Excavations at the Neolithic site of Arthur’s Stone in Herefordshire have yielded unprecedented discoveries that are set to reshape our understanding of British history. Led by The University of Manchester, University of Cardiff, and Herefordshire Council’s Archaeology Section, this project represents the first-ever investigation of the site, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument cared for by English Heritage.
Arthur’s Stone is a well-known monument that has long been associated with Arthurian legend and served as inspiration for C.S. Lewis’ ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.’ However, until now, its connection to the Neolithic period had remained unclear due to a lack of excavation.
Despite initial expectations of poor preservation, the excavations, permitted by English Heritage and Historic England, revealed well-preserved and previously unknown components of the monument just inches below the surface. The team unearthed an intricate stone architecture that sheds new light on the history of construction at the site.
The original structure of the stone monument was a dolmen, consisting of a massive capstone resting on upright stones surrounded by a circular stone bank with a single entrance. This unique dolmen, the first of its kind with a bank and entrance, was then encompassed by a larger trapezoid-shaped long cairn enclosed by dry-stone walling. The cairn featured an entrance leading to a passage and a small stone chamber, which later became sealed off.
The excavation also yielded Neolithic pottery, stone tools, and significant human remains. The discovery of well-preserved human bones, intricately mixed together, presents an exciting opportunity to explore the life and death of the early farming communities that existed nearly 6,000 years ago. Additionally, the presence of rock crystal from North Wales and pitchstone from the Isle of Arran in Scotland suggests that these communities had extensive long-distance connections.
This collaborative project between the universities, Historic England, and English Heritage has the potential to rewrite our understanding of the Neolithic period in Britain. Archaeologists will analyze all the recovered material, with guidance from Historic England, to gain further insights into the monument’s construction, its purpose, and the people who built and used it. This newfound knowledge will inform the future management and presentation of Arthur’s Stone, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
The excavation attracted great public interest, with over 2,000 people attending local lectures, guided tours, and an open day organized by English Heritage volunteers. This engagement with the public allowed visitors to witness the unfolding discoveries at the monument firsthand.
Bill Klemperer, Principal Inspector of Ancient Monuments for Historic England, expressed the importance of this excavation in informing the safeguarding and interpretation of Arthur’s Stone and similar sites across England.
In conclusion, the excavations at Arthur’s Stone have unearthed unprecedented evidence that will significantly contribute to our understanding of the monument and the Neolithic period in Britain. This collaborative project serves as a compelling example of how cooperative efforts can shed light on ancient history and enrich our cultural heritage. With ongoing analysis and further exploration, Arthur’s Stone is poised to continue captivating visitors with its fascinating story for years to come.
