Harris, Barney; (2020) Landscapes of labour: a quantitative study of earth-moving and stone-shifting in prehistoric northern Wessex. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

The study explores the construction of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in the region of northern Wessex in terms of the labour invested in their creation. A historiography of ‘megalithic construction studies’ is initially presented, along with an account of experimental studies evaluating different approaches to the material problems likely experienced by prehistoric monument builders. A summary of the various forms of prehistoric structure found throughout northern Wessex is then provided, along with any archaeological observations relating to their construction. Two key sub-areas are particular foci: the Stonehenge and Avebury landscapes. Individual case studies exploring the construction of key structures—Stonehenge and the West Kennet chambered tomb—within these sub-areas are presented, forging new understandings of the great effort expended in creating these places. Much of the main study draws on a previous research paper, published by Colin Renfrew in 1973, entitled Monuments, Mobilization and Social Organization in Neolithic Wessex. The study presented herein attempts to replicate Renfrew’s (ibid.) findings and critically evaluate the empirical basis of his claims.

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