University of Southampton Department of Archaeology

Excavation Data from The Sanctuary

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Feature	Source	Date	Description of Feature
Avenue	Cunnington		Sometimes difficult to define shallow holes in loose rubbly subsoil. 4th pair could not be seen.
Avenue	Diary	10/06/30	7 stone holes found today, 4 on one side 3 on other.
Avenue	Leaves	10/06/30	5 stone holes found today, making 3 pairs with 1 excavated 7/6.
Avenue	Diary	07/06/30	1 definite stone hole found, containing burnt sarsen chips, and layer of black ash with burnt straw on disturbed side.
Avenue	Leaves	07/06/30	Same. Hole c 20' from outer circle on south line. Roughly oblong Approx. 6' x 2' 6" x c 2' deep.
1N	Cunnington		18-23" deep, 60" x 36" size. Irregular shape Broken sarsen found.
2N	Cunnington		24" deep, 78" x 30" size. Irregular shape Broken sarsen & bone fragments found.
3N	Cunnington		23" deep, 36" x 30" size. Oval Fragments of bone and sarsen found.
1S	Cunnington		13-22" deep, 75" x 27" size. Irregular shape Many sarsen fragments found.
2S	Cunnington		18" deep, 30" x 30" size. Roughly circular Many sarsen pieces found.
3S	Cunnington		18" deep, 30" x 24" size. Roughly circular Nothing found.
N1	Cunnington		20" deep, 30" x 36" size. Oval Bone fragments & many sarsen pieces found.
N2	Cunnington		17" deep, 30" x 20" size. Oval Bone & sarsen pieces found.
X1	Cunnington		Just possibly site of natural sarsen removed & broken up in prehistoric, or less probably modern times.
X3	Cunnington		15" deep, 48" x 24" size. Bone & sarsen fragments found. [X1 & X2 in text and plan Pl I are listed as X3 & X4 in stone hole table.]
X2	Cunnington		Just possibly site of natural sarsen removed & broken up in prehistoric, or less probably modern times.
X4	Cunnington		16" deep, 30" x 24" size. Bone fragments found. [X1 & X2 in text and plan Pl I are listed as X3 & X4 in stone hole table.]
H3	Cunnington		72" x 24" diam (top) x 17" deep. Stone hole with bone and sarsen.
Ring A	Cunnington		Outer stone ring. Pieces of broken sarsen in all stones holes. Fragments of animal bone not uncommon. Pottery rare.
Outer Circle	Diary	26/05/30	Several stone holes of outer circle already located.
Outer Circle	Leaves	26/05/30	Several stone holes of outer circle already located, and 1 or 2 excavated.
Outer Circle	Diary	27/05/30	5 stone holes excavated. Very irregular shape. Inner sides little disturbed, outer sides dug into a sloping ramp. On each ramp, thick layer of black ash (mainly burnt straw) & quantity of burnt sarsen flakes. Filling mix of dark earthy mould, burnt flint and lumps of burnt sarsen. Only a few fragments of animal bones.
		05/06/30	Last stone hole excavated. Ramp and black straw ash at most holes. Some of the sarsen chips 6-9" long.
Outer Circle	Leaves	27/05/30	Same.
A1	Cunnington		Rectangular 27" deep x 54" long x 36" broad. Probably seen standing by Stukeley 1723. Enlargement of hole & evidence of destruction by fire very marked. Arrowhead, Pl VI.3.
A2	Cunnington		Irregular, 22" deep x 24" long x 18" broad. Probably seen standing by Stukeley 1723. Enlargement of hole & evidence of destruction by fire very marked.
A3	Cunnington		Irregular 28" deep x 60" long x 36" broad.
A4	Cunnington		Oval 24" deep x 36" long x 24" broad.
A5	Cunnington		Roughly circular 25" deep x 30" long x 30" broad.
A6	Cunnington		Roughly circular 17" deep x 30" long x 30" broad.
A7	Cunnington		Rectangular 14" deep x 48" long x 24" broad.
7a	Cunnington		Small hole on line of outer stone circle 20" x 16" (or 14") diam (top) x 18" deep Oval shape Same character as post holes and not at all like a stone hole.
Under A7	Cunnington		16" x 16" diam x 11" deep. Post hole penetrating below the bottom of stone hole, therefore probably earlier than stone erection.
A8	Cunnington		Rectangular 16" deep x 48" long x 30" broad.
Under A8	Cunnington		12" x 12" diam x 9" deep. Post hole penetrating below the bottom of stone hole, therefore probably earlier than stone erection.
A9	Cunnington		Irregular 18" deep x 66" long x 36" broad.
Under A8	Cunnington		12" x 12" diam x 9" deep. Post hole penetrating below the bottom of stone hole, therefore probably earlier than stone erection.
A10	Cunnington		Rectangular 22" deep x 48" long x 24" broad.
A11	Cunnington		Irregular 18" deep x 3" long x 24" broad.
A12	Cunnington		Roughly circular 21" deep x 24" long x 24" broad. 1 Ind sherd.
