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Revisiting the Stone Circles of Dorset: An Archaeologist’s Perspective of Sarsen Stones
November 19 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Dorset Geologist’s Association Group (DGAG) will host a talk on the Tuesday 19th November 2024.
Title: Revisiting the Stone Circles of Dorset: An Archaeologist’s Perspective of Sarsen Stones
Speaker: Dr. Anne Teather
Time: Talk will start at 7pm; finish approximately 8pm
Venue: Activity Meeting Room: Dorford Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester, DT1 1RR Lecture
Entry Cost: £6 (£5 for DGAG members) collected on room entry
Booking a seat: Contact DGAG events at email: cwebb48578@aol.com
Talk Description: A summary provided by the speaker: In prehistory, sarsen was a popular material used by people to construct monuments and stone circles. Until our recent work, the stone circles of Dorset were last examined in depth by Stuart and Peggy Piggott in 1939. In this presentation we will start with the Kingston Russell Stone Circle, the largest preserved stone circle in Dorset, and what we have learned about it. We will also provide an introduction to a new catalogue of stone circles across the county, that occur in historic accounts but are no longer preserved, demonstrating the importance of Dorset in the late Neolithic and Bronze Age (c.2500-1500 BC). We will also look at what else sarsen stone was used for in prehistory within the South Dorset landscape, and briefly discuss ways in which people can become involved in helping us to learn more.
Past Participate are a community archaeology company who have been researching the use of sarsen stones in the South Dorset Landscape. We are passionate about making archaeology accessible and providing volunteers with high quality engagement in high quality archaeological practice. Since 2018 we have been working with local volunteers to undertake a programme of excavation and survey on Tenants Hill (near Abbotsbury) and the surrounding landscape. Thanks to National Lottery Players we have recently received a grant to enable us to undertake a new 4 year project Living amongst the Sarsens: Revealing the Hidden Heritage of the Valley of Stones.
Photo: A Stone Circle (KR) : Courtesy of the speaker : KR stone circle Copyright Jim Rylatt
Additional Links:
1. Archaeology website
https://www.pastparticipate.co.uk/
2. Archaeology blog site
https://www.pastparticipate.co.uk/blog