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Piggledene

Heritage Site in Wiltshire

England

Piggledene

Valley of sarsen stones There are hundreds of sarsen stones in this dry valley which becomes Clatford Bottom a little further down. Sarsens are the remnants of a sandstone layer which once covered the chalk and is dated to between 30 and 40 million years old, or very young in geological terms. On the right is the end of the line of trees known as 'The Belt'.
Valley of sarsen stones Credit: Gordon Hatton

Piggledene, located in Wiltshire, is a renowned heritage site that showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Spanning over 20 acres of land, it is an important archaeological site dating back to the Iron Age.

The site is known for its well-preserved earthworks and ancient structures, including burial mounds and round barrows. These structures provide valuable insights into the lives and burial practices of the people who inhabited the area thousands of years ago.

Piggledene is also home to a unique collection of artifacts that have been excavated from the site. These artifacts, including pottery, tools, and jewelry, provide valuable evidence of the daily lives and craftsmanship of the ancient inhabitants.

Visitors to Piggledene can explore the site through guided tours, allowing them to delve into the rich history and archaeology of the area. The tours provide an opportunity to learn about the excavation process and the significance of the discoveries made at the site.

In addition to its archaeological importance, Piggledene offers a picturesque setting with its rolling hills and scenic views. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers, who can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape while immersing themselves in the history of the area.

Overall, Piggledene in Wiltshire is a captivating heritage site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Its well-preserved earthworks, ancient structures, and valuable artifacts make it a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