A13	Cunnington		Oval 16" deep x 36" long x 18" broad.
A14	Cunnington		Rectangular 33" deep x 42" long x 18" broad. 1 Ind sherd.
A15	Cunnington		Oval 17" deep x 42" long x 24" broad.
A16	Cunnington		Rectangular 14" deep x 48" long x 21" broad. 2 Ind sherds.
A17	Cunnington		Oval 11" deep x 36" long x 24" broad.
A18	Cunnington		Oval 21" deep x 36" long x 27" broad.
A19	Cunnington		27" deep. Cut in section, and so left. 2 WK sherds.
A20	Cunnington		Circular 146 deep x 33" long x 33" broad. 2 Ind sherds.
A21	Cunnington		Oval 22" deep x 54" long x 42" broad.
A22	Cunnington		Oval 20" deep x 42" long x 24" broad.
A23	Cunnington		Oval 15" deep x 48" long x 36" broad. 1WK sherd.
A24	Cunnington		Rectangular 24" deep x 45" long x 21" broad.
A25	Cunnington		Rectangular 18" deep x 42" long x 30" broad. 1WK sherd.
A26	Cunnington		Rectangular 22" deep x 48" long x 48" broad. 1 WK rim sherd, Pl VIII.16 .
A27	Cunnington		Oval 24" deep x 42" long x 36" broad. 1WK sherd.
A28	Cunnington		Circular 27" deep x 48" long x 48" broad.
A29	Cunnington		Oval 18" deep x 60" long x 36" broad. Decorated Bea rim fragments with raised beading, Pl VII. 2 .
A30	Cunnington		Circular 25" deep x 30" long x 30" broad.
A31	Cunnington		Rectangular 21" deep x 42" long x 36" broad. Several WK sherds.
A32	Cunnington		Oval 21" deep x 36" long x 24" broad.
A33	Cunnington		Rectangular 23" deep x 48" long x 30" broad.
A34	Cunnington		Rectangular 18" deep x 48" long x 36" broad.
A35	Cunnington		Straight sided 22" deep x 36" long x 27" broad.
A36	Cunnington		Oval 23" deep x 33" long x 18" broad.
A37	Cunnington		Oval 16" deep x 30" long x 24" broad.
A38	Cunnington		Rectangular 27" deep x 30" long x 24" broad.
A39	Cunnington		Rectangular 22" deep x 60" long x 30" broad.
A40	Cunnington		Circular 23" deep x 36" long x 36" broad.
A41	Cunnington		Rectangular 33" deep x 69" long x 36" broad. Probably seen standing by Stukeley 1723. Enlargement of hole & evidence of destruction by fire very marked.
A42	Cunnington		Rectangular, cut into by rabbit burrow. 16" deep x 48" long x 36" broad. 2 WK & 3 Bea sherds [listed as from A43].
A- Hole 30	Diary	31/05/30	2 fragments ornamented Beaker pottery in disturbed filling.
	Leaves	31/05/30	Same.
Ring B The Fence Ring	Cunnington		65' in diameter Holes small & shallow Average 12" diam (bottom) (9" - 18") x 22.75" deep (16" - 29"). The size of the post holes suggest that the posts may have been the supports of a fence. Post B33=24" diam (bottom) x 43" deep. Post B34=24" diam x 38" deep. Only posts B33 & B34 have cores. These larger posts may have been the gate through the fence into the timber circle Of the 34 holes, 29 contained bone fragments, 21 sarsen, 3 pottery.
Inner Circle	Diary	26/05/30	A number of small circular post holes 2' diam x 2' deep already located. A small fragment of pottery in one of these post holes: thick, pasty, reddish brown outside, black inside, ornamented with series of punch marks.
Inner Circle	Leaves	26/05/30	Same.
Inner Circle	Diary	27/05/30	Circle of 32 post holes finished. All fairly uniform (2' diam x 2' 6" deep), except 2 opposite avenue, 3' diam x 3'6" deep. Evenly placed, 8' centre to centre.
Inner Circle	Leaves	27/05/30	Same (34 post holes).
B1-B32	Cunnington		No information
B33	Cunnington		24" diam (bottom) x 43" deep. Traces of core. An unusual amount of broken & fire-flaked sarsen, c 60 pieces, largest about size of double fists.
Hole 2	Diary	06/06/30	Finished excavating - previously core only excavated. 3' diam (top) 2' (bottom) x 3' 6" deep. Definite core c 1' 2" diam. Top of packing consisted of layer of burnt & unburnt sarsen lumps, to 1'. Below, chalk rubble with large chalk lumps firmly packed round core. A few flint flakes & several sarsen chips down to bottom. No pottery or bone.
B34	Cunnington		24" diam (bottom) by 38" deep. Traces of core. An unusual amount of fire-flaked sarsen, c 60 pieces, largest about size of double fists.
Hole 1	Diary	06/06/30	2' 9" diam (top) 2' (bottom) x 3' 6" deep. Definite core c 1' 2" diam.
