West Kennett is a small village located in the county of Wiltshire, England. The village is situated on the edge of the Marlborough Downs, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The village is known for its prehistoric sites, including the West Kennet Long Barrow, which is one of the largest and most impressive Neolithic burial chambers in the country. The village is also home to the West Kennett Avenue, which is a ceremonial processional route that leads to the nearby Avebury stone circle.
The West Kennet Long Barrow is a fascinating prehistoric monument that dates back to around 3650 BC. The barrow is made up of five chambers, which were used for the burial of the dead. The chambers are accessed through a long passage, which is lined with large stones. The barrow is thought to have been used for over a thousand years, and it is believed that the bones of over 50 people were buried there. The barrow is now a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can explore the chambers and learn about the history of the site.
The West Kennett Avenue is another important prehistoric site in the village. The avenue is a ceremonial processional route that leads from the West Kennet Long Barrow to the Avebury stone circle. The avenue is made up of two parallel lines of standing stones, which are thought to have been erected around 2400 BC. The stones are now largely missing, but the route can still be traced through the landscape. The avenue is thought to have been used for religious and ceremonial purposes, and it is a fascinating insight into the beliefs and practices of our prehistoric ancestors.