Estimated to be around some 5,000 years old, the original structure stood overlooking two henges and featured several unusual characteristics—including a floorplan associated with the distinctive Grooved Ware culture.
Even more exceptional was the discovery of surviving wall plaster, complete with wood imprints from the original structure.
Now, thanks to a intensive two-year project involving Butser’s archaeologists and dedicated volunteers, the building has been meticulously reconstructed using materials and methods informed by scientific analyses conducted by the University of Cambridge’s Department of Archaeology, including Professor Charles French and Dr David Friesem.
“To see a building like Wyke Down take shape before our eyes has been nothing short of magical,” opined Therese Kearns, Butser archaeologist.
“We’ve drawn on detailed archaeological science, including microanalysis of ancient wall plaster, to recreate not just the structure, but the experience of what this space might have meant to the people who built it.”
Analysis revealed the plaster was a chalk-rich mixture with organic inclusions, and some fragments showed layered applications of whitewash and incised decorations—leading Butser’s team to speculate that the building may have been high-status, perhaps even serving as a shrine or ceremonial structure. No direct evidence of colour decoration was found, but researchers aren’t ruling out the possibility.
“This build is a celebration of archaeology as a living, breathing discipline,” said Simon Jay, Director of Butser Ancient Farm. “Everything we do at Butser is rooted in real archaeological evidence, and Wyke Down is our most ambitious Stone Age reconstruction to date. Thanks to the support of our community—through donations, memberships, school visits, and public days—we’ve been able to push experimental archaeology forward.”
Pushing the boundaries of reconstruction, Wyke Down also features an innovative roofing system, developed to use as little rope as possible, reflecting the time-consuming and resource-intensive nature of rope-making in the Stone Age. Instead, builders experimented with simple wooden joinery informed by prehistoric woodworking finds, such as the wooden well discovered near Eythra in Saxony, as well as an innovative woven roof system inspired by basketry, allowing thatch to be pinned directly onto the roof without the need for lashings.
This cutting-edge experiment brings new insight into how prehistoric people may have balanced innovation, labour, and available resources.
Martin Green, who first excavated the site in 1996 and has been investigating the landscape of Cranborne Chase since childhood, was on-site for the opening.
“Martin’s lifelong passion for the prehistoric landscape shines through in the exