William Stukeley

Rollright Stones (part), Oxfordshire - geograph.org.uk - 605684

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Stonehenge Stukeley

William Stukeley. Line engraving, 1776, after I. Whood, 1727 Wellcome V0005651

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Stukeley William

William Stukeley (7 November 1687 – 3 March 1765) was an English antiquarian, physician, and Anglican clergyman who made significant contributions to the study of Britain's ancient past, particularly the prehistoric monuments of Stonehenge and Avebury. He is often remembered as one of the pioneers of the field of archaeology.

Early Life and Education

William Stukeley was born in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, to a lawyer's family. He was educated at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Horncastle, and later at Bene't College, Cambridge (now Corpus Christi College, Cambridge), where he studied medicine. After completing his studies, Stukeley moved to London to practice medicine.

Career

In London, Stukeley's interest in the history and antiquities of Britain deepened. He became a member of the Royal Society in 1717 and the Society of Antiquaries in 1718. Stukeley conducted extensive fieldwork, visiting ancient sites across Britain. His observations and theories about these sites were meticulously recorded in his diaries and later published.

Contributions to Archaeology

Stukeley's most notable works include Itinerarium Curiosum (1724) and Stonehenge, A Temple Restor'd to the British Druids (1740). In these works, he documented his observations of ancient sites and proposed theories about their origins and purposes. Stukeley was among the first to suggest that Stonehenge and Avebury were religious sites built by the Druids, a theory that, while later disproven, sparked significant interest in these monuments.

Stukeley's approach to archaeology was innovative for his time. He combined field observations with historical texts to interpret the past, a method that laid the groundwork for modern archaeological practices. However, his theories often reflected the contemporary fascination with Druids and were not always supported by empirical evidence.

Clerical Career

In addition to his antiquarian pursuits, Stukeley was ordained as an Anglican clergyman in 1729. He served in various parishes, including Somerby, Lincolnshire, and eventually settled in London. His religious beliefs influenced his interpretations of ancient sites, seeing them as evidence of a monotheistic religion akin to Christianity.

Legacy

William Stukeley's work significantly contributed to the development of archaeology as a scientific discipline. His detailed records of ancient sites remain valuable to researchers. However, his speculative theories about the Druids and the religious significance of prehistoric monuments have been critiqued and largely discredited by later scholarship.

Stukeley's legacy is also marked by his influence on the Romantic movement's interest in Britain's ancient past and the revival of Druidry in modern times. Despite the inaccuracies in his theories, his enthusiasm and pioneering approach to studying the past continue to be celebrated.

Selected Works

• Itinerarium Curiosum (1724)
• Stonehenge, A Temple Restor'd to the British Druids (1740)
• Abury, A Temple of the British Druids (1743)

See Also

• Archaeology
• Stonehenge
• Avebury
• Druids