Name: Hatfield Earthworks (Marden Henge)
Rating: 5.0

Hatfield Earthworks (Marden Henge)

Marden Village Hall SN10 3RQ, The Street, Marden, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 3RQ, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

The Hatfield Earthworks are made primarily of a large, irregular-shaped henge enclosure, surrounded by a ditch and bordered in part by the River Avon. Within this lies a second Neolithic henge and a monumental mound.

Built around 2400 BC, its purpose is believed to have been ceremonial, as with nearby Silbury Hill. Subsequent excavations in 1807 show no evidence of burial, but later investigation in the late 1960s produced pottery, flint, animal bone and evidence of a round timber structure. Part of the enclosure is under English Heritage protection, and this part of the structure remains clear. It also provides views of the Alton Barnes White Horse.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

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Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Hatfield Earthworks (Marden Henge): The Hatfield Earthworks consist of a large, irregularly shaped henge enclosure, formed on three sides by a substantial ditch and outer bank and on the other by a loop in the river Avon, within which lie a second Neolithic henge and the remains of a monumental mound. The outer henge was built in the later Neolithic period, around 2400 BC.
The mound was excavated by the famous archaeologist Sir Richard Colt Hoare and his assistant William Cunnington, in 1807. But they were disappointed to find no evidence of a burial and the barrow, apparently constructed mainly of sand, fell apart as they dug.
These monumental mounds, of which Silbury Hill is the best known example, are exceptionally rare and seem to have had a ceremonial function.
No further excavation took place until the late 1960s, when Geoffrey Wainwright excavated over the north entrance of the enclosure. The dig produced quantities of late Neolithic pottery, flint and animal bone, as well as the crouched burial of a young adult female. Evidence of further Neolithic activity was also discovered within the enclosure, including a round timber structure.
Only a small area of the enclosure at Hatfield is under English Heritage protection. On this part of the site the bank and ditch structure is particularly clear and there is a good view of the Alton Barnes White Horse.
Description: The area enclosed measures up to 578 yards (530 metres) from north to south and 392 yards (360 metres) from east to west.
There were two entrances, on the north and east sides, but the effects of centuries of erosion and cultivation have made it difficult to see them clearly today.
The earthworks appear to have been constructed in short, straight sections and the profile of the ditch and bank varies considerably. In the best preserved section, within woodland, the bank is up to 130 feet (40 metres) wide and 9 feet (2.75 metres) high.
Inside the enclosure, close to the river, is a smaller earthwork consisting of a gently domed circular area of 130 feet (40 metres) in diameter, surrounded by a ditch approximately 26 feet (8 metres) wide and, beyond that, a low bank 33–39 feet (10–12 metres) wide.

Facilities

Parking: Park on the verge opposite the field entrance.
Food & Drinks: Various pubs can be found in the surrounding villages.
Dogs: Livestock may be grazing in the field, so please keep dogs on leads.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Free Entry.

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hatfield-earthworks/opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Address: Marden Village Hall SN10 3RQ, The Street, Marden, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 3RQ, UK

Post Code: SN10 3RQ

Council: Wiltshire

County: Wiltshire

Road Access: 5 1⁄2 miles south-east of Devizes, off A342; north-east of village of Marden. Look for small section of fence in hedgerow to access site.
Bus Access: Tourist Coaches 210 (Thu, Sat only) & 244 (Mon-Fri & Sun only)
Train Access: Pewsey 5 miles.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: Park on the verge opposite the field entrance.