The Stone Circles at Temple Wood, Kilmartin, Argyll

Abstract

SummaryExcavations at Temple Wood between 1974 and 1980 disclosed a long and complex history. A slightly older and smaller site was confirmed close by to the north of the stone circle: originally a setting of posts, early in the 4th millennium BC it was in process of conversion to a stone circle when dismantled before completion. In its primary phase the main site was a freestanding stone circle, probably built later in the 4th millennium: one of the uprights was carved with spiral and another with ring ornament. An apparent modification was the insertion of dry walling between the stones, with an entrance to the east. Two short cist burials, one containing a Beaker, and each with its own reveled cairn, were placed outside the circle to the north and west. The cist in the centre and possibly a nearby cremation seem to mark the change from ritual to burial use. The drystone wall was thrown down and upright interval slabs were inserted between the standing stones and across the entrance. The addition of an outer bank of stones completed the process. Cremation burials under kerb cairns within the circle, with an increase in size to the surrounding bank to conceal both cairns and interval slabs, ended prehistoric use of the site early in the 1st millennium BC. Attempts are made to reconstruct the geometry of the main circle as well as the astronomical and calendrical potential of the whole site.