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Introduction
This study of the nationally important prehistoric henge complex at Thornborough is funded by the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) and will form part of English Heritage’s ongoing National Mapping Programme (NMP). The project is being undertaken by a small team of air photograph interpreters employed by Archaeological Services WYAS and based with Aerial Survey (North), English Heritage in York.
Background
The square study area covers some 100km2 and is approximately centred on the alignment of three Late Neolithic Class II henge monuments at Thornborough, North Yorkshire. The alignment of these three Scheduled Monuments lies at the heart of one of the most unusual and intriguing prehistoric ritual landscapes in Britain. Their importance in the north of England is enhanced further by their context within a group of seven henges lying between the rivers Ure and Swale – the largest group outside Wessex.
In recent decades a number of archaeological projects have been initiated in response to the threat of encroaching mineral extraction. Research-led work has also been carried out in the immediate vicinity of the henges. The work so far has identified a number of barrows and other ritual/ceremonial monuments in the immediate vicinity of the henges and hints at a greater density of monuments than is currently known about. Relatively little work has been conducted at any distance from the henges and the extent of the surrounding ritual landscape is unknown. To date investigative work has not involved the production of a definitive plot of cropmarks from air photographs.
Aims
This project aims to produce an accurate map and record of features from all periods that are visible as cropmarks, soilmarks and earthworks on existing air photographs. This will be the first specialist, multi-period consideration of the air photographs for the henge monuments and their immediate environs. Such a comprehensive map will provide a greater perspective on the prehistoric landscape and may be used to inform and assess the archaeological implications of new quarrying proposals and other developments in the landscape of what is perhaps the most enigmatic prehistoric complex in the north of England.
Results
An overview of the results of the project will be published on this web site as soon as they are available. Full results will be archived by the National Monuments Record and disseminated through its normal channels. Data will also be made directly available to English Heritage’s Inspector of Ancient Monuments to inform the preparation of the Conservation Plan for the Thornborough henges. The project is scheduled for completion in February 2005.
Copyright
Copyright of the results of the project will reside with English Heritage. Licence to use the data will be extended to North Yorkshire County Council as statutory providers and to Archaeological Services WYAS for any ongoing and future research and investigations.
Text by Ian Roberts (Principal Archaeologist) Archaeological Services WYAS
extracted from Roberts, I. and Deegan, A. (2004)
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