On 25th July 2026, West Tanfield Memorial Hall will be the venue for a programme of talks hosted by English Heritage, Thornborough Archaeology Group and Manchester Metropolitan University about the relationship between Neolithic henges and the natural world in which they were created. Archaeologists will explore how these prehistoric monuments reflect early communities’ engagement with the landscape, and indeed, how nature continues to impact on the modern-day management of these sites. Speakers will focus on specific themes: Jan Harding and Jim Leary examine the connections that henges had with water and earth respectively; Seren Griffiths explores trees, timber circles and henges, including the implications for understanding the chronology of these monuments; Jennifer Wexler examines the contemporary relationships between heritage and nature at Thornborough; and Tony Hunt focuses on the impact of erosion on henges, whilst Ben Edwards talks about undertaking geophysical prospection at Sinderby in response to this threat. Overall, this gathering offers an informative and reflective day for anyone with an interest in Britain’s remarkable henges and more broadly, the Neolithic. It starts at 10am and finishes at around 4pm. West Tanfield Memorial Hall is located in West Tanfield, North Yorkshire, HG4 5JU. Tickets cost £5.00.
Location
West Tanfield Memorial Hall, West Tanfield, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5JU, United Kingdom