Wayland's Smithy (Through the Mists Of Time) by danob

Photography • Historical • posted on Feb 24, 2006

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Description

Wayland's Smithy is one of the most impressive and atmospheric Neolithic burial chambers in Britain. Somehow this ancient grave became associated with Wayland, the Saxon god of metalworking, from whom it takes its name. History The burial chamber first constructed 5500 years ago, and underwent two distinct phases of construction, identified during excavations in the 1960's. In the first phase an oval mound was erected, which covered a wooden and stone structure with a floor paved with Sarcen stones. The remains of 14 bodies were found from this period, all badly damaged as if the roof had fallen in on them. No part of this structure now survives, as it was incorporated into the mound seen today. In Phase 2, started around 3500BC, the mound was enlarged to the trapezoid shape using earth from two flanking ditches, which are no longer visible. The mound was edged with Sarcen slabs, and had a facade of 6 larger stones (two of which are missing) at the Southern end. A stone lined passage was built within this Southern face with two chambers forming a cruciform shape. When excavated the bones of 8 people were found, although the tomb had been robbed long before, probably during the Iron Age period. Many myths and legends surround the place so I have waited for the right light, some mist and a bit of snow to help set the right atmosphere Thanks for any comments you care to make and for taking time to take a look..

Comments (37)

soulofharmony

7:04PM | Fri, 24 February 2006

you know dan my grandfather use to take me here as a child..something very deep and meanful here..and this is a superb portrait really capturing the essence of the site.. love how the trees frame the shot..that light spiritual breeze ruffling the branches... outstanding.. dan.. :)..:)

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kimariehere

7:13PM | Fri, 24 February 2006

beautifully composed ... lovley place and shot!

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Blush

7:24PM | Fri, 24 February 2006

Wow You did capture the atmosphere of these burial grounds...looks eerie and those trees and the dark skies just add to the perfect touch This is excellent Vote n hugs Susan~

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Mikan

7:28PM | Fri, 24 February 2006

sure, the composition is great like any other shot from you, but the history lessons are something that worth spending the time with, everytime; so, thank you.

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YohannR

8:03PM | Fri, 24 February 2006

Very impressive... great pic... and thanks a million for taking the time to add the historical info...!!!!!!! V

MedTran39

8:22PM | Fri, 24 February 2006

Beautiful!

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SoulSearcherr

8:33PM | Fri, 24 February 2006

love to visit one day..thanks for sharing

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Punaguy

12:30AM | Sat, 25 February 2006

Nicely captured Danny, thanks for the info on this sacred mound..Great job! Aloha!

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sharky_

2:14AM | Sat, 25 February 2006

Interesting image with history to go with it. Excellent. Aloha

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WandM

2:38AM | Sat, 25 February 2006

The trees create a marvelous depth in this beautiful shot.

vlaaitje

3:12AM | Sat, 25 February 2006

A real moody image, love the trees on the background, that gives it that bit extra

nhirschberger

3:34AM | Sat, 25 February 2006

Fantatsic composition and capture ! Wonderful atmosphere and mood ! Excellent work !!! V

newleaf

6:01AM | Sat, 25 February 2006

Excellent, this is one I haven't seen before. Perfect capture

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RodolfoCiminelli

6:52AM | Sat, 25 February 2006

Impressive place.....!!! Fantastic photo my friend.....!!! V

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Laelia

7:12AM | Sat, 25 February 2006

Impressive : your pic atmosphere emanating and your great historical knowledge ! Chapeau !!!

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Stringy

7:45AM | Sat, 25 February 2006

Love all this ancient stuff Danny. Wonderful shot of a unique place.

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kansas

10:57AM | Sat, 25 February 2006

A wonderful photo. Amazing history. It is a marvel that any of it is still standing.

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MissK

11:11AM | Sat, 25 February 2006

This is a fantastic photo. Makes you fell like your there. Thanks for sharing and thanks for taking the time to tell us the history of the place.

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Cosme..D..Churruca

12:17PM | Sat, 25 February 2006

Awesome photography ! Love this kind of places

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jcv2

1:57PM | Sat, 25 February 2006

Incredible to see how people in those times managed to build sites like this one! Gorgeous work! :)

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zaberc

4:52PM | Sat, 25 February 2006

Wonderful legend shot !

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sittingblue

8:10PM | Sat, 25 February 2006

fascinating... excellent pov.

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pm_hackworth

8:13PM | Sat, 25 February 2006

Thanks for bringing us some culture there bud! :) Excellent work indeed.

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nongo

10:50PM | Sat, 25 February 2006

Beautifully captured!!! Love the mystery surrounding it!! thanks again for sharing these magical places!!

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SophiaDeer

2:02AM | Sun, 26 February 2006

This is breathtaking!!

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DJB

2:05AM | Sun, 26 February 2006

I say this is how I want to be getting my exposures. Nice detail on stone with those kinds of shadows and light.

Kropot

6:13PM | Sun, 26 February 2006

Can still hear em working round there. Super dan.

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kenmo

9:39PM | Sun, 26 February 2006

Interesting photo and history....V

Tamela.J.

4:47AM | Mon, 27 February 2006

WOW So beautiful!! Superb shot!!!

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nathalie06

2:44PM | Mon, 27 February 2006

wonderful, magic and mystic place ! I remember to have seen a photography of this place long time ago when I was a student ! Perfect POV and light as always. There must been something very special in the air when you are in Wayland's Smithy, not ? Thank you for this shot Danny. a very big Hug. V