Stonehenge II: Woodhenge Found Near Stonehenge

"Archaeologists unearth Neolithic henge at Stonehenge"
BBC (July 22, 2010)

"The new "henge" is about 900m (2,950ft) from the giant stones

"Archaeologists have discovered a second henge at Stonehenge, described as the most exciting find there in 50 years.

"The circular ditch surrounding a smaller circle of deep pits about a metre (3ft) wide has been unearthed at the world-famous site in Wiltshire.

"Archaeologists conducting a multi-million pound study believe timber posts were in the pits.

"Project leader Professor Vince Gaffney, from the University of Birmingham, said the discovery was 'exceptional'.

"The new 'henge' - which means a circular monument dating to Neolithic and Bronze Ages - is situated about 900m (2,950ft) from the giant stones on Salisbury Plain...."

There's a short video embedded in the BBC article, which includes a very quick look at the wheeled scanners that researchers ran over the landscape around Stonehenge. The things look a little like lawnmowers.

This new henge seems to have a burial mound in its center.

Archaeologists don't always use shovels these days: which is good for the next set of researchers visiting a site, since whatever's buried stayed buried; and which often speeds up the process of finding out what's under the landscape.

Somewhat-related posts:

• "People in Britain 800,000 Years Ago: Pollen, Mammoth Bones, and Tools"
  (July 8, 2010)
• "Stonehenge Analog Sunk in Lake Michigan?"
  (January 6, 2009)
• "So, You Think the Pyramics and Stonehenge are Old?"
  (November 15, 2008)
• "Merchant Ship Arrives on Mediterranean Shore: About 25 Centuries Late"
  (August 16, 2008)
• "Think the Harappan Civilization is Old? Read This!"
  (October 19, 2007)

More:

• "Archaeologists virtually excavate Stonehenge"
  BBC (July 19, 2010)