The Hidden Neolithic Enclosure Under Thomas Hardy’s Home
In 1891, while Thomas Hardy was deeply engrossed in writing his novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles, little did he know that he was sitting right above a hidden treasure in his own backyard. Max Gate, the home he designed and built in Dorchester, Dorset, unknowingly sits atop a large henge-like enclosure that predates the famous Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain. This remarkable discovery has led to the site being recognized as a nationally important landmark and protected as a scheduled monument by the government.
During the construction of his home, Hardy stumbled upon Roman and Iron Age burials, leading him to believe that the area was an ancient burial ground. He even found a large sarsen stone, which he dubbed a “druid stone” and re-erected in his garden, acknowledging the site’s Neolithic past. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s, when excavations were carried out before the construction of a road next to Max Gate, that archaeologists unveiled the true significance of the site.
Uncovering the Past: A Neolithic Wonder
The excavation revealed a large circular Neolithic enclosure, or “proto-henge,” dating back to around 3,000BC. This ancient structure, almost 100 meters in diameter, is believed to have been constructed at the same time as the circular earth bank surrounding Stonehenge’s stone circles. Despite almost half of the enclosure, known as Flagstones, being destroyed by the road construction, the remaining portion has been preserved within the grounds of Max Gate, now owned by the National Trust.
A follow-up excavation in 2022 unearthed evidence of activity dating back even further, making the site one of the oldest in south-west England. Martin Papworth, the National Trust archaeologist leading the project, described the site as “really, really significant” in terms of archaeology. The discovery of antler pick-marks made by the enclosure’s original builders 5,000 years ago provided a sense of connection to the past that was truly electrifying.
Preserving History: The Importance of Scheduling
With similar sites in the area enjoying legal protection through scheduling, it was imperative to extend the same safeguard to the remains of Flagstones under Thomas Hardy’s home. Jill Guthrie, a listing adviser for Historic England, emphasized the rarity and significance of such Neolithic monuments, particularly in the context of British archaeology. Scheduling the site ensures the preservation and protection of the buried archaeology for the benefit of present and future generations.
The decision to schedule the site was not taken lightly, considering that only half of Flagstones remains intact. However, the unique nature of the monument, coupled with its historical value, warranted the protective measures put in place. The Neolithic enclosure under Max Gate serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region and the enduring legacy of its ancient inhabitants.
As the layers of history are peeled back beneath Thomas Hardy’s former residence, the connection between the acclaimed author and the ancient past becomes even more poignant. The juxtaposition of Hardy’s literary endeavors with the Neolithic remnants under his feet creates a narrative that transcends time and highlights the enduring fascination with the mysteries of the past. The preservation of such sites ensures that the stories of our ancestors are safeguarded and shared with generations to come.