The Giant's Grave

Heritage Site in Wiltshire

England

The Giant's Grave

A resting place on the hill climbing west out of Aldbourne
A resting place on the hill climbing west out of Aldbourne Credit: Rob Purvis

The Giant's Grave, located in Wiltshire, is a significant heritage site that holds immense historical and archaeological importance. Situated on the Marlborough Downs, this ancient burial mound is a testament to the rich and diverse history of the region.

The Giant's Grave is a large Neolithic long barrow, dating back to around 3,500 BC, making it one of the oldest man-made structures in Britain. The mound is approximately 100 feet long and is surrounded by a series of ditches and banks, which were likely used for ceremonial purposes. The site gets its name from a local legend that suggests the barrow was the burial site of a giant.

Archaeological excavations at the site have uncovered a wealth of artifacts, including pottery, flint tools, and human remains. The burial chamber within the mound contained several skeletons, indicating that it was used for multiple burials over several centuries. The remains found at the site provide valuable insights into the burial practices and social structure of the Neolithic people who inhabited the area.

Today, the Giant's Grave is a protected heritage site, managed by a local authority. It attracts visitors from all over the world who are fascinated by its ancient history and enigmatic origins. The site offers guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the barrow and learn about its significance. Additionally, there are information boards and displays that provide further context and understanding of the site. The Giant's Grave stands as a remarkable testament to the ancient civilizations that once thrived in Wiltshire and continues to captivate visitors with its mysterious allure.

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The Giant's Grave Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.487/-1.647 or Grid Reference SU2476. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A resting place on the hill climbing west out of Aldbourne
A resting place on the hill climbing west out of Aldbourne
Driveway to West Leaze
Driveway to West Leaze
Castle Street heading east towards Aldbourne passing Dunmore Lodge
Castle Street heading east towards Aldbourne passing Dunmore Lodge
Village Green, Aldbourne Pleasant open space with an old village cross, the base being medieval, whilst the column is 18thC. Grade II listed.
Village Green, Aldbourne
Pleasant open space with an old village cross, the base being medieval, whilst the column is 18thC. Grade II listed.
St Michael's Church, Aldbourne A large and splendid church with a stone tower and much flint work in the walls. Much of the church dates from the 13thC and its size reflects the importance and wealth of the village in medieval times.
St Michael's Church, Aldbourne
A large and splendid church with a stone tower and much flint work in the walls. Much of the church dates from the 13thC and its size reflects the importance and wealth of the village in medieval times.
Aldbourne, the old Fire Station This could easily be mistaken for a domestic garage, although there is a date stone of 1867 above the door. This was once the fire station, and two ancient fire engines that might once have been housed here are now inside the nearby church.
Aldbourne, the old Fire Station
This could easily be mistaken for a domestic garage, although there is a date stone of 1867 above the door. This was once the fire station, and two ancient fire engines that might once have been housed here are now inside the nearby church.
Byway and farmland, Aldbourne The byway to the east of Upper Upham enters an arable landscape after crossing pasture.
Byway and farmland, Aldbourne
The byway to the east of Upper Upham enters an arable landscape after crossing pasture.
Byway and farmland, Aldbourne Approaching the copse containing the Giant's Grave tumulus.
Byway and farmland, Aldbourne
Approaching the copse containing the Giant's Grave tumulus.
Farmland, Aldbourne The bridleway climbing through rape stubble between Snap and Upper Upham.
Farmland, Aldbourne
The bridleway climbing through rape stubble between Snap and Upper Upham.
Little Acre farm entrance on Stock Lane
Little Acre farm entrance on Stock Lane
Barn on West Street, Aldbourne
Barn on West Street, Aldbourne
Purley Road approaching Aldbourne
Purley Road approaching Aldbourne
West Street, Aldbourne
West Street, Aldbourne
West Street, Aldbourne
West Street, Aldbourne
Purley Road approaching Aldbourne
Purley Road approaching Aldbourne
Purley Road approaching Aldbourne
Purley Road approaching Aldbourne
Old circular AA Sign on West Street in Aldbourne Old AA Sign now on a gable end at the entrance to West Street Motors on the east side of the B4192 West Street in Aldbourne, 6 miles northeast of Marlborough. Aldbourne parish. This doesn’t seem to be the same place where the photo was taken.

This is the circular, village name on black band, no Motor Union symbol or name type, dating from 1923 and showing distances Chilton Foliat 5½ Liddington 5½ London 71¼.

There were five series of AA signs, mostly dating from 1923 and made by Francis & Co / Franco in Deptford, London. The village name and distance to London were usually displayed.

See also <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.flickr.com/photos/andyphillips/2177769925" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/andyphillips/2177769925">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> and <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.flickr.com/photos/clivestanley/35944635644" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/clivestanley/35944635644">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>.

Milestone Society National ID: WI-ALDB
Old circular AA Sign on West Street in Aldbourne
Old AA Sign now on a gable end at the entrance to West Street Motors on the east side of the B4192 West Street in Aldbourne, 6 miles northeast of Marlborough. Aldbourne parish. This doesn’t seem to be the same place where the photo was taken. This is the circular, village name on black band, no Motor Union symbol or name type, dating from 1923 and showing distances Chilton Foliat 5½ Liddington 5½ London 71¼. There were five series of AA signs, mostly dating from 1923 and made by Francis & Co / Franco in Deptford, London. The village name and distance to London were usually displayed. See also LinkExternal link and LinkExternal link. Milestone Society National ID: WI-ALDB
Byway, Aldbourne Passing a copse containing the Giant's Grave (barrow).
Byway, Aldbourne
Passing a copse containing the Giant's Grave (barrow).
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The Giant's Grave is located at Grid Ref: SU2476 (Lat: 51.487, Lng: -1.647)

Unitary Authority: Wiltshire

Police Authority: Wiltshire

What 3 Words

///flattered.plenty.likes. Near Aldbourne, Wiltshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.487,-1.647
Old Barn
Historic Place: farm
Lat/Long: 51.4852652/-1.6405973
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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