Hole 23	Leaves	04/06/30	Same. Well defined core full of fine charcoal grains. A few flint flakes and small fragments of animal bones down to bottom.
C8	Cunnington		48" x 34" diam (top) x 35" deep.
Hole 26	Diary	3-4/6/30	Stone hole cut into top of Hole 25 [C9]. On bottom, iron spur rowel with 6 fairly long points, at 2' 9" deep.
Hole 18/26	Leaves	2-4/6/30	Same. Shallow stone hole.
C9	Cunnington		36" (top) 30" (bottom) x 56" deep. No reference to core. 1 WK sherd 34" deep.
Hole 25	Diary	03/06/30	2' 6" (top) 3' (lower where undercut) x 4' 6" deep. Sarsen packing stones in position round side of hole, down to 1'. Below, well defined core c 1' diam of dark earthy mould full of fine charcoal grains. In chalk packing a few natural flints, black coarse pottery fragment, ornamented with impressed cord pattern, at 3' 4" deep. A few small animal bone pieces and flint flakes to bottom. Few burnt sarsen chips in core. Stone holes 24 & 26 cut into top on either side.
Hole 21	Leaves	02/06/30	Same.
Hole 13/25	Draft	03/06/30	Circular with flat bottom.
C10	Cunnington		60" x 26" diam (top) x 17" deep. 1 WK sherd 12" deep.
Hole 24	Diary	03/06/30	Stone hole cut into top of Hole 25 [C9].
Hole 20 ?	Leaves	02/06/30	Stone hole.
C11	Cunnington		36" (top) 27" (bottom) x 54" deep. No reference to core. 3 Ind sherds 17" deep. Part of base of Bea 18". Nearly a whole base & some 12 other small fragments same pot 30". 2 sherds flat base buff ware 24".
Hole 23	Diary	03/06/30	Excavated by Col Cunnington & Hambridge. Base of Beaker at 1' 6" deep in packing. Several other pottery fragments deeper down, some ornamented.
Hole 19	Leaves	02/06/30	Same.
C12	Cunnington		42" x 24" diam (top) x 18" deep. 5 Ind sherds. The grave and stone hole cut into one another. Immediately on top of human burial: lower tooth, toe-bone, split tibia etc of ox; teeth & few bones of pig; red deer antler fragment. Some animal bones slightly charred. A few small flecks of charred wood among the bones of the skeleton.
The burial	Cunnington		3' long x 2' wide x 1.5' deep. Grave and stone hole cut into one another (section profile Pl III.1) . Shallow grave on inner side of stone hole C12 . Much crouched skeleton 14-15 year old male, on right side, facing east. Arms crossed in front of face (finger bones over and under facial bones); head bent forward over chest, legs crossed below knees. Bones nearly all broken, skull crushed flat. Crushed fragments of beaker just below knees in front of legs . Animal bones immediately on top of burial (apparently having been laid on the body when it was buried). Some animal bones slightly charred. A few small flecks of charred wood among the bones of the skeleton. Skeleton given to museum of Royal College of Surgeons, London.
The grave	Diary	3-4/6/30	Grave 3' long x 2' wide x 1' 6" deep. Stone hole 6" longer either end, 8" deeper on inner side. Slight traces of charring on upper side of larger limb bones. Skull badly crushed, but no bones out of place, apparently not disturbed when stone was removed.
The grave	Leaves	3-4/6/30	Same. A few charcoal grains around the skeleton, slight traces of charring on upper portion of some of larger limb bones. Few animal bone fragments, some slightly charred, found on the skeleton. Grave nicely central in relation to stone, thus almost certain that grave dug after stone in position.
	Keith in Cunnington		All parts of skeleton, lad c 14 years, c 5' high. Skull slightly deformed by earth pressure.
	Jackson in Cunnington		Immediately on top of human skeleton: lower tooth, toe-bone, split tibia etc of ox; teeth & a few bones of pig; red deer antler fragment.
Hole 22	Diary	3-4/6/30	Grave 3' long x 2' wide x 1' 6" deep. Stone hole 6" longer either end, 8" deeper on inner side. Slight traces of charring on upper side of larger limb bones.
Hole 22	Leaves	04/06/30	Same. A few charcoal grains around the skeleton, slight traces of charring on upper portion of some of larger limb bones. Few animal bone fragments, some slightly charred, found on the skeleton.
Hole 22	Draft	3-4/6/30	4' long x 3' (top) 20" (bottom) x 2' 2" deep.
C13	Cunnington		39" (top) 27" (bottom) x 51" deep. No reference to core. 1 Bea sherd and 2 WK, both 18" deep. 2 Ind 20" deep 2 Ind 36" deep 1 Ind 30" deep. Rim of bowl of buff ware (Pl VIII.11) . 1 Bea 48" deep 3 WK 48" deep
Hole 21	Diary	02/06/30	2' 9" diam x 5' deep. Sides under cut below rim. Top to 1' deep exceedingly hard, owing to number of wedge shaped sarsen pieces & a few large flints close together in rammed chalk. Core very clear after removal of top fill, 1'-14" diam, leaving black patch on hard bottom of hole. Small antler fragment in top just below plough level. 3 fine flint scrapers down to 2'. Small coarse pottery fragment, brown outside black inside, with deep parallel grooves in rubble packing at 2' deep. Large piece thin brown plain Beaker ware with incurved rim in packing at 3' deep. Several more smaller pieces plain black pottery from packing lower down. A few flint flakes. Fragments animal bones, including deer and pig teeth. Several burnt sarsen flakes in core down to bottom.
