, beautiful and exotic subject material to photograph. He hiked to the base camps of the highest peaks in the world, and trekked all over the UK seeking stone circles. Tom also served on the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz and the Corralitos Artist Collective. Tom shared what he was doing through exhibits and shows, he wrote his own textbook, and made an interactive DVD of Stone Circles. He also participated in Santa Cruz Open Studios art tour.

Always the optimist, Toms car wore personalized plates BE PLUS positive for over thirty years. He loved a lively discussion or debate on any variety of subjects including science, religion, philosophy or politics. He made friends wherever he traveled and continued to have contact with people all over the world. There will be a celebration of Tom's life including a slide show and potluck on August 28th 12:30 PM at the Barn in Roaring Camp in Felton. Anyone who knew Tom is invited to attend. Please bring food and drinks to share.

Published in Santa Cruz Sentinel on August 14, 2011
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/santacruzsentinel/obituary.aspx?n=tom-bullock&pid=153062069
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Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip by Anonymous on Wednesday, 24 August 2011
I am fortunate enough to live in Felton, CA and was able to meet Tom after ordering my Stone Circles CD, and as he was the only person I had ever met who was passionate about megalithic sites I will thrilled to have him as a friend.

Tom was a true renaissance man; besides being an astronomer and photographer, he was a superb artist in stained glass, wood cabinetry, tile mosaic and probably more that I never saw. He had a "craftsman cottage" in Felton with a mosaiced driveway, mosaic tiled floor, spiral wooden staircase, wood and stained glass kitchen cabinets, huge stained glass windows in the living room and the whole wall of the outside wall of the shower, a balustrade on the loft edge made of branches, and many more details.

He was an incredibly talented, amazing man, and a huge loss to us all.

Colleen Hindson
stonetramp@gmail.com
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Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip by jackdaw1 on Tuesday, 23 August 2011
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Tom was an integral cog in the Megalithic wheel.
Saddened to hear of Tom's untimely departure.
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Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip by astronomer on Sunday, 21 August 2011
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I communicated with Tom several years ago and am very sorry to hear of his untimely death. His dedication and contribution to archaeoastronomy was of immense value.
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Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip by Anonymous on Tuesday, 16 August 2011
I have now been encouraged to try and find someone I can show a beautiful row of dressed stones made of the local limestone. They wher noticed by me many moons ago in an arta of flintshire I knw very well. They march across a field with only one or two missing. They are definatrly man made,but I am not an expert like this wonderful man was. I am now going to report them to some interested person. thanks J.
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    Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip by Andy B on Wednesday, 17 August 2011
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    Hello, you're welcome to send them in as a photo using the link in the photo gallery or email to the address on the Contact Editor page
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Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip so far by SolarMegalith on Tuesday, 16 August 2011
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So sad to see great people leaving us so quickly ...
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Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip so far by Andy B on Tuesday, 16 August 2011
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The last email I had from Tom, still on his stone circle hunting travels over the summer

Re: Over here....
Date: 14/06/11 19:16:23

Well, I had a good day and a half there [on Exmoor], and then the heavy rains set in, so I left earlier than expected and visited a couple of sites in Dorset. Today I managed to get to the Bluestonehenge site, or at least the place of the coordinates you gave me.

So I didn't get to as many of the Exmoor sites as planned, and was rather
disappointed with the remoteness and unimpressiveness of the sites. I am
skeptical about many of the reports of alignments for such little evidence:
like a single little 6-inch stone set amongst miles and miles of empty moor. I
can only trust there some historical accounts that verify such. I'll tell you
more later. Anyway, sorry we can't meet up there. I'm back to London tomorrow
after spending this evening in Avebury. Still an impressive site!
Cheers,
Tom
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Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip so far by enkidu41 on Monday, 28 June 2004
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I have the three BAR publications listed by Andy (BAR 195, BAR 215 and BAR S560). Also of particular interest are 3 other publications that I have:
BAR 132 - Bronze Age Round Cairns in Dumfries and Galloway, M. J. Yates;
BAR 197 - The Standing Stones of Wales and South-West England, George Williams and
BAR 175 - Henge Monuments and Related Sites of Great Britain, Harding with Lee.
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    Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip so far by kelpie on Monday, 28 June 2004
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    I wouldn't mind a copy of BAR 132 myself, any idea if and where it is available? Cheers
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      Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip so far by Andy B on Monday, 28 June 2004
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      I'll try and get some of these for the online shop. Hang in there.
      Cheers,
      Andy
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Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip so far by Anonymous on Saturday, 19 June 2004
Good work Tom Bullock. I am impressed with your determination, and now that I have heard about it, I will buy a second edition of your CD.
John
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Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip so far by enkidu41 on Wednesday, 09 June 2004
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Marvellous work by Tom. As Stewart says - 1233 is a great score. But a thought occurs, do we know if Tom has extended the corpus of circles and rows identified and described by Barratt and Burl in their respective comprehensive monographs published by BAR?
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    Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip so far by Tom_Bullock on Saturday, 12 June 2004
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    Hi Stewart, as far as I know, Andy and I have the most comprehensive, complete, and ACCURATE database available, although (as humans) we most likely have many errors. Our database began with Burl's two books (Circle, Rows) and then supplemented with other regional books (e.g., Waterhouse-Cumbria) and my own field investigation. I am not familiar with (or recognize) BAR. Can you help me with that? I am looking to people like you, and those who purchase our cd's, to improve on the database (including photographs) so that we have one, complete and accurate place we can all go to when we want to do our own study.
    Thanks for your comment. Tom
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      Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip so far by Andy B on Thursday, 17 June 2004
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      Tom,
      BAR is British Archaeological Reports
      http://www.archaeopress.com/defaultBar.asp

      I think the volumes are

      BAR -S560, 1990 Stone Rows and Standing Stones by A. and A. S. Thom, collated, with archaeological notes, by A.
      Burl. ISBN 0 86054 708 6. £40.00.

      BAR 195, 1988 Four-Posters Bronze Age Stone Circles of Western Europe by Aubrey Burl. ISBN 0 86054 580 6.
      £21.00.

      BAR 215 (two volumes) John Barnatt, Stone Circles of Britain, 1989, Oxford
      This contains detailed taxonomic and distributional analyses of the stone circles of Britain, together with a detailed catalogue of the sites.

      Does anyone have copies? I should get some for the online shop.

      Tom certainly has published the most comprehensive collection of photos anywhere.

      Cheers,
      Andy
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        Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip so far by kelpie on Saturday, 19 June 2004
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        Andy
        I have BAR 195
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          Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip so far by kelpie on Saturday, 19 June 2004
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          Will the updated CD run on Mac OS X, I don't have a classic environment any longer and the first CD will not run. Cheers
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          Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip so far by Andy B on Monday, 28 June 2004
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          Yes I'm pretty sure it will. I'll check. You can have an admin's discount too :-)
          Cheers,
          Andy
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    Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip so far by Tom_Bullock on Saturday, 12 June 2004
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    Sorry...you aren't Stewart after all...but thanks again for the comment. Tom
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Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip so far by Anonymous on Tuesday, 08 June 2004
Good one Andy, around here sites have been destroyed because they are of a particular hard form of granite and are therefore valueable, all of our peaks have gone except for half of croft hill, we are hoping to make this into an heritage site to try and prevent the quarry company from eventualy removing it. Heritage V The motorways. Arthur,Burbage,Leices.
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Re: Tom Bullock reports from his biggest prehistoric field-trip so far by stewart on Monday, 07 June 2004
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1233 sites is a pretty damn good score Tom! Congratulations
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