A few days before the summer solstice, I embarked on a captivating journey to the ancient marvels of Avebury, Silbury Hill, and the West Kennett Long Barrow. It was a trip filled with wonder, history, and a dash of the paranormal. Joining me were fellow bloggers, writers, podcasters, and enthusiasts of the mystical and unexplained.
The Red Lion Pub
Our adventure began at the Red Lion pub, a white-washed and thatched hostelry encircled by the colossal stones. The pub itself is a point of paranormal interest due to reports of ghostly happenings within especially from their female phantom, Florrie. During the 17th-century English Civil War, Florrie was caught with another man by her husband who had returned from the war unannounced. He shot her lover and cut her throat, then threw her body down the well. Florrie’s ghost has haunted the pub ever since.
After enjoying refreshments in the pub, we headed out on our journey, wending our way through the ancient “Avenue”; a passage between sarsen sandstone pairs that leads to “The Sanctuary” on Overton Hill, over 1 mile east.
Silbury Hill
Our first stop was the enigmatic Silbury Hill, a massive artificial mound that has puzzled archaeologists for centuries. Its origins and purpose remain a mystery, fuelling speculation about its role in ancient ceremonies or astronomical significance. Standing before this colossal earthwork, we couldn’t help but wonder about the labour and dedication that went into its construction.
Silbury Hill is also steeped in ghostly tales and legends. Some claim to have witnessed spectral figures near the hill, while others speak of eerie lights and mysterious sounds. While we didn’t encounter any supernatural occurrences during our visit, the sense of mystery surrounding Silbury Hill added an extra layer of intrigue to our adventure.
West Kennet Long Barrow
Our next stop was the haunting West Kennett Long Barrow, a Neolithic burial chamber that is around 6000 years old. As we entered the dimly lit chamber, we felt a palpable connection to the past. The long barrow’s ancient stones seemed to whisper stories of the souls laid to rest within.
The West Kennett Long Barrow is also known for its eerie tales of ghostly apparitions and strange phenomena. Visitors have reported encounters with shadowy figures and a sense of unease within the chamber’s confines. While we didn’t experience anything out of the ordinary, the stories added a spine-tingling dimension to our visit especially with Weird Wiltshire’s Emma recounting her own paranormal experiences here.
Long Barrow Race
It was here that three of the adventurous souls in our group decided to have a race next to the long barrow. With laughter, excitement, and much cheering, they sprinted past the long barrow with one member, Peter Laws, reigning victorious. It was a light-hearted moment amidst the solemnity of the site.
Avebury Stone Circle
Thoroughly famished from our journey up to the barrow, the group retraced our steps to the stone circle proper. Avebury Stone Circle is a Neolithic ceremonial marvel that dates back to 2850 BC. Encircling the picturesque village of Avebury, this stone circle is one of the largest in Europe, and it is shrouded in history and folklore.
As we wandered among the colossal stones, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and reverence for the Neolithic people who raised them. Avebury’s history is steeped in mystery and legend. Some believe it to be a place of healing and spiritual power, while others associate it with ancient druidic ceremonies and pagan rituals. Our group decided to celebrate the upcoming summer solstice with a delightful picnic near the stones, a modern homage to the traditions of the past. As we dined amongst the towering megaliths, we exchanged stories of the paranormal and shared our love for these enigmatic structures.
Druidic Rituals
While at Avebury, we encountered a group of new-age pagan druids who were preparing for a pre-solstice ritual. They were clad in flowing robes and carrying staffs adorned with symbols and we were fortunate enough to witness their ritual from afar. It was a reminder of the enduring spiritual connection people have with these ancient sites.
The Wishing Tree
After enjoying our picnic our group split into smaller bands who ventured out to explore different points of interest in Avebury. My band visited the Henge Shop to pick up some souvenirs of our trip and then ventured onwards again for a closer look at the stone circle and the set of venerable old trees said to have inspired J.R.R Tolkien’s ‘walking trees’ or Ents in “The Lord of the Rings”. We passed under the boughs of the wishing tree, where folk tie ribbons for wishes amongst its branches, and here also witnessed a handfasting ceremony.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, marking the end of this fine summer day, we left Avebury with a profound sense of wonder and connection to the past. Our journey had been a blend of history, folklore, and the paranormal, a testament to the enduring allure of these ancient sites. We may not have unravelled all their mysteries, but we left with a deep appreciation for the enduring power of these Neolithic wonders and also with a firm bond of friendship from our adventures within the stones.
Avebury’s rich history has captured the imaginations of many, and I believe that every visitor has a unique story to tell. Whether you’ve had a profound spiritual experience among the ancient stones or simply want to share your thoughts on the history and mysteries of Avebury, I invite you to join the conversation. Share your stories, thoughts, and insights with me today in the comments– together, we’ll continue to uncover the secrets of Avebury.
With thanks to Peter Laws (https://www.peterlaws.co.uk/), Owen Staton (Time Between Times: https://www.youtube.com/@TimebetweenTimes), Bethan Briggs-Miller (Eerie Essex https://www.buzzsprout.com/1827712), Emma Heard (Weird Wiltshire https://weird-wiltshire.co.uk/) Deborah Hyde (http://deborahhyde.com/), Melanie Hicks, Dr Delyth Badder ( The Folklore of Wales: Ghosts https://www.amazon.co.uk/Folklore-Wales-Ghosts-Delyth-Badder/dp/191527950X) , Gemma Oakley (https://www.alleyesthisway.com/), Dave Field, Aisling McCrudden and Ed Blackshaw.
References
- eheard (2022). Walking the Paths of Our Ancestors Part One – Avebury- Avebury. [online] Weird Wiltshire. Available at: https://weird-wiltshire.co.uk/2022/11/20/walking-the-paths-of-our-ancestors-part-one-avebury/ [Accessed 28 Oct. 2023].
- eheard (2023). Avebury Walking the Paths of Our Ancestors Part Three. [online] Weird Wiltshire. Available at: https://weird-wiltshire.co.uk/2023/03/05/avebury-walking-the-paths-of-our-ancestors-part-3/ [Accessed 28 Oct. 2023].
- English Heritage. (n.d.). Avebury. [online] Available at: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/avebury/.
- Mary-Ann Ochota (2020). Secret Britain : unearthing our mysterious past. London: Frances Lincoln Limited Publishers.
- Reader’s Digest Association (Great Britain (1977). Folklore, Myths and Legends of Britain. London: The Reader’s Digest Association Limited.
- The British Pilgrimage Trust. (n.d.). Avebury Pilgrimage in a Day. [online] Available at: https://britishpilgrimage.org/portfolio/avebury-pilgrimage-in-a-day/.
- Treasures of Britain and Treasures of Ireland. (1972). Drive Publications.