Rights Managed > Historic England
Image Licensing : Waylands Smithy CC97_02141
Add to Lightbox
Image Downloads From Historic England
Waylands Smithy CC97_02141
WAYLANDS SMITHY, Ashbury, Oxfordshire. The neolithic chambered long barrow, taken from the west, with a lady and gentleman sitting on the stones by the entrance. This shows the site well before its restoration following excavation in the 1960s. Photographed by Henry Taunt (active 1860 - 1922). Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © English Heritage.NMR
Media ID 5552051
Filename: cc97_02141.jpg
Size: 4908 x 3842 (11.0MB)
Date: 6th October 2011
Source: Historic England
Credit: English Heritage NMR
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: English Heritage Images
Owner URL: www.englishheritageimages.com
Barrow Burial Costume Earthwork Fashion Neolithic
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Archaeology > Prehistoric Remains > Barrows and Burials
> Historic Images > Famed Photographers > Henry Taunt Collection (1860-1922)
SECURE PAYMENTS
We accept all major payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
Made in USA
Safe Shipping, Easy Returns
FREE PERSONALISATION
We are proud to offer a range of customisation including Cropping, Captions, and Filters. Zoom Cropping can be adjusted in the basket
FREE COLORIZATION
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph, titled "Waylands Smithy, Ashbury, Oxfordshire," captures the mystical allure of Waylands Smithy, a Neolithic chambered long barrow nestled in the English countryside. Taken by renowned photographer Henry Taunt in the early 20th century, the image offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the site before its restoration following excavations in the 1960s. The barrow, believed to be around 4,000 years old, is named after Wayland the Smith, a legendary blacksmith from English folklore who was said to live within the mound and repair horses' shoes in exchange for offerings. The image reveals the entrance to the barrow, framed by two intrigued onlookers, a lady and a gentleman, who sit casually on the stones. Their fashionable attire, reminiscent of the Edwardian era, starkly contrasts with the ancient earthwork behind them. The Neolithic monument, with its distinctive capstone and surrounding kerb stones, stands proudly against the backdrop of the rolling hills, evoking a sense of history and wonder. The photograph not only serves as a testament to the rich archaeological heritage of England but also highlights the enduring fascination with the mysteries of the past. Henry Taunt's masterful composition invites us to imagine the stories and legends that have been woven around Waylands Smithy over the centuries. The image is a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving our historical sites and the role they play in shaping our cultural identity.
