Archaeological Sites in and near Salisbury

An awe inspiring archaeological site, Old Sarum nestles among Salisbury’s chalk plains. This thoroughly excavated archaeological site recounts Salisbury’s fascinating history by means of interpretive graphic panels throughout the location. Having withstood occupation by Romans, Saxons and Normans respectively, this archaeological site now offers Salisbury’s visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps of historical giants.

Old Sarum

William the Conqueror paid off his army here in 1070, and in 1086 summoned all the great landowners of England here to swear an oath of loyalty. A Norman castle was built on the inner mound, and joined soon afterwards by a royal palace. ... more

Visiting England's fascinating archaeological sites is a special experience: archaeologists have carefully uncovered layers of history so that visitors can delve into the secrets of the distant past. England has some of the oldest and most mysterious prehistoric sites in the world, and any trip to England would be incomplete without exploring these ancient places.

The first people to arrive in England were hunter-gatherers who arrived from mainland Europe around 8,000 BC. They lived off the wealth of the land including the native elk, wild cattle and pigs, that lived in the heavily wooded interior. In about 4000 BC, a party of 'young farmers' arrived from southern Europe and started clearing forests to create space for their domesticated animals and crops. The next new arrivals were also from Europe: the Belgae, Celts and Gauls. The Celts are particularly associated with the mystery of the Iron Age period, and their priests, called Druids, rebelled against Roman rule when the Roman army arrived in 43 AD.

The oldest archaeological sites are found in England's amazing caves, where the fossils and rock art of early man can be found, giving us insight into where we came from. The only known Ice Age rock art in Britain can be seen at the Creswell Crags in Sheffield: an incredible etching of bison and birds which dates back 13,000 years ago. Cheddar Caves in Somerset were the site where Britain's oldest complete human skeleton was found, along with even older fossilised remains from the Palaeolithic Era. Significant prehistoric archaeological finds have also been made in Kents Cavern in Torquay, including the oldest human bone found in Britain, and fossilised prehistoric animals like the sabre-toothed cat and mammoth.

The most famous Iron Age sites in England are at Stonehenge and Avebury, near Salisbury in Wiltshire. These are among the most important groups of megaliths in the world, and the two sanctuaries consist of menhirs arranged in pattern whose significance is still unknown. Avebury is particularly unique because the village of Avebury actually lies partly within the outer circle of stones. Experts think Avebury was probably built around 3000BC and served as a religious and ceremonial centre, although they don't know what those religious beliefs were. The stone circles are especially fascinating to visit because they are shrouded in mystery and myth.

Nearby is Sidbury Hill, the biggest man-made mound in Europe, which was built around 2500 BC and was formed with some of the chalk from the stone circle at Avebury. The hill has been excavated many times, and the complex lattice structure of the mound has been explored. According to folklore the mound was the final resting place for King Sil, who sat upright on a golden horse or within a golden coffin, depending on which version you prefer. Some experts say that the hill is the centre of the whole Avebury Neolithic complex.

Cerne Abbas is home to the most impressive ancient site in England: the large and complex Iron Age hillfort, Maiden Castle. Its huge ramparts enclose an area that would stretch across 50 football pitches. Excavations of the fort have revealed its 4000 year history, which includes an Iron Age cemetery, and evidence of inter-tribal skirmishes and battles with the Roman invaders.

The arrival of the Romans in 43AD, and their sojourn in England until 410, means that England is covered with fascinating Roman ruins, which bear testament to the impressive building skills of the conquerors. The Romans quickly established control over the tribes of southeastern England, although they had to deal with some rebellions in the years to come. Although the Romans never did succeed in conquering all the British tribes, they did change the landscape and towns of England. Troubled by Barbarian raids, the Roman legions began to withdraw from Britain in 383AD to secure the Empire's borders in Europe.

In 122 AD, the Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of a all from the west coast of Britain to the east, marking the northern boundary of the Roman territory. A significant portion of Hadrian's Wall incredibly still exists, especially the mid-section, and many of the most well-preserved pieces are around Hexham in Northumberland.

Many of the stretches of wall have turrets, and there are also ruined forts along the way. Housesteads Roman Fort has amazing ruins to explore, including granaries, barracks, a hospitable and even a multi-seated latrine! The Corbridge Roman Site has remains including a fountain house with an aqueduct, and walled military compounds containing barracks, temples and houses. Roman Vindolanda was used during battles in the North even before the wall was built, as it guarded the supply route from East to West, and when the wall was built, it took its place as a Wall fort. The most incredible artifacts have been found here, including pieces of wood covered in writing, which are the earliest artefacts of British written history.

One of the best-preserved Roman sites in England, is the Roman temple and bathing complex of Aquae Sulis at Bath. The Celts, who arrived in England were in fact the first people to erect shrines at the hot springs in Bath, and they dedicated them to Sulis, a goddess of water. When the Romans arrived, they took over the Celtic shrine and the goddess Sulis was identified with the Roman goddess Minerva for her healing powers. Beginning sometime around 65 AD, and continuing for nearly four centuries, the Romans constructed increasingly elaborate bathing and temple complexes at the springs. Wonderful finds have been made , including over 12,000 coins which were thrown into the spring.

So dig into England's past: there's a treasure trove of ancient history and cultural inheritance to be uncovered.