Hole 17	Leaves	02/06/30	Same 3' (top) 2' 3" (bottom) x 4' 6". Sides straight, not undercut. Core 1' diam. Coarse pottery with deep straight grooves 1' 6" deep;
Hole 11/21	Draft	2-3/6/30	3' (top) 27" (bottom) x 4' 6" deep. Not undercut as the others, perhaps because larger at top. Circular and well cut flat bottom. Small fragment of pottery brown outside, black inside, of coarse ware ornamented with deep grooves, depth 1 ft 6. Very small piece of black pottery, ornamented, at 4 ft deep.
C14	Cunnington		42" x 24" diam (top) x 18" deep. 7 Bea sherds, piece of base.
Hole 20	Diary	02/06/30	Shallow stone hole. Contained small thumb scraper.
Hole 16	Leaves	02/06/30	Same.
Hole 20	Draft	2-3/6/30	Cut into the top edge of post hole 11/21. Shallow and roughly oblong.
C15	Cunnington		30" (top) 27" (bottom) x 55" deep. No reference to core. 2 WK sherds 12" deep.
Hole 19	Diary	02/06/30	2' 3" (top) 3' (widest where undercut) x 5' deep. Well defined core. 2 fragments pottery in chalk packing 1' 9" deep: plain black; thick, coarse, brown outside, black inside, ornamented with punch marks. Several flint & sarsen flakes. A few small animal bone fragments.
Hole 15	Leaves	02/06/30	Same. 2 pottery fragments at 1' 6" deep, one ornamented with notched lines.
C16	Cunnington		68" x 30" diam (top) x 24" deep. 3 pieces of human lower jaw.
Hole 18	Diary	31/05/30	Shallow stone hole. Several small fragments human lower jaw scattered in disturbed filling. Small fragment RB pottery.
Hole 14	Leaves	31/05/30	Same.
C17	Cunnington		36" (top) 30" (bottom) x 51" deep. No reference to core. 1 WK sherd 18" deep 1 Ind rim of thin buff sherd 50". See Section Pl III.17 .
Hole 17	Diary	31/05/30	Slightly bevelled at top down to hard chalk where 2' 6" diam, 4' deep. Well defined core surrounded by firmly rammed chalk rubble etc. Small plain beaker type rim fragment on bottom in chalk packing.
Hole 13	Leaves	31/05/30	Same.
C18	Cunnington		60" x 24" diam (top) x 18" deep. 1 WK sherd and 1 Ind sherd. See Section Pl III.18 .
[Hole 16]	Diary	[30/5/30]	Not described.
Hole 12 ?	Leaves	[30/5/30]	Stone hole.
C19	Cunnington		33" (top) 18" (bottom) x 51" deep. No reference to core in table, but text p 309, core inclined. 1 Ind sherd 20" deep 5 WK sherds bottom of hole 50". See Section Pl III.19 .
Hole 15	Diary	30/05/30	1' 11" diam (top) 1' 4" (bottom) x 4' deep Sides under cut below rim. Top to 1' deep full of flint flakes and rough cores, very sharp and unweathered. Chalk rubble with few pieces sarsen at top. Dark core full of small charcoal grains, 1' diam. Clear outline of post on hard bottom of hole. 2 very small fragments coarse plain pottery in chalk filling at 3' deep, one black, one brown outside. Frog bones A few flint flakes A number of burnt sarsen flakes in core.
Hole 11	Leaves	[30/5/30]	Same. Filling chalk rubble with pieces of sarsen on edge, round the sides, well defined core of dark earthy mould.
C20	Cunnington		36" x 24" diam (top) x 30" deep. Section Pl III.20 .
[Hole 14]	Diary	[30/5/30]	Not described.
Hole 10 ?	Leaves	[30/5/30]	Stone hole.
C21	Cunnington		39" (top) 24" (bottom) x 48" deep. Distinct traces of core, 14" diam. Large sarsen, broken off larger boulder, 17" x 12" x 16" deep, base 20" below surface. Section Pl III.21 .
Hole 13	Diary	30/05/30	Large block of sarsen (1' 6" long x 1' wide x 1' 4" deep) in top of hole, upper side only 8" below surface, bottom 2' 3".
		05/06/30	Very distinct core of black mould & fine charcoal found under sarsen, 14" diam. A few flint flakes only in chalk packing.
Hole 9	Leaves	[30/5/30]	Same. 3' diam x 5' deep. Upper side of sarsen (17" x 12" x 16") 9" below surface.
