First published: 24/04/08.

Stephen Brooker

Stonehenge

Stonehenge (Inscribed)

Stonehenge by Argo

People so often forget that Avebury and its surrounding area is part of this WHS listing, that I will concentrate upon the Avebury group - which incedentley is my favourite WHS.

The village of Avebury sits largely within the biggest of all stone circles, and as such has a somewhat 'New Age' feel; I once witnessed a child who had picked up a biggish stick (as children do) being instructed by his mother to go and thank a rather large tree for its gift! But it takes all sorts, indeed it was a marmalade magnate called Keiller who is largely responsible for restoring the circle to wahr we see today.

Outside of the circle lie other monuments and to get the best from a visit one should spend a couple of hours walking. Starting from the circle walk down West Kennet Avenue, to the Sanctury (the site of a now vanished stone circle, marked by concrete posts), from there make your way to West Kennet Long Barrow, and finally down the hill to Silbury Hill before returning to Avebury.

One last reminisance. The first time I took my friend Deirdre here, we were siting quietly backs against one of the larger stones as the sun started to set.

'It feels magical, here dosen't it.' I stated.

'There's no such thing.' Deirdre replied.

A minute or two passed and she spoke agian, 'you know I feel if you made a wish here it would come true.'

I smiled, and then we realised that the sheep around us who were bleating gentley, actually seemed to be singing a kind of lullaby.............

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