Welcome to my website! I have lots of interesting projects underway at the moment and will endeavour to update this site over the next few months.
These projects include building large structures, a number of smaller scale experiments and the filming of documentaries and YouTube videos for my – soon to be launched channel. There will be plenty of interesting things to get your teeth into!
I will be placing many of my previous project blogs into the site archive to make way for the new, but they will still be available.
Well, the weather this week gave us a glimpse of the encroaching winter. Strong winds and rain buffeted the volunteers as they continued the labour intensive tasks of timber processing.
The project has been delayed by some of its essential modern aspects. The ground works continue with the machine levelling of the site, the excavation of four pits that will house concrete pads to support the four main structural posts. The decision to install the main structural posts into modern footings has been taken to extend the lifespan of the building.
Although this modern aspect is not usually a part of my projects, it is an understandable concern on the part of any client (English Heritage) that their investment in the construction of an educational space is worthwhile.
Modern aspects aside, the rest of this project will be carried out using more traditional methods, including stone tools. The realities persist however, that this project, like all projects, is a compromise between what experimental archaeology would like to achieve and what the paying client requires of the finished building. I am happy with the compromises on this project, and I know that there is still a significant opportunity to conduct a range of experiments that have the potential to provide an insight into the structural sophistication of our Neolithic ancestors.
This week, the volunteers have worked hard again to process a range of structural timbers while conducting a range of experiments with polished stone axes.
What became apparent to all of us as the weather swept in, bringing wind and rain, was that the sky above our heads was in constant flux. The natural features of the weather became points of interest to each volunteer as they worked or rested tired arms and backs. Several rainbows arched the scudding skies and each one was heralded by a call from the volunteers. All of us stopped and stared – marvelling at the sheer beauty of our surroundings and the multicoloured brush strokes that rewarded our endurance of the conditions.
This project is forcing us to consider the landscape and our environment, and our relationship with it. For modern humans who endure the majority of our time beneath roofs with electric light and heat, this project is teaching us our real place in the world. It s amazing to think that although the landscape has changed dramatically since the Neolithic, the sky has remained unaltered. It is the same sky our Neolithic ancestors gazed at, the same sky they built beneath.
Another strangely dry week has come to an end (we’re not complaining!).
The volunteers are progressing well with their tasks. Although all timber related, the tasks offer a range of activities that (hopefully) prevent repetitive strain injuries. At this stage, mainly timber processing, the work can be awkward and back-breaking as heavy logs are stripped of their bark and hewn to reduce their weight and shape them into usable timbers.
Experiments have continued and expanded. Stone axe notches are being cut into the logs to aid in the further refinement of each timber. Each experiment is being recorded on sheets which will (in time) be transferred to a database.
The recording process aims to allow the data to reveal aspects of human and tool efficiency, along with logistical aspects of building a Neolithic-type structure.
Each form records the volunteer, the date, the time of the experiment (to allow sequences in each day to be understood), a detailed task description, the experiment duration, the number of blows taken, the specific tool chosen for the task and the volume of timber removed during the task (we take a Plasticine impression of the axe-cut notch and place it in a measured volume of water to measure its displacement).
We are also interested in less tangible aspects of the volunteer experience such as weather conditions, the reasons behind specific tool choices, working positions, and social aspects of being involved in such a unique project.
This week, as the volunteers have improved (dramatically) their skills with hand tools such as steel axes, our experiments have moved on to possible reduction methods that take a whole tree to a prepared structural timber. The potential methods include notching and removing the waste with a stone adze, notching and side axing with stone axes, and notching and removing the waste with wooden wedges and mauls.
Each method produces subtly different surface finishes and, we assume, will vary in efficiency and time (this data will emerge as the project progresses). It raises certain questions regarding the aesthetic of Neolithic carpentry.
Although a lasting assumption is that Neolithic carpentry was largely expedient, the little available evidence suggests otherwise. The few known surviving Neolithic timbers (in the form of well-linings from Germany and an amazing, three-planked door from Zurich) all demonstrate high levels of timber processing and finishing, even in well-linings that, once installed several metres in the ground, would never be seen again. This degree of processing leads us away from the notion of simple round-wood structures, with the bark left on and a minimum of processing, to the idea of Neolithic structures that exhibit an aesthetic of radially split planks and timbers, a range of complex carpentry joints (including mortise and tenon), and beautiful timbers exhibiting the unmistakable scallops of a well balanced stone adze.
