William Stukeley (1667-1765), one of the first to conduct fieldwork at Stonehenge and to recognize its historic importance, meticulously recorded his findings in a manuscript that has remained unpublished for hundreds of years. That manuscript is transcribed here, accompanied by detailed annotations that confirm the value of Stukeley's archaeological research and set it apart from his later unsustainable theories and obsessions with Druids, which appeared in 'Stonehenge', the book he published in 1740. Trained as a medical doctor, Stukeley's interests were antiquarian and archaeological, with a particular enthusiasm for evidence of early sacred ritual. His Stonehenge field notes include careful measurements, drawings and plans as well as original analyses and remarkable discoveries, among them the enigmatic cursus which no one before him had seen. Stukeley's manuscript provides a fascinating review of what could be said of the stone circle and its landscape in the early eighteenth century. Aubrey Burl was formerly principal lecturer in archaeology, Hull College of Higher Education, East Riding of Yorkshire.His many books on stone circles include 'Prehistoric Avebury' and 'A Guide to the Stone Circles of Britain, Ireland and Brittany'. Neil Mortimer edited the archaeology folklore journal '3rd Stone' between 1996 and 2003. He is a columnist for 'British Archaeology' and the author of 'Stukeley Illustrated'.

William Stukeley was the first man to chronicle the greatest prehistoric stone circles in the world, Stonehenge and Avebury. One of the 18th century's most remarkable characters, he was friend and colleague to some of the most gifted men of his time, including Sir Isaac Newton. Stukeley's work laid the foundations for the modern study of prehistoric monuments, influenced the Druidic Revival and inspired some of William Blake's most celebrated paintings. "Stukeley Illustrated" brings together over 100 of the best engravings from his most brilliant books, "Stonehenge: A Temple Restor'd" to the British Druids, "Abury: A Temple of the British Druids" and "Itinerarium Curiosum". The book shows how this meticulous and inspired draughtsman changed the way we look at ancient sites. It is a tribute to an increasingly relevant figure, and is useful to anyone interested in the sacred sites and landscapes of the British Isles.