Wayland's Smithy Chambered Long Barrow

Wayland's Smithy is an atmospheric historic site situated approximately 2km along the Ridgeway from the Uffington White Horse. A Neolithic chambered long barrow, it was once believed to have been the habitation of the Saxon smith-god Wayland.

Excavations in the 20th century revealed that the barrow seen today actually covers an earlier burial structure, and human remains found on the site indicate that 14 people were interred there between 3590 and 3550 BC.  The circumstances of these deaths are a mystery, and the original barrow was closed a short time afterwards.

However, the site once again became active when, between 3,460 and 3,400 BC, a second far larger barrow was constructed on top. A trapezoidal mound with a monumental façade, it is the ruins of this - a strikingly late phenomenon compared to other long barrows - that can be explored by visitors to the site today.