The stone in foreground forms part of the row and the one behind part of a setting.
A substantial double row (or avenue) measuring 1300m long, originally including around 170 large-sized stones forming part of the Avebury ritual complex. The row is orientated ENE to WSW and leads between Avebury Henge and a stone setting known as The Cove. Only one stone remains but excavation has confirmed that the stones were originally placed at 15m intervals. A number of landscape reveals are known to exist along its length and there are large numbers of prehistoric sites in the vicinity.
Location
| England | Wiltshire | Rest of England | SU 08887 69301 |
| Lat 51.42261297 Long -1.87359283 | |||
Map showing the location of Beckhampton Avenue.
Simplified plan of the Beckhampton stone alignment. (Source: Stonehenge-Avebury.net and Google Earth).
Characteristics
| Type: Double | Length: 1300m |
| No. of stones: 170 | Size of stones: Only large |
| Orientation: 60° | Altitude: 162m |
| Upper end: Stone circle and henge | Lower end: Cove |
| Straight (Yes or No) : | Sea View: No |
| Context: Barrows | |
| Notes: Mutilated. Only one stone stands but others have been identified by excavation. The number of stones has been estimated from the excavation results which found pairs of stones at 15m intervals. There can be little doubt that this alignment denoted a special route to and from Avebury. Large numbers of separate reveals exist, but foremost amongst these is undoubtedly the appearance of Silbury Hill, which is not visible at the western end of the row, but slowly emerges along the row. | |
Other Information
| Public Access: Yes |
| Land Status: World Heritage Site |
| Scheduled Ancient Monument: Yes |
Identification
Category: Plausible. No doubts have been expressed regarding the prehistoric interpretation of this row.
Typology
This stone row is of Type D11. Information on this form of stone row and other rows of this type is available here.
Photographs
Large slab in the foreground (known as Eve) is the only remaining upright in the alignment. The stone in the background forms part of a setting known as The Cove. View from the east.
Cove stone in the foreground with remaining alignment stone beyond. View from south.
Access Information
Car parking is available at SU 08921 69209. The stones are clearly visible from the car park.
Online Resources
Megalithic Portal Modern Antiquarian PastScape Stone Circles Digital Avebury
Other References
Burl, A., 1993, From Carnac to Callanish – The prehistoric rows and avenues of Britain, Ireland and Brittany, Yale University Press, New York and London, pg. 217.
Timeline
VISITED:- 7th August 2016
FIRST PUBLISHED:- 12th February 2016
LAST UPDATED:- 18th August 2020
The Stone Rows of Great Britain 
