Knowra William Stukeley William Stukeley William Stukeley (1687–1765) was an English antiquarian, physician, and Anglican clergyman whose surveys and publications shaped early study of Stonehenge and other ancient monuments.
Stonehenge : A prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, built from standing stones arranged in circles. Stukeley surveyed the monument and made it central to his antiquarian writing.
Antiquarianism : The study of the past through ancient objects, monuments, documents, and traditions. Stukeley's work exemplifies antiquarian research before modern archaeology took shape.
Society of Antiquaries of London : A learned society founded in London to study and preserve antiquities and historical records. Stukeley helped revive the society in 1717 and served as its secretary.
Prehistoric Britain : The human past in Britain before written historical records, extending from the earliest inhabitants to Roman conquest. Stukeley helped popularize accounts of Britain's ancient past through its surviving monuments.
Avebury : A Neolithic henge monument in Wiltshire, England, containing one of the largest prehistoric stone circles in Europe. Stukeley surveyed Avebury and argued that its earthworks and stones formed a sacred complex.
Archaeological survey : The systematic recording of archaeological sites through measurement, mapping, and description. He mapped monuments and surrounding features to support interpretations of their layout.
Royal Society : A British learned society that promotes scientific research and was founded in 1660. Stukeley was elected a fellow in 1718, connecting his antiquarian work with natural philosophy.
Druid : A member of an ancient Celtic religious and learned class known chiefly from classical and later sources. Stukeley helped shape the enduring image of Druids as builders and users of megalithic monuments.
Abury, a Temple of the British Druids : William Stukeley's 1743 book describing and interpreting the prehistoric monuments at Avebury. This publication records his survey and his influential, mistaken Druid interpretation of Avebury.
Field drawing : The recording of observed places or objects through drawings made during fieldwork. Stukeley's detailed site illustrations preserved features that later changed or disappeared.
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