Butser Ancient Farm, a renowned site for experimental archaeology and education, has unveiled its newest reconstruction: Wyke Down, a remarkable Stone Age building based on a rare Neolithic structure discovered in 1996. The original building, estimated to be 5,000 years old and overlooking two henges, featured unique characteristics and surviving wall plaster imprinted with wood from the original structure.
Over the past two years, Butser’s archaeologists and volunteers have meticulously reconstructed the building using materials and methods informed by scientific analyses from the University of Cambridge’s Department of Archaeology. The team, led by Therese Kearns, has drawn on detailed archaeological science to not only recreate the structure, but also the experience of the people who built it.
Scientific analysis revealed that the wall plaster was a chalk-rich mixture with organic inclusions and layers of whitewash and incised decorations. This led the team to speculate that the building may have been high-status or even used as a shrine or ceremonial structure. While there is no direct evidence of color decoration, researchers are open to the possibility.
Simon Jay, Director of Butser Ancient Farm, expressed his excitement for the project as a celebration of archaeology as a living, breathing discipline. He emphasized that everything done at Butser is rooted in real archaeological evidence and that Wyke Down is their most ambitious Stone Age reconstruction to date. The project was made possible through community support, including donations, memberships, school visits, and public attendance.
The innovative roofing system of Wyke Down, developed to use minimal rope, reflects the time-consuming and resource-intensive nature of rope-making in the Stone Age. Instead, builders used simple wooden joinery and an innovative woven roof system inspired by basketry, allowing thatch to be pinned directly onto the roof without the need for lashings. This experiment sheds light on how prehistoric people balanced innovation, labor, and available resources.
The original excavator of the site, Martin Green, was present for the unveiling of Wyke Down and was praised for his lifelong passion for the prehistoric landscape. The entire build, including interviews with the Butser team and Martin Green, is available to watch on Butser Plus, the farm’s streaming platform.
Wyke Down will be featured in upcoming events at Butser, including the sold-out Beltain festival and Summer Solstice weekend. This project was made possible entirely through community support, with all funds going back into Butser’s research and educational work.
Butser Ancient Farm welcomes visitors to explore prehistory like never before by stepping inside Wyke Down. For those unable to visit in person, the full reconstruction series is available to watch on ButserPlus.com.
Images are available upon request. For more information, please contact Matilda Ferry-Swainson at matilda@butserancientfarm.co.uk or +44 (0)23 9259 8838.
About Butser Ancient Farm:
Butser Ancient Farm is an open-air, experimental archaeology museum located in Hampshire, UK. The farm allows visitors to step back in time and experience the lives of our ancient ancestors through reconstructed buildings, authentic crafts, and immersive events. Founded as a research site 50 years ago, Butser Ancient Farm has become a top visitor attraction, welcoming over 35,000 schoolchildren annually. As a not-for-profit, independently run community interest company (CIC), the farm relies on the support of various organizations and individuals to continue its research and education work. To learn more, visit www.butserancientfarm.co.uk.
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