After much discussion, we feel that the Durrington 68 Neolithic Hall should attempt to demonstrate a range of authentic finishes to the visiting public, from split surfaces, hewn and adzed surfaces and (perhaps as expected), natural surfaces. We feel this approach will allow interesting discussions to be initiated by the interpreters of the building – with the visiting public.
Our aim, after all, is not to produce a one dimensional vision of how the structure would have looked, but to create a three dimensional vision that presents a range of interpretations within the building.
Another fine week has ended. The weather is still surprisingly warm and dry for October!
After last week’s induction, the Core Volunteers have returned to begin the preparation of structural timbers for the building. The Primary Rafters, twenty two Scots Pines, each one eight metres long, have been hauled out of the compound to be processed. Each of these trees will need to be de-barked and hewn to shape using steel and stone tools. The aim is to reduce their overall weight and to present a ‘squared’ finish in the finished roof members. Some people might find the effort to dress these timbers to a square (technically rectangular) finish as surprising. The assumption is usually that large structures in the Neolithic would have used round timbers in the most expedient way possible.
Although direct Neolithic carpentry evidence is rare, examples of sophisticated timber processing can be seen in the remarkably preserved well-linings of Germany. Here, clear evidence of radial splitting, plank shaping with stone adzes and the cutting of mortises and square tenons are clearly exhibited. It is worth remembering that these well linings, although supremely functional, were never intended to be seen once installed. Looking at the beautiful adze marks on the planks and the care taken to make complex interlocking carpentry joints, we can only imagine the care and attention to detail those same Neolithic builders may have demonstrated in large buildings!
The Core Volunteers have continued developing their axe skills and the progression from last week to this is plainly evident.
We have also been introducing the first stone tools to the project. Polished stone adzes and axes have been tentatively tested by the volunteers. The learning curve is steep at this stage. For many, last week saw their first ever use of steel axes and already they are having to take their new-found skill and adapt it the the very different angles and swing required to use stone tools efficiently.
Our stone tools have been produced by Dr James Dilley, an experimental archaeologist I have known for many years. He has produced some stunning tools with sturdy, functional hafts and it has been a pleasure to swing them against freshly felled Scots Pine for the first time. We are recording the effects of these tools during their use. Our data will include timings, number of blows, and volume of material removed by each tool and individual volunteer as a baseline. In this way I should be able to see the progression and refinement of individual skills along with any subtle differences in tool efficiency. My goal is to be able to point ant any authentically worked timber or joint and be able to say how long it took, which tool and volunteer was responsible and potentially suggest the volume of labour required to produce the entire structure with polished stone tools.
However, we are also interested in the less tangible aspects of this project; the lessons, thoughts and observations of the people involved. One early observation by volunteers has been the audible difference between the sound of steel and stone tools at work. The stone tools produce a more mellow sound on the timber. I have taken advantage of a quiet day to record many of these sounds as a Neolithic axe soundscape. The results are here…
At this stage, the majority of work on site surrounds the preparation of trees into structural timbers. As the project progresses, these blogs will look in detail at the construction process and the debates that surround a unique project like this.
Increasingly, archaeology is under attack. You may think this a little far fetched, but there is a growing online movement that seeks to actively undermine well researched and peer reviewed knowledge.
In place of the incredible achievements of our distant ancestors, aliens and other forces for which we have no irrefutable proof are supposed to be responsible for some of humanity’s greatest achievements.
I suspect that some of these opinions are held through a simple lack of understanding of what effort, endurance, social organisation, ingenuity and basic fundamental laws can achieve. We live in a world where, increasingly, traditional, labour-intensive tasks are now achieved through mechanisation and the push of a button. We are, in general losing perspective on what humans are intellectually and practically capable of in traditional or ancient settings.
The idea of spending several hours, days, weeks or even months to make something ‘simple’ happen is increasingly seen as ‘impossible’ in the past – and therefore only explicable by the introduction of other, off-world technologies.
As an experimental archaeologist of 30 years experience I have engaged in countless experiments covering a broad range of questions and requiring any number of solutions. Whether it be moving heavy objects, making technically advanced glues, producing sophisticated tools or constructing archaeologically evidenced buildings, it has become clear to me that there is very little humans cannot achieve with the application of people, ‘simple’ methods, huge reserves of effort and stamina and most importantly, extensive periods of time.
My ongoing experiments reaffirm time and time again that we are a remarkable, problem solving species and that our potential ‘ace in the hand’ is our imagination. We are capable of imagining something the world has never seen before and then pursuing that idea with huge volumes of effort to make it happen.
