Wilmington sacred landscape: cursus, long barrows, and ancient features form initiatory site. Windover Hill contains a cursus (parallel-trench earthwork) with fluted edges wider at the bottom, similar to Stonehenge cursus dating to 3500 BC Multiple long barrows surround the Long Man including the Neolithic Windover Hill Long Barrow The archaeological interpretation of a 'flint mine' excavation is disputed - it may have been a wind shelter for observers

Around the Long Man of Wilmington, a remarkable sacred landscape unfolds. Windover Hill contains a cursus - parallel-trench earthwork with fluted edges dating to 3500 BC, similar to Stonehenge's cursus. Multiple Neolithic long barrows surround the figure. The area includes ancient churches, sacred springs, wells, Mount Caburn, and the Litlington White Horse hill figure. The Cuckmere River valley may have served as an ancient entry point from the sea. The Ley Hunters network conducted a 4-day walking tour through this landscape, culminating at the Long Man on equinox. The megalithic density rivals Stonehenge's surroundings, creating what researchers call a 'sacred initiatory landscape' similar to Australian Aboriginal dreaming sites. 93:00-120:00

Key Facts

  • Windover Hill contains a cursus (parallel-trench earthwork) with fluted edges wider at the bottom, similar to Stonehenge cursus dating to 3500 BC
  • Multiple long barrows surround the Long Man including the Neolithic Windover Hill Long Barrow
  • The archaeological interpretation of a 'flint mine' excavation is disputed - it may have been a wind shelter for observers
  • The site offers one of the best views in southeast England with visibility of the South Downs Way
  • The landscape includes Mount Caburn, Fil Beacon, ancient churches, springs, wells, and the Litlington White Horse hill figure
  • The area forms what Stuart calls a 'sacred initiatory landscape' similar to Australian Aboriginal dreaming sites
  • The Cuckmere River valley may have served as an ancient entry point from the sea
  • The site compares in megalithic density to the Stonehenge landscape
  • The Ley Hunters network conducted a 4-day walking tour through this landscape culminating at the Long Man on equinox

Related site: Long Man of Wilmington — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.

Source: Stuart Mason | Decoding The Long Man of Wilmington and Archaeoastronomy | Megalithomania Interview by MegalithomaniaUK