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Prehistory
Chanctonbury
Ring
(continued)
Pages
1 and 2
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Chanctonbury
Ring in 1930, showing cattle at the dewpond and a thick, mature clump
of beech trees on the site of the ancient enclosure. This photograph is
part of a large collection in the Steyning Museum Library.
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Chanctonbury
Ring has been difficult to excavate because of the cluster of beech
trees first introduced there in 1760 by Charles Goring, then owner of
the land and of Wiston House nearby. The hurricane of 1987 destroyed
many trees and allowed for some excavation before young trees were
planted to restore the prominent hilltop landmark. This may not assist
further archaeology but many local people believe the name
"Chanctonbury Ring" refers to the trees and not to the ancient
enclosure. The sight of Chanctonbury Ring without its thick clump of
trees was viewed as a local tragedy and restoring the "ring" of beeches
was a popular move.
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Chanctonbury
Ring in 1990. The beech trees were devasted by the hurricane of October
1987. This photograph is also part of the Steyning Museum Library
collection.
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