Averbury Stone Circles

Within the containing circle the village of Avebury has been built. The size and scale of this undertaking, together with its geometrically centered spaces, is monumental and entirely architectural in attitude. Attempts were made to destroy the circles in the 14th century, and as late as 1724 a number of the larger stones were felled, then broken up by fire, to clear the ground for ploughing. At the center of the central circle stood three huge stones in a group. Similar groups, called coves, whose purpose is not known, exist at other circles.