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Piggledene Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.419/-1.798 or Grid Reference SU1468. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Valley of sarsen stones There are hundreds of sarsen stones in this dry valley which becomes Clatford Bottom a little further down. Sarsens are the remnants of a sandstone layer which once covered the chalk and is dated to between 30 and 40 million years old, or very young in geological terms. On the right is the end of the line of trees known as 'The Belt'.
Valley of sarsen stones
There are hundreds of sarsen stones in this dry valley which becomes Clatford Bottom a little further down. Sarsens are the remnants of a sandstone layer which once covered the chalk and is dated to between 30 and 40 million years old, or very young in geological terms. On the right is the end of the line of trees known as 'The Belt'.
Sarsens and hawthorns This small group of hawthorn trees would appear to be an attractive place for sheep to find shade on hot days. The alternative name for sarsen stones is 'grey Wethers' as it is said that the stones can be mistaken for resting sheep from a distance.
Sarsens and hawthorns
This small group of hawthorn trees would appear to be an attractive place for sheep to find shade on hot days. The alternative name for sarsen stones is 'grey Wethers' as it is said that the stones can be mistaken for resting sheep from a distance.
Pasture, Preshute A bridleway on the eastern part of access land on the Fyfield Downs.
Pasture, Preshute
A bridleway on the eastern part of access land on the Fyfield Downs.
Sheep on Fyfield Down Fyfield Down has one of the largest remaining scatters of Sarsen stones, and is thought to be the source of such stones used in the construction of both Avebury and Stonehenge stone circles. The stones were called "grey wethers" because of their resemblance to sheep.
Sheep on Fyfield Down
Fyfield Down has one of the largest remaining scatters of Sarsen stones, and is thought to be the source of such stones used in the construction of both Avebury and Stonehenge stone circles. The stones were called "grey wethers" because of their resemblance to sheep.
Tail of Fyfield Down in the snow The tail of Fyfield Down is just visible in the valley bottom in this photograph taken after snowfall in December 2010.
Tail of Fyfield Down in the snow
The tail of Fyfield Down is just visible in the valley bottom in this photograph taken after snowfall in December 2010.
Gallops on Fyfield Down
Gallops on Fyfield Down
Livestock on Fyfield Down
Livestock on Fyfield Down
Sleeping cattle and Sarsen stones, Fyfield Down
Sleeping cattle and Sarsen stones, Fyfield Down
Inquisitive cattle on Fyfield Down
Inquisitive cattle on Fyfield Down
Sarsen stones on Fyfield Down A weathered sandstone bed lying on chalk. Like reclining sheep they are sometimes called 'Grey Wethers'.
Sarsen stones on Fyfield Down
A weathered sandstone bed lying on chalk. Like reclining sheep they are sometimes called 'Grey Wethers'.
Tall thistle on Fyfield Down
Tall thistle on Fyfield Down
White Horse Trail, Manton Signpost on the White Horse Trail <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=White+Horse+Trail" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=White+Horse+Trail">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> near Manton. Also attached to the post is a notice saying "Hare coursing is illegal. If witnessed, please report immediately".
White Horse Trail, Manton
Signpost on the White Horse Trail LinkExternal link near Manton. Also attached to the post is a notice saying "Hare coursing is illegal. If witnessed, please report immediately".
Fyfield Down Grey wethers (sarsen stones) and cattle on Fyfield Down National Nature Reserve. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wiltshires-national-nature-reserves/wiltshires-national-nature-reserves" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wiltshires-national-nature-reserves/wiltshires-national-nature-reserves">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Fyfield Down
Grey wethers (sarsen stones) and cattle on Fyfield Down National Nature Reserve. LinkExternal link
The White Horse trail, looking north west Hare coursing is illegal poster on the side of the trail
The White Horse trail, looking north west
Hare coursing is illegal poster on the side of the trail
Grey Wethers, Fyfield Down Sarsen stones which are boulders of sandstone that were transported to the area through glacial action during the ice age. These were used to build the nearby megalithic monuments.
Grey Wethers, Fyfield Down
Sarsen stones which are boulders of sandstone that were transported to the area through glacial action during the ice age. These were used to build the nearby megalithic monuments.
From East Kennet to Overton Down and return [54] The footpath descends gently though this field alongside the horse gallops. In the field are the remains of a former settlement, an old pit and some tumuli but none of these features are clearly visible. West Wood is on the skyline. From East Kennett the walk passes The Sanctuary and, after crossing the A4 road, follows The Ridgeway to Overton Down. A right turn onto Herepath leads to Fyfield Down then footpaths and a bridleway lead back to West Overton village and a minor road runs back to the start. Just over 5½ miles.
From East Kennet to Overton Down and return [54]
The footpath descends gently though this field alongside the horse gallops. In the field are the remains of a former settlement, an old pit and some tumuli but none of these features are clearly visible. West Wood is on the skyline. From East Kennett the walk passes The Sanctuary and, after crossing the A4 road, follows The Ridgeway to Overton Down. A right turn onto Herepath leads to Fyfield Down then footpaths and a bridleway lead back to West Overton village and a minor road runs back to the start. Just over 5½ miles.
From East Kennet to Overton Down and return [55] Whilst the field continues to gently descend towards Down Barn, the footpath swings left to cross the horse gallops. From East Kennett the walk passes The Sanctuary and, after crossing the A4 road, follows The Ridgeway to Overton Down. A right turn onto Herepath leads to Fyfield Down then footpaths and a bridleway lead back to West Overton village and a minor road runs back to the start. Just over 5½ miles.
From East Kennet to Overton Down and return [55]
Whilst the field continues to gently descend towards Down Barn, the footpath swings left to cross the horse gallops. From East Kennett the walk passes The Sanctuary and, after crossing the A4 road, follows The Ridgeway to Overton Down. A right turn onto Herepath leads to Fyfield Down then footpaths and a bridleway lead back to West Overton village and a minor road runs back to the start. Just over 5½ miles.
From East Kennet to Overton Down and return [56] One of the many colourful thistles near the footpath. From East Kennett the walk passes The Sanctuary and, after crossing the A4 road, follows The Ridgeway to Overton Down. A right turn onto Herepath leads to Fyfield Down then footpaths and a bridleway lead back to West Overton village and a minor road runs back to the start. Just over 5½ miles.
From East Kennet to Overton Down and return [56]
One of the many colourful thistles near the footpath. From East Kennett the walk passes The Sanctuary and, after crossing the A4 road, follows The Ridgeway to Overton Down. A right turn onto Herepath leads to Fyfield Down then footpaths and a bridleway lead back to West Overton village and a minor road runs back to the start. Just over 5½ miles.
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Piggledene is located at Grid Ref: SU1468 (Lat: 51.419, Lng: -1.798)

Unitary Authority: Wiltshire

Police Authority: Wiltshire

What 3 Words

///roadblock.bottle.afterglow. Near Fyfield, Wiltshire

Nearby Locations

Fyfield Fyfield Piggledene

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Located within 500m of 51.419,-1.798
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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