Neolithic remains older than Stonehenge found in writer’s garden
England’s National Heritage Trust has moved to protect the remains of a Neolithic site dating from 5800-5300 BC in the garden of writer Thomas Hardy.
The exciting archaeological findings have emerged from the Flagstones enclosure in Dorchester, a site rich in history dating back to the Neolithic period. A circular enclosure showcases buried remains that are among the earliest monuments in the area. Notably, two impressive Sarsen stones, including the famous Druid Stone, have been re-erected in the garden called Max Gate, the former home of novelist Thomas Hardy.
Why is the Max Gate site special?
The enclosure is rare, with significant buried remains still intact, reflecting a continuous interest in the site from the Early Bronze Age through the Iron Age. Its archaeological potential is immense, offering insights into the lives of the people who built and used it.
The site has been well-documented, with pottery finds representing some of the earliest Neolithic artifacts in southern Britain. The Flagstones enclosure is part of a cluster of Neolithic monuments along the Alington ridge, a significant ceremonial landscape.
Excavations began in the 1980s, revealing its structure and history, and recent digs in 2022 have shed more light on its eastern half. This fascinating site even featured in a 2023 episode of the BBC series Digging for Britain, highlighting its importance in understanding prehistoric communities and their landscapes.
The Flagstones enclosure is not just a relic of the past; it’s a vibrant piece of history with more secrets to reveal!
(Michael Leahy. Source: Historical England. Photo: De Facto DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)