C22	Cunnington		48" x 24" diam (top) x 17" deep. Section Pl III.22 .
[Hole 12]	Diary	[29/5/30]	Not described.
C23	Cunnington		36" (top) 18" (bottom) x 53" deep. No reference to core. 2 WK sherds 58" (Pl VII.9 ). Section Pl III.23 . Dog humerus.
Hole 11	Diary	29/05/30	Bevelled at top to 1' 6" deep, there 2' 6" diam. Undercut below this 5' deep. Filling same as other post holes, distinct core, especially below 1' 6". In rubble filling 2 small indefinite sherds, 3' deep. Small thumb scraper, 4' deep. Frog bones A few flint flakes Small piece of iron stone.
Hole 7	Leaves	[29/5/30]	Same.
C24	Cunnington		72" x 20" diam (top) x 29" deep. Section Pl III.24 .
[Hole 10]	Diary	[29/5/30]	Not described.
C25	Cunnington		36" (top) 24" (bottom) x 59" deep. No reference to core. Section Pl III.25 .
Hole 9	Diary	29/05/30	2' 6" diam (top) x 5' deep, barrel shaped. Large slabs of sarsen on edge & flints in chalk rubble filling to depth of 1'. Well defined core, 1' diam, full of fine charcoal flakes. Small fragment coarse brown plain pottery at 3' deep in packing. A few flint & sarsen flakes, & small bone pieces.
Hole 5	Leaves	[29/5/30]	Same. Small fragment coarse reddish-brown plain pottery at 3' deep. Animal bones & flint flakes few.
C26	Cunnington		36" x 24" diam (top) x 17" deep. Section Pl III.26 .
Hole 8	Diary	29/05/30	Stone hole.
Hole 8	Leaves	[29/5/30]	Same.
C27	Cunnington		36" (top) 24" (bottom) x 60" deep. Distinct traces of core. Cat scapula. Some 20 fragments of Niedermendig lava scattered throughout lower half of post hole. Section Pl III.27 .
Hole 7	Diary	28/05/30	2' 4" diam x 4' deep, sides undercut immediately below rim. Filling same as other post holes, but core not quite so clearly outlined. Small round jet bead with very small perforation at 1' deep (centre of hole), highly polished, but apparently hand made. Small indefinite pottery fragment, 1' deep, plain coarse sherd on bottom. Bones included ox and young pig.
4th hole	Draft	28/05/30	Small circular jet bead with a very fine hole, highly polished but apparently hand made, depth 1 ft below surface.
C28	Cunnington		42" x 24" diam (top) x 21" deep. 1 WK sherd. Skull fragment & lower jaws field vole. Section Pl III.28 .
Hole 6	Diary	28/05/30	Stone hole - flint scraper.
Hole 6	Leaves	28/05/30	Shallow, angular, stone hole.
C29	Cunnington		33" (top) 24" (bottom) x 54" deep. No reference to core. Ox carpal. Section Pl III.29 .
Hole 5	Diary	28/05/30	2' 6" diam x 4' 9" deep, sides undercut. A number of large flints & pieces of sarsen packed round top edge of hole, just below plough level. Very distinct core, full of fine charcoal grains. In rammed filling, fragment of ox bone, frog bones, several flint flakes.
C30	Cunnington		36" x 30" diam (top) x 15" deep. Section Pl III.30 . .
Hole 4	Diary	28/05/30	Shallow stone-hole.
Hole 4	Leaves	28/05/30	Shallow stone-hole. (Jet bead with very small hole, depth 1')
C31	Cunnington		30" (top) 24" (bottom) diam x 57" deep. Distinct traces of core.
Hole 3	Diary	28/05/30	2'9" diam x 4"6" deep Very distinct core. 5 flint flakes A few small animal bone fragments A number of burnt sarsen chips.
Hole 3	Leaves	28/05/30	Same.
C32	Cunnington		42" x 24" diam (top) x 16" deep.
Hole 2	Diary	28/05/30	Shallow, oval stone hole excavated by Col Cunnington.
Hole 2	Leaves	28/05/30	Same.
Ring D	Cunnington		Bank Holiday Ring. Except for D5, all oval shape & very large. 9 were stepped - outer half deeper than inner. Clear evidence for 2 distinct uprights, outer cores usually better defined. A few animal bone fragments, some charred Sarsen chips, many showing signs of fire, with rare pottery, throughout these holes.
Circle 4	Diary	09/06/30	3 more post holes found forming a fourth circle.
Circle 4	Leaves	09/06/30	Same.
D1	Cunnington		50" x 28" wide (bottom) x 62" (outer) 42" (inner) deep. Core in outer half only. Step 20" deep, slight depression in floor of deeper half. Section Pl III.2 . 1 WK sherd at 30" deep 2 at 42" deep.
Hole 5	Diary	11/06/30	Excavated by other members of the party. Same shape and size as others in this circle, with 2 separate cores, deeper end more clearly defined.
Hole 5	Leaves	11/06/30	Same. Step in bottom. Cores separated by firmly rammed chalk c 1' wide.