My most recent and ongoing experiments have focused on the drilling of holes through stone. Increasingly, the ability of our ancestors to achieve such actions is questioned by some ill-informed people. My experiments continue, but initially I have been pleasantly surprised to see success using a range of drill types (seasoned woods and copper) and the simple abrasive of sand. There are several YouTube videos that show the effort involved (see links in the menu).
My hope is that more experiments will follow to test various methods and to affirm that, given enough physical effort, time and fundamental knowledge of material properties, our ancestors were more than capable of drilling holes through very hard materials.
Against my better judgement, I have decided to launch a YouTube channel. I am expecting small viewing numbers – lets face it, what I do is particularly niche!
However, having been busy over the winter, filming various projects, discussions, experiments and documentaries, I have realised that I am enjoying the process!
The channel (Historic Concepts) will not be restricted by time period or techniques. I plan to make videos on a wide range of topics. Some will be obvious, such as the video diaries of large construction projects, while others will record many of the experiments and tasks I have investigated over the last 30 years. I also hope to delve into many other passions such as Medieval longsword and dagger fighting techniques, and even Renaissance drawing techniques.
My hope is that the videos I produce will, to some small extent, form an archive of my diverse and at times, strange exploits. Having spent many years recording the experiments I run, I have realised that some of you may want to see the processes in action and the thinking that lies behind them.
The drilled ‘Bore Core’ replaced in its hole.
A ‘Bore Core’ produced by a hollow copper drill through 62mm of sandstone (MOHs Hardness 5)- using sand as an abrasive.
The parallel hole drilled using the hollow copper drill and a sand abrasive.
Visible striations caused by the rotation of silica sand grains. A close match to many archaeological examples of drilled holes in hard rock.
The Ultimate Stonehenge Documentary Series…?
I have also been involved in a large filming project designed and led by Julian Richards which seeks to tell a comprehensive story about Stonehenge and its incredible landscape. Julian has been closely involved with Stonehenge for over 40 years and has, for some time, wanted to produce a documentary (in this case 4 episodes) that tackles the debates and discussions that surround the monument – as well as giving a detailed appraisal of the work that has been carried out there so far.
Stone wedges driven into a natural Bluestone fissure to separate it from the outcrop.
This ambitious filming project has taken us across the Stonehenge landscape and I have been involved in various aspects – including discussions and journeys that follow the 18 mile Sarsen route (from West Woods to Stonehenge) and the 120-40 mile Bluestone route from Preseli to Stonehenge.
Capturing the incredible weather in the Preseli Hills.
It is an epic project that, when finished, should set a benchmark for Stonehenge documentaries and I’ve particularly enjoyed the numerous ‘wormholes’ the journey has taken us down. It is our aim to release some associated ‘wormhole’ discussions to go hand in hand with each episode that really delve into the detail of the Stonehenge story and that illustrate current thinking and disagreements on what it all means!
The team striding over the Preseli Hills in search of Bluestone outcrops (Simon Banton, Julian Richards, Tim Daw, Steve Shearn, and me.)
Feel free to email me with any suggestions for videos you may have.
Go to YouTube link in my menu for the latest posting!
An ‘in Situ’ stone wedge – driven into a natural Bluestone fissure.
This project, several years in the research and planning, will reconstruct a large Neolithic building based on evidence from Durrington Walls (about a mile from Stonehenge). It will be built by volunteers and take several months – starting in October 2025.
Built using – as far as possible, authentic materials and methods, the building will provide a unique structure and focus for education visits to Stonehenge – allowing the public to witness the scale of carpentry and timber projects in the Neolithic landscape.
A regular Blog and YouTube diary plus technical videos will follow and record the duration of the build in all its amazing detail!
A rare chance to just sit and knap with a lovely piece of flint. Equivalent to a three dimensional game of chess, Flint-knapping is a process that relies on contingent thought to solve the ever occurring errors imparted by the knapper (in this case – me!) and the quality of the raw material.
The ability to hold the hollow drill steady during the drilling operation is key to success. see my frustration and steep learning curve as I come to the realisation that this first attempt id doomed to failure!
I use a seasoned Beech-wood drill and abrasive sand to drill through hard sandstone. The effort and endurance required to perform ‘simple’ tasks in the past become vividly evident!
The proof is in the pudding, as they say! Here, I use a soft copper drill and abrasive sand to drill through hard sandstone. Make a cup of tea, grab some biscuits, and take an hour out of life to watch me work hard!
