Wayland's Smithy is a Neolithic chambered long barrow. The site was once believed to be the home of Wayland, the Saxon god of metalworking, hence the name. Excavations have revealed that 14 people were buried in an earlier structure on the site. Between 3460 and 3400 BC a second, much larger barrow was constructed on top, which is what you can explore today. The site is managed by English Heritage.

Sharon

February 8, 2023

Wayland's Smithy is an atmospheric historic site about a mile's walk along the Ridgeway from the Uffington White Horse. A Neolithic chambered long barrow, it was once believed to have been the home of Wayland, the Saxon god of metal working.

Human remains found on the site indicate that 14 people were interred in an earlier burial structure between 3590 and 3550 BC. Between 3460 and 3400 BC a second far larger barrow was constructed on top. It is the ruins of this that can be explored by visitors to the site today.

Mike Cree

June 7, 2024

Open all day and night. A very intriguing place. I sat for around half an hour one morning, had some breakfast and moved on. didn't see anybody else. found it very peaceful. unbelievable just how old it actually is.

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Elevation 250 m

Open during reasonable daylight hours

Free entry

Contacts

Ashbury, Oxfordshire

www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/waylands-smithy/

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Location: Ashbury, Vale Of White Horse, Oxfordshire, South East England, England, United Kingdom

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