So thought-provoking, as usual! Always love the very human angle you bring to these sites... I drove past Figsbury Ring yesterday and was mulling it over, so very fresh in my mind!✨
Hi David, I started following you on IG a while back cant remember why! Anyway I read this post on ancient festival sites and wanted to get in touch about a place near me which I feel could be one of them. The current explanation for the site doesnt really add up for me. Anyway you can see more about it here: https://ukhillfortlidar.myportfolio.com/devils-ditches
If it seems interesting to you please drop me a line
Hi, as far as I can tell, there's no archaeological evidence for this being a Neolithic site.
The feature formed part of a large defensive earthwork running from the River Lea to the River Ver, and may have enclosed an oppidum (fortified trading settlement) in the Late Iron Age. Cunliffe suggests the earthworks were probably created by King Cunobelinus to fortify the tribal hub of Verlamion – predecessor of Roman Verulamium (ie St Albans). In any case, the land doesn't look right for a causewayed enclosure. The only three confirmed examples in Herts are Little Trees Hill, Stapleford; Springhall Lane, Sawbridgeworth; and Stapleton’s Field, Norton. Good luck with your research!
Dear David, I love the work you are doing. I'm writing a book, provisionally called Flint Hunters, about prehistoric stone tools, the people who look for them, and what they tell us about our forebears, going back a million years in the UK. (To be published early 2028 by Penguin.) Obviously what you are doing is not about tools, but I love the wonder and beauty you bring to this and the insights your work has brought you. Is there any chance I could talk to you about doing a walk together for my book? All the very best to you, Emily
So thought-provoking, as usual! Always love the very human angle you bring to these sites... I drove past Figsbury Ring yesterday and was mulling it over, so very fresh in my mind!✨
Hi David, I started following you on IG a while back cant remember why! Anyway I read this post on ancient festival sites and wanted to get in touch about a place near me which I feel could be one of them. The current explanation for the site doesnt really add up for me. Anyway you can see more about it here: https://ukhillfortlidar.myportfolio.com/devils-ditches
If it seems interesting to you please drop me a line
Hi, as far as I can tell, there's no archaeological evidence for this being a Neolithic site.
The feature formed part of a large defensive earthwork running from the River Lea to the River Ver, and may have enclosed an oppidum (fortified trading settlement) in the Late Iron Age. Cunliffe suggests the earthworks were probably created by King Cunobelinus to fortify the tribal hub of Verlamion – predecessor of Roman Verulamium (ie St Albans). In any case, the land doesn't look right for a causewayed enclosure. The only three confirmed examples in Herts are Little Trees Hill, Stapleford; Springhall Lane, Sawbridgeworth; and Stapleton’s Field, Norton. Good luck with your research!
Dear David, I love the work you are doing. I'm writing a book, provisionally called Flint Hunters, about prehistoric stone tools, the people who look for them, and what they tell us about our forebears, going back a million years in the UK. (To be published early 2028 by Penguin.) Obviously what you are doing is not about tools, but I love the wonder and beauty you bring to this and the insights your work has brought you. Is there any chance I could talk to you about doing a walk together for my book? All the very best to you, Emily
Really good 🤍
Gorgeous and informative as always!