D2	Cunnington		52" x 26" wide (bottom) x 63" (outer) 57" (inner) deep. 2 cores. 1 WK? sherd at 18" deep.
Hole 4	Diary	11/06/30	Excavated by other members of the party. Same shape and size as others in this circle, with 2 separate cores, deeper end more clearly defined.
Hole 4	Leaves	11/06/30	Same. Step in bottom. Cores separated by firmly rammed chalk c 1' wide.
D3	Cunnington		42" x 24" wide (bottom) x 59" (outer) 31" (inner) deep. 2 cores. 3 WK sherds at 24" deep & 3 at 58" Some 50 WK sherds at bottom of hole. For example see Plate VIII.13. . Ox carpal.
Hole 3	Diary	10/06/30	5' x 3' diam (top) x 5' 6" (outer) 4' 6" (inner) deep. Oblong with rounded ends, step half way along bottom. 2 distinct cores, full of fine dark mould and charcoal grains surrounded by hard rammed chalk. At 4' deep, cores 14" apart, 1' diam (outer) 8" (inner). A number of pottery fragments, apparently 2 vessels, in packing at deeper end from just below step to bottom; 2 fragments thin fine ware rims, others coarse friable with pounded shell and flint, black to dirty brown. A few flint flakes & small pieces animal bones in packing. Burnt & unburnt sarsen chips in cores.
Hole 3	Leaves	10/06/30	Same. 5' x 3' diam (top) x 5' 8" (outer) 4' 6" (inner) deep. Oblong with semi-circular ends. 2 distinct cores, deeper end more clearly defined, 1' wide firmly rammed chalk between the 2.
D4	Cunnington		40" x 21" wide (bottom) x 50" (outer) 36" (inner) deep. 2 cores. 3 WK sherds at 30" deep.
Post hole 2	Diary	10/06/30	4' 6" x 2' 3" diam (top) x 5' 1" (outer) 3' 7" (inner) deep. Oblong with round ends, or rather as if 2 circular holes had been dug side by side and joined up, the inner being 1' 6" less deep, the edge of the step between being straight. 2 distinct cores separated by 1' of rammed chalk. Core in outer and deeper end more clearly defined. Sides slightly undercut. Several coarse plain pottery fragments & a few animal bones down to the bottom. A rough tranchette with flaking on transverse edge at 3' deep. Thin triangular worked implement at bottom.
Hole 2	Leaves	09/06/30	Same. Oval post hole. A definite core in the deeper end.
D5	Cunnington		24" x 24" wide (bottom) x 61" deep. Circular hole with single core. Dug at a slant, core inclined. Pl III.5 . Rudimentary arrowhead at 4.5' deep, Pl VI.1 . 2 Ind sherds.
Post hole 1	Diary	09/06/30	1' 10" x 1' 8" diam (top) x 5' 1" deep. Chalk packing so firm that mistaken for undisturbed side until 3' 6" deep. 2 plain, fine thin brown rim sherds, 1 on bottom, other at 3'. Rough barbed arrow head at 4'.
Hole 1	Leaves	09/06/30	Same. Definite core 15" diam.
D6	Cunnington		48" x 24" wide (bottom) x 62" (outer) 48" (inner) deep. 2 cores. Section Pl III.2 . Irregular arrowhead at 2.5' deep in packing, Pl VI.2 .
D?	Cunnington		No Description
	Diary	12/06/30	Fragment of thick coarse pottery with raised band found at bottom of one of the double post holes of circle 4, excavated by one of the other men.
	Leaves	12/06/30	Same.
D7	Cunnington		54" x 30" wide (bottom) x 66" (outer) deep. 2 cores. Bea sherds at 18" 2 WK sherds at 18" 1 Ind sherd at 24" Several pieces of bowl? in packing at bottom at 60".
Post hole 10	Diary	16/06/30	Excavated half at a time to obtain lengthways section. 2 definite cores, each end of oblong hole. Outer core more clearly defined, 1' diam, inner c 8" diam. Filling between cores entirely hard rammed chalk.
Post hole 10	Leaves	16/06/30	Same.
D8	Cunnington		51" x 24" wide (bottom) x 60" (outer) 42" (inner) deep. Core in outer half only. Outer core inclined outwards. 1 WK sherd at 24" 2 WK sherds at 36" 4 WK sherds at 48" at bottom of hole, Pl VII.3 & 6, .
Post hole 11	Diary	16/06/30	Sectioned lengthways as D7. Core at outer end very clear in section, with hard rammed chalk down the centre, but inner core indefinite.
Post hole 11	Leaves	16/06/30	Same.
D9	Cunnington		36" x 24" wide (bottom) x 65" (outer) deep. 2 cores. Outer core inclined outwards. WK sherd at 3' deep, Pl VII.10 .
D10	Cunnington		46" x 22" wide (bottom) x 62" (outer) 60" (inner) deep. 2 cores particularly well defined, 1' diam, 2' apart centre to centre, packing of hard chalk between. 2 roundish shallow depressions c 1" deep in floor, where timbers stood. Section Pl III.4 . 7 Ind sherds at 60". Rim from packing at bottom of hole, Pl VIII.12 , others scattered a foot or so higher.
