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TNA Thursday, 30th JUNE 2011 SITE VISIT, BLEASDALE CIRCLE/HENGE & FAIRY HOLES CAVES
A fascinating and inspiring Field Trip to conducted by Paul Bennett (The Old Stones of Elmet) & John Dixon (Journeys through Brigantia).
Bleasdale Circle SD: 57700,45990
A complex circular henge monument, probably built in several separate phases and dating to the Bronze Age.
The Bleasdale circle is situated in the centre of a peat moss known at Admarsh, which is situated between the two headstreams of the River Brock, at the foot of Fairsnape Fell. It was discovered in 1898 by J. Kelsall and S.Jackson, and partly excavated by them during 1898-1900.
The circle is comprised of an inner circular structure set within an outer circular palisade. The inner structure has a central grave, which was the primary and only burial.
This central grave is surrounded by 11 oak posts forming a ring 36ft in diameter. This post ring is surrounded by a pennanular ditch, straight sided and flat bottomed. It was lined with birch poles laid flat in the bottom.
A causeway flanked by 3 oak posts on each side links the outer circle to the inner circle.
The outer palisade is roughly circular and surrounded by a ditch, having a diameter of 150ft with a break in the south west marked by especially large posts. It nearly touches the inner circle opposite the causeway.
What does this enigmatic henge monument represent? A spiritual or cult centre ? A Bronze Age Mall ?
These and other theories will be pondered over on the day
Fairy Holes Caves, BA burial site & rock shelter SD 651467
Secreted away in the deeply wooded Whitewell Gorge can be found a singular limestone outcrop that contains a number of caves known as ‘The Fairy Holes’. Due to the hidden nature of the site very few have visited the caves.
The larger cave was an ancient rock shelter with evidence of early human habitation. Stone tools and bones were excavated here along with a Bronze Age Urn.
This cave is large enough to walk into goes back about 20 metres opening out into a curious bell-shaped chamber – Great photo opportunities to be had here!
Those of you who wish to participate in this field trip, please contact Paulus for meet-up times (it is proposed that we meet on Tesco car park in Clitheroe at 11am for 12 noon at Admarsh Church, free parking, Bleasdale - less than half mile easy walk to circle complex.
There is no charge for this event, all welcome.
A fascinating and inspiring Field Trip to conducted by Paul Bennett (The Old Stones of Elmet) & John Dixon (Journeys through Brigantia).
Bleasdale Circle SD: 57700,45990
A complex circular henge monument, probably built in several separate phases and dating to the Bronze Age.
The Bleasdale circle is situated in the centre of a peat moss known at Admarsh, which is situated between the two headstreams of the River Brock, at the foot of Fairsnape Fell. It was discovered in 1898 by J. Kelsall and S.Jackson, and partly excavated by them during 1898-1900.
The circle is comprised of an inner circular structure set within an outer circular palisade. The inner structure has a central grave, which was the primary and only burial.
This central grave is surrounded by 11 oak posts forming a ring 36ft in diameter. This post ring is surrounded by a pennanular ditch, straight sided and flat bottomed. It was lined with birch poles laid flat in the bottom.
A causeway flanked by 3 oak posts on each side links the outer circle to the inner circle.
The outer palisade is roughly circular and surrounded by a ditch, having a diameter of 150ft with a break in the south west marked by especially large posts. It nearly touches the inner circle opposite the causeway.
What does this enigmatic henge monument represent? A spiritual or cult centre ? A Bronze Age Mall ?
These and other theories will be pondered over on the day
Fairy Holes Caves, BA burial site & rock shelter SD 651467
Secreted away in the deeply wooded Whitewell Gorge can be found a singular limestone outcrop that contains a number of caves known as ‘The Fairy Holes’. Due to the hidden nature of the site very few have visited the caves.
The larger cave was an ancient rock shelter with evidence of early human habitation. Stone tools and bones were excavated here along with a Bronze Age Urn.
This cave is large enough to walk into goes back about 20 metres opening out into a curious bell-shaped chamber – Great photo opportunities to be had here!
Those of you who wish to participate in this field trip, please contact Paulus for meet-up times (it is proposed that we meet on Tesco car park in Clitheroe at 11am for 12 noon at Admarsh Church, free parking, Bleasdale - less than half mile easy walk to circle complex.
There is no charge for this event, all welcome.
