Hampshire, UK – Butser Ancient Farm, a renowned site for experimental archaeology and education, has recently revealed its latest reconstruction project: a remarkable Stone Age building named Wyke Down. The inspiration for this reconstruction comes from a rare Neolithic structure discovered in 1996 by archaeologist Martin Green at Cranborne Chase.
Estimated to be approximately 5,000 years old, the original structure stood overlooking two henges and featured several unique characteristics, including a floorplan associated with the distinctive Grooved Ware culture. Even more fascinating, the discovery of surviving wall plaster with wood imprints from the original structure provided valuable insight into the building techniques and materials used during the Neolithic period.
Over the course of two years, Butser’s team of archaeologists and dedicated volunteers painstakingly reconstructed the building using materials and methods informed by scientific analyses conducted by the University of Cambridge’s Department of Archaeology, with contributions from Professor Charles French and Dr David Friesem.
Therese Kearns, an archaeologist at Butser, expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “To see a building like Wyke Down take shape before our eyes has been nothing short of magical. We’ve utilized detailed archaeological science, including microanalysis of ancient wall plaster, to not only recreate the structure but also to understand the significance of this space for the people who built it.”
The analysis revealed that the plaster used was a chalk-rich mixture with organic inclusions, and some fragments showed layered applications of whitewash and incised decorations. This led Butser’s team to speculate that the building may have held high status and could have potentially served as a shrine or ceremonial structure. Although no direct evidence of color decoration was found, researchers have not ruled out the possibility.
Simon Jay, Director of Butser Ancient Farm, stated, “This project is a testament to the living and evolving nature of archaeology. At Butser, we are committed to using real archaeological evidence in all our projects, and Wyke Down is our most ambitious Stone Age reconstruction to date. We are grateful to our community for their support through donations, memberships, school visits, and public events, which have allowed us to push the boundaries of experimental archaeology.”
The reconstruction of Wyke Down also features an innovative roofing system, developed with the goal of using minimal rope, reflecting the time-consuming and resource-intensive nature of rope-making during the Stone Age. Instead, the builders experimented with simple wooden joinery based on prehistoric woodworking finds, such as the wooden well discovered near Eythra in Saxony. They also incorporated an innovative woven roof system inspired by basketry, allowing for thatch to be pinned directly onto the roof without the need for lashings. This cutting-edge experiment offers new insight into how prehistoric people may have balanced innovation, labor, and available resources.
Martin Green, the initial excavator of the site in 1996 and a long-time researcher of the Cranborne Chase landscape, was present at the official unveiling of Wyke Down.
Therese Kearns added, “Martin’s lifelong passion for the prehistoric landscape is evident in the exceptional care he has taken of the incredible evidence at Wyke Down. We are honored to have commemorated his discovery in such a tangible way.”
The official unveiling of the reconstruction took place yesterday, with builders, archaeologists, members of the public, and Martin Green himself in attendance. The entire build, along with interviews with the Butser team and Martin Green, is available to watch on Butser Plus, the farm’s streaming platform.
Wyke Down will be featured in upcoming events at Butser, including the sold-out Beltain festival and the Summer Solstice weekend.
This project was made possible entirely through community support, including donations from the Friends of Butser, memberships on Butser Plus, and income from school visits and public attendance. As a not-for-profit, all funds go directly back into Butser’s research and educational work.
Visitors are welcome to explore prehistory like never before by stepping inside Wyke Down at Butser Ancient Farm. Alternatively, the full reconstruction series can be viewed on ButserPlus.com.
Images are available upon request.
Notes to editors:
Contact: Matilda Ferry-Swainson, matilda@butserancientfarm.co.uk, +44 (0)23 9259 8838
About Butser Ancient Farm: Nestled in the picturesque Hampshire countryside, Butser Ancient Farm is an open-air, experimental archaeology museum. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to travel back in time and experience the lives of our ancient ancestors through reconstructed buildings, authentic crafts, and immersive events.
Starting as a research site 50 years ago, Butser Ancient Farm has become one of the top visitor attractions in the South East, welcoming visitors throughout the year, including about 35,000 schoolchildren who learn about the daily lives of our ancient ancestors from the Stone Age to the Anglo-Saxon periods. As a
