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Waylands Smithy K040655
WAYLANDs SMITHY, Oxfordshire. The line of sarsen stones flanking the entrance chamber of the long barrow. Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England
Media ID 555667
Filename: k040655.jpg
Size: 5200 x 3395 (23.7MB)
Date: 20th September 2007
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Photo Library
Urgency (1-8) 5=normal: 5
Source: English Heritage Images
Barrow Earthwork Neolithic Shadow
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> Archaeology > Prehistoric Remains > Barrows and Burials
> Travel England > Travel South West England
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Wayland's Smithy, located in Oxfordshire, England, is a magnificent example of a Neolithic long barrow, dating back to around 3800 BC. This ancient monument, shrouded in mystery and rich in history, is depicted in this photograph by Historic England. The entrance chamber of Wayland's Smithy is flanked by two lines of sarsen stones, each line consisting of seven stones. These stones, weathered by time and the elements, create an intriguing silhouette against the backdrop of the sky. The entrance chamber itself, hidden within the mound, is a testament to the engineering prowess of the Neolithic people. Long barrows, such as Wayland's Smithy, were used for communal burials during the Neolithic period. They were often built over several generations and served as a focus for ancestor worship. The name Wayland's Smithy is believed to have originated from the legend of Wayland the Smith, a mythical blacksmith who would repair shoes for horses in exchange for a night's lodging. The shadow cast by the sarsen stones in this photograph adds an air of mystery and intrigue to the already enigmatic site. The earthwork, with its undulating mound and the line of sarsen stones, stands as a reminder of the rich history and cultural heritage of the Neolithic period. Wayland's Smithy continues to captivate visitors and historians alike, offering a glimpse into the past and the people who once inhabited this land.
