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| Moonraking:
The
Landscape
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| Chalk
downland combines gracefully with low lying pastures while Wiltshire's
woodland and forests are reminders of the county's feudal past. |
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| Pine
tree overlooking Pewsey Vale |
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Avebury
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| Avebury
stone circle, which dates from 2800 BC onwards, is designated
a World Heritage Site and managed by The National Trust. The
huge sarsen stones that make up Avebury's circle were dragged
from the surrounding hills and placed around a ditch, within
an external bank. Today, despite many of the stones having been
broken up and used to build some of the houses in the village,
Avebury's magic is a strong as ever. |
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Barbury Castle |
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| High
above Swindon, and overlooking the modern metropolis is one
of Wiltshire's Iron Age forts, Barbury Castle. The stronghold
comprises a double line of earthworks, occupying a four hectare
site, with entrances on its eastern and western edges. One of
Barbury's attractions is the view - the main reason why Iron
Age man chose to occupy the site 2500 years ago. |
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Old Sarum |
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| Old
Sarum started life as a huge Iron Age hillfort and subsequently
saw occupation by the Romans, Saxons and later the Normans.
Today, the site, which lies to the north of Salisbury, boasts
the ruins of a bishop's palace, cathedral and castle and its
position offers some impressive views of the south Wiltshire
countryside. |
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The Ridgeway |
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| Described
as Britain's Oldest Road, the Ridgeway is a 85 mile (137km)
route that follows the chalk hills between Overton Hill, near
Avebury and Ivinghoe Beacon in Hertfordshire. The route was
used by prehistoric man and has been described by some as being
as important as today's modern roads. Despite being popular
with walkers, the route is open to motorised vehicles, which
has resulted in additional wear and tear and, consequently,
temporary closure of parts of the route. |
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Savernake Forest |
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| One
of Wiltshire's ancient 'Royal Forests' much beloved by Norman
kings. Today the forest is leased to the Forestry Commission.
Access is via many paths and tracks. It remains a place of mystery
and imagination and an important habitat for a number of wild
birds, plants and animals. |
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Silbury Hill
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| Silbury
Hill is the largest artificial prehistoric mound in Europe and
stands 40 metres (130 feet) high and forms part of the Neolithic
landscape around Avebury. |
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Stonehenge
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| Stonehenge
is probably one of the most recognisable monuments in the world.
The 5000 year old henge monument became a World Heritage Site
in 1986 and is managed by English Heritage. Despite years of
research and study the reason behind the construction of Stonehenge
remains a mystery. |
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Old Wardour Castle
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| Old
Wardour Castle was built in the late fourteenth century for
John, Lord Lovel of Titchmarsh and was later rebuilt in the
sixteenth century. It was not only a commanding stronghold but
an impressive residence, the castle's location adding to the
overall impact. |
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West Kennett Long Barrow
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| West
Kennett Long Barrow dates back to 3500 BC and is one of the
best preserved barrows in the country - it is also one of the
largest. It measures over 90 metres (300 feet) in length and
is nearly 24 metres (80 feet) wide. |
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BBC
Wiltshire, Broadcasting House, 56-58 Prospect Place, Swindon, Wilts, SN1
3RW
Telephone: 01793 513626 | E-mail: wiltshire@bbc.co.uk |
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