Walking around certain parts of Wiltshire you’re very likely to stumble across some ancient monuments without really trying. But if you do try, you’ll definitely find some. Like this one, West Kennet Long Barrow.
Neolithic Britain
West Kennet Long Barrow was built in around 3650 BC so it’s older than the much more well-known Stonehenge. The barrow was probably constructed in two phases and is 100 metres long and 20 metres wide.
It sits on a notable chalk ridge among rolling green hills and is one of a bunch of neolithic monuments in and around Avebury, including The Sanctuary, Silbury Hill, and various mounds and chambers.
Barrows are usually associated with burials. Some cremations and the partial remains of at least forty-six people have been found inside West Kennet. But archaeologists also think the barrow may have been used for ceremonial or practical purposes. The site was blocked up around 2000 BC, with large sarsen blocking-stones.
First excavated in 1859, then again in 1955-56, today the place is open to the public. You can walk around, on top and inside of the barrow.
The Terry Pratchett connection
It would be remiss of me to write about this part of Wiltshire, and not mention my favourite author, Terry Pratchett. He lived in the area most of his adult life and was clearly inspired by it. A version of it appears in his Discworld novels as The Chalk, where young witch Tiffany Aching learns about magic and “headology”. The white horses carved into the landscape pop up and, ancient mounds feature as home to the fearsome but good-at-heart Nac Mac Feegle or as portals to other worlds.
Ancient inspiration
I love ancient history, I think because it edges into the mythical. There’s so much we don’t know, that it becomes easy to think of stories to fill in the gaps. Plus, it’s also likely that our ancestors relied on stories to explain their world and pass down their history and beliefs. That’s why I think places like these serve as excellent inspiration. Historical fiction is obvious, but fantasy tales, romance, horror and adventure could also be based around this kind of place.
What do you think? Have you ever visited West Kennet Long Barrow? Let me know in the comments.
Wordland 
Today is the first time I’ve heard of West Kennet Long Barrow!
Sounds interesting, just not sure if I could step inside. 😳😵💫☺️
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