STUKELEY 300 Weekend
Stanton Drew is the site of the most important stone circles in England, after Stonehenge and Avebury. There are three circles, of which the Great Circle is second only to Avebury in size, and a cove of three stones in the pub garden. William Stukeley was the leading antiquarian of the eighteenth century, and the first to perform a rigorous study of Avebury and Stonehenge. He visited Stanton Drew just the once, on the 23rd July 1723, but in that short time he produced a detailed plan, made several accurate drawings, and wrote an account that was to bring Stanton Drew to national prominence.
On Saturday 22nd July, there will be a symposium of talks on William Stukeley, and the archaeology of Stanton Drew, given by leading academics and archaeologists. Tickets for the village hall have now sold out, but there are still tickets for the live streaming.
On Sunday 23rd July 2023, the exact 300th anniversary, there will be a day of events in the village, including tours of the stones and an exhibition.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a dedicated BAAS tour of the stones at 2 pm on Sunday 23 July with only a few places remaining. We have requests and a waiting list for applications outside of BAAS so this is now is by way of a last opportunity for BAAS members to apply directly to Keith Stenner for the very few remaining places before these are offered to waiting non- BAAS members. This opportunity will only remain valid until Wednesday evening, 19 July, and on a strictly first come first served basis. Please let Keith Stenner know immediately if you would like to join the group on Sunday at 2 pm.
For more information, email [email protected]
For more information, visit www.stukeley300.org.uk
Stukeley’s 300th anniversary is also being celebrated at Avebury, where the National Trust is mounting an exhibition of his drawings. The exhibition runs from 24 June to 10 November.
BAAS will have a stall at this event.