Stonehenge is our most famous prehistoric monument, massive, enduring, its iconic stones recognised around the world. It has also been an object of curiosity for centuries, the subject of speculation and investigation, the source of a thousand theories.

Archaeologist Julian Richards, who has been involved with Stonehenge and its rich archaeological landscape for over 35 years, sets out to tell its fascinating story. Starting with a clear explanation of the structures of earth and stone that go to make up this enigmatic monument, this books charts the ways that Stonehenge has been visited, seen, explored and understood since medieval times. Giants, wizards, Druids, burials adorned with gold and the birth of archaeology all figure in this evolving story. The excavations of the 20th century, part triumph, part disaster, are explained in detail as they are the foundations for our understanding of Stonehenge’s origins and development. 

Biography:

Dr Julian Richards is an archaeologist with over 40 years of experience of fieldwork and excavation, a writer and presenter on television and radio. An acknowledged expert on Stonehenge and Britain’s prehistoric past Julian devised, researched and presented seven series of the popular Meet the Ancestors (BBC 2) and the five part Blood of the Vikings (BBC 2) for both of which he wrote accompanying books. He also presented six series of Mapping the Town on Radio 4, and designed the award winning Hunt the Ancestor game for the BBC History website. Julian also presented a four-part series, Stories from the Dark Earth: Meet the Ancestors Revisited which aired on BBC4. Julian lives in Dorset where he maintains his special interests in Stonehenge, the history of ceramics and old cars. Julian is also an experienced and entertaining after dinner speaker (his life in archaeology is summed up in ‘A career in ruins’) and an Arts Society lecturer.

Date and Time:

Thursday 18th June

2.30pm

Location:

The George Watson Memorial Hall, 65 Barton St, Tewkesbury GL20 5PX

Tickets:

£18