This long barrow lies in a secluded ring of beech trees beside the ancient Ridgeway. A wooden mortuary structure was erected at the site in about 3700 BC before being sealed with sarsen stones and covered over with the present long mound in 3400 BC. This mound was circled by large stones some of which are still standing. Burials were discovered at each of the stages.
The name of the tomb comes from the smith to the Saxon gods Wayland who is said to reside here. Folklore says that if you leave your horse at the long barrow overnight with a silver coin in the morning it will be shod.
It is a wonderfully atmospheric site, the day I visited (5 October 2001) was bright and breezy, and I had walked for 2 miles without seeing anyone. Because it
is a couple of miles from the nearest human habitation it really does feel like taking a step backwards in time. |