D11	Cunnington		40" x 22" wide (bottom) x 62" (outer) 52" (inner) deep. 2 cores. Piece haematite at bottom.
D12	Cunnington		40" x 26" wide (bottom) x 67" (outer) 56" (inner) deep. Core in outer half only. 3 Bea sherds at 24". Pig tibia.
D13	Cunnington		1 WK sherd, at 3' deep, same pot as in D15 & E4, Pl VIII.15 .
D15	Cunnington		1 WK sherd, at 1' deep, same pot as in D13 & E4, Pl VIII.14 .
Ring E	Cunnington		10 Foot Ring. Holes rather oval in shape, but held only single posts. Or if 2 as shape suggests, posts must have stood together so they appeared as 1 core.
	Diary	11/06/30	Young excavates first pit, E3.
Circle 5	Leaves	11/06/30	Same. 2 more pits located.
E1	Cunnington		21" x 18" wide (bottom) x 62" deep. Traces of core. 1 Bea sherd at 36".
E2	Cunnington		33" x 18" wide (bottom) x 61" deep. Traces of core. WK sherd at 4' or 44" deep, Pl VII. 4 . Ind sherds at 33". Horse metacarpal. Fragment red deer antler at bottom.
E3	Cunnington		36" x 28" wide (bottom) x 62" deep. Traces of core. Step 27" deep, but no trace of 2nd core. Shallow circular depression on floor.
A large hole	Diary	11/06/30	5' 8" x 3' diam (top) x 5' 2" (outer) 4' (inner) deep, 2' wide at step. Oblong with rounded ends. Well defined core in deeper end 1' diam. At inner end, small semi-circular recess with core 6" diam x 2' 3" deep. Several reddish brown (outside) black (inside) pottery fragments ornamented with rows of fine punch marks, in top of packing down to 2'6 ". Antler pick in packing between core and outer end of hole at 4'. 10' from central picket.
A large hole	Leaves	11/06/30	Same. 4' 9" x 3' diam (top) x 5' 2" (outer) 4' (inner) deep. Oval shape. 2 distinct cores, both very clearly defined, outer 1' diam, inner 6". Antler pick in chalk packing near outer end at 4' deep.
A large hole	Draft	13/06/30	This is the first pick to be found in the excavations.
E4	Cunnington		33" x 30" wide (bottom) x 64" deep. Traces of core. Step 24" deep, but no trace of 2nd core. 1 WK sherd at 12" deep. 2 sherds at 2', same pot as in D13 & D15 , Pl VIII.17 & 18 . 2 Bea at 24".
Post hole 2	Diary	12-13/6/30	6' x 3' 3" (top) 2' 9" x 2' 4" (bottom) diam x 4' 10" deep. Large oblong post hole. Well defined core in outer end, full of fine "charcoal", surrounded by hard rammed chalk rubble packing. Core very clearly defined on bottom at outer & deep end, where a circular hollow had been cut into hard chalk 10" diam x 2" deep, filled with usual core substance. No step on bottom. Hollowed out recess at inner end with small core 8" diam x 2' 9" deep. Antler fragment 9" long at 1' 6" deep in chalk packing. Several animal bone fragments. Whole frog bones. A few flint flakes in packing, but no pottery. [sketch section shows sloping ramp between deep and shallow ends of pit, with 2 clear cores in line with central post hole] Like the first [E3] it is only 10' from the inner end of it to the post hole in the centre.
Post hole 2	Leaves	13/06/30	Same. Instead of step, small "recess" at inner end.
Post hole 2	Draft	13/06/30	There was no step in the bottom of the hole, only a very small one higher up, at the inner end, formed by a recess like the one in hole no 1 [E3]. A core was found in this recess.
E5	Cunnington		48" x 24" wide (bottom) x 56" deep. Traces of core. 1 Ind sherd at 24".
Post hole 3	Diary	13-14/6/1930	5' 6" (top, including "recess") 3' 6" (bottom) long x 2' 6" wide x 5' 6" deep. More or less oblong shape with no "step" in bottom, but small semi-circular "recess" hollowed out at inner end containing traces of core. Hard rammed chalk rubble filling with well defined core against outer end. Large piece of charcoal at bottom of core. Thick but well baked pottery fragment at 3' 9" deep, black inside, red outside, coarsely impressed pattern. Large ox bone same depth in chalk packing. Recess 1' 2" diam x 2' 6" deep, with small plain pottery fragment on bottom.
Post hole 3	Leaves	14/06/30	Same. Definite traces of smaller core in recess. Filling (below recess) pure chalk packing with larger well defined core of black mould full of fine charcoal grains right against the outer end of the hole.
E6	Cunnington		21" x 24" wide (bottom) x 61" deep. Traces of core.
E7	Cunnington		33" x 18" wide (bottom) x 61" deep. Traces of core. 1 Ind & 1 WK sherd at 57". Piece haematite at c 3' deep.
E8	Cunnington		20" x 18" wide (bottom) x 60" deep. Traces of core.
Ring F	Cunnington		7 Foot Ring. No trace of cores. Filled with distinctive brown mould without any relics. Average 30" deep (43"-24"), 12"-18 " (top) c 6" (bottom) diam.
	Leaves	16/06/30	After excavating 3 holes of circle 6 [G, including G3], several smaller holes were found between them, and in the same circle, each one of the latter being just in front of the inner ends of the long holes in circle 5 [E].
		Remarks	… finally an inner ring of 6 large [G] and 8 small [F] post holes.
F1-F8	Cunnington		No information
central hole	Cunnington		20" (top) 10" (bottom) diam x 42" deep.
picket hole	Diary	12/06/30	1" 8" (at firm chalk) 10" (bottom) diam x 2' (from firm chalk) 3' 6" (from surface) deep. Evenly circular, straight sides. Too small to shew regular core, although at intervals a dark circular patch of fine mould was noted. Filling soft loose mould with a little loose chalk rubble, which fell away quite easily from smooth side. A few flint flakes, 1 sarsen flake & fine grains of charcoal down to bottom. Animal bone fragment & large piece of sarsen at 3' from surface.
	Leaves	12/06/30	Same. The core was not very clear, & was represented by a small patch of brown mould down the middle of the filling.
Ring G	Cunnington		6 Foot Ring. Narrow holes awkward to clear out, enlargement near bottom in many probably for space for digger.
Circle 6	Diary	16/06/30	Deep circular holes between the inner ends of the oblong holes of Ring E. In the same circle as the small "recesses" at inner end of oblong holes, apparently forming circle of alternate small and large uprights 6' from central post hole.
Circle 6	Leaves	16/06/30	Same.
		Remarks	… finally an inner ring of 6 large [G] and 8 small [F] post holes.
G1	Cunnington		24" diam (bottom) x 62" deep.
G2	Cunnington		24" diam (bottom) x 60" deep. Fragment red deer antler at bottom.
G3	Cunnington		24" diam (bottom) x 55" deep. Core c 12" diam. 1 WK sherd at 12" deep. Rim rather fine red ware ornamented on inside with incised lines forming triangles at 2.5' deep, Pl VII.1 . WK sherds at 2.5' deep, Pl VII.5 & 7 . 1 WK sherd at 53", at bottom of hole.
No 2	Diary	16/06/30	2' diam (top) x 4' 7" deep. Only c 6" of wall separating it from E4 & E5 on either side. Filling hard rammed chalk around sides, well defined core down centre of dark earthy mould full of fine charcoal flakes, 10" diam. Reddish brown well baked fine texture rim sherd at 2' 6" deep in packing, scratched zig-zag ornament on inside (sketch). Several other pottery fragments low down (1 on bottom) of thick coarse ware, red outside black inside, ornamented with horizontal rows of deep grooves.
No 2	Leaves	16/06/30	Same. Hole not quite circular, 1' 8" x 2" diam (top). Considerably undercut where chalk more firm & solid (1' 6" below surface). Pottery ornamented with rows of deep grooves resembled the Woodhenge type. Rim with zig-zag decoration.
G4	Cunnington		24" diam (bottom) x 59" deep. Core c 12" diam. Fragment red deer antler at bottom.
G5	Cunnington		21" x 18" diam (bottom) x 60" deep. Core c 12" diam.
G6	Cunnington		24" x 16" diam (bottom) x 63" deep. Core c 12" diam. Section Pl III.6 .
H Holes	Cunnington		Stone hole with 2 post holes on either side. Post holes identical with those of Fence Ring [B].
H1	Cunnington		9" (top) 9" (bottom) x 15" deep. Contained bone & sarsen pieces.
H2	Cunnington		12" (top) 6" (bottom) x 14" deep. Contained bone & sarsen pieces.
H4	Cunnington		12" (top) 9" (bottom) x 16" deep. Contained bone & sarsen pieces.
H5	Cunnington		15" (top) 12" (bottom) x 14" deep. Contained bone & sarsen pieces.
Roofed?	Cunnington		'There is no doubt that the posts of the four inner rings (excluding the 7' ring) could have been used to support a roof, based on the size and depth of the post holes. The chief difficulty seems to be the lack of a reasonable explanation for the 10' and 6' rings. If a roof had been intended the ground plan would have been simpler' (p. 309). 'On the whole it is felt that the arguments against there having been a roof are stronger than those in favor of one' (p. 309).
	Piggott	1939	The over complexity of the ground plan for a uni-phased roofed structure is overcome by interpreting the post holes as sequences of many roofed structures. The roofed structures are 'rather more convincing than the forests of naked posts in which we have all so long and so dismally wandered'(p221).

	The above data was compiled by Mike Pitts (1999) from: Maud Cunnington's excavation report (1934) and the Diaries of Young (1930). Created for WEB by Jennifer Garofalini Contact Department at: arch@soton.ac.uk