Thornborough Archaeology Group

Back in September I mentioned that TAG was actively looking into how best to take forward new research into the archaeoastronomical significance of the Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in our area of interest. Well, this is to let you know that we have now settled on our general approach, and I wanted to share this exciting news with you.

We are working with Dr. Fabio Silva, a well known and highly regarded skyscape archaeologist, to develop a three-year ‘citizen science’ project. The idea is that its participants, that’s you lot!, receive first-rate training in measuring and interpreting astronomical orientations, giving you the necessary skills, confidence and equipment to visit the actual monuments and record their possible correlations with celestial phenomena. The results will be discussed, and then pulled together into a multi-authored publication.

We believe it is the first time this has ever been attempted, and it would undoubtedly help raise the profile of Yorkshire’s incredible monuments on the world stage. We will be applying for research grants to make this happen, but may also have to charge participants for their involvement (please remember that TAG will only do this if absolutely necessary, for we are committed to providing research opportunities free-of-charge).

What we would like to know right now is how many of you would, in principle, be interested in participating in such a project? Who, amongst you, wants to push back the frontiers of knowledge and contribute directly to exploring how prehistoric peoples regarded and employed the sky above? Please let us know via our contact us page if it’s the sort of thing you’d be interested in.