Recording Yorkshire’s later Neolithic henges

Aim

This project is dedicated to geophysical survey at the later Neolithic henges of North Yorkshire to fully record these remarkable sites

The eleven or more giant later Neolithic henges located between Ferrybridge in West Yorkshire and Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire are archaeological sites of national and international importance. They demonstrate the region’s importance during the third millennium BC and the mobilisation of large numbers of people to create truly impressive sacred monuments. Yet despite this, little is known about the role of these sites, or indeed, how they may have originally appeared. Even worse, with the exception of the three henges at Thornborough, they are all poorly recorded: a serious problem when it comes to understanding and presenting these truly remarkable prehistoric wonders.

The Thornborough Archaeology Group (TAG) intends to address this issue through a long-term programme of archaeological fieldwork. Our initial priority is with completing geophysical survey ― or the use of non-invasive sensing techniques for the imaging and mapping of buried archaeology ―  to properly record these sites. The first phase of this work will focus on Sinderby henge and the possible ‘super-enclosure’ at Langthorpe. Geophysical survey will then continue at the region’s other monuments. The result will be a detailed archaeological record that will help us reconstruct these monuments and properly consider their similarities and differences with one another.

TAG will be applying for grants to help fund this geophysical prospection. But as a volunteer-based not-for-profit organisation, we are also seeking crowdfunding to help get the work done. We are currently requesting £700 to pay for equipment and vehicle hire for the geophysical surveys of Sinderby and Langthorpe. This will enable us to conduct the fieldwork and produce a detailed report for each site, which will then be made freely available. TAG has successfully run three previous crowdfunding campaigns and has a proven track-record in delivering archaeological fieldwork. We hope that volunteers will be able to participate in the completion of some of the geophysical prospection.

If you care about Yorkshire’s prehistoric archaeology or would simply like to support and encourage community-centred investigation, then please consider donating. Every pound raised will help us add greatly to our knowledge and understanding of Yorkshire’s remarkable later Neolithic henge monuments and help deliver a high quality opportunity for people with little or no experience of geophysical prospection.

Thank you.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 25th November 2026 at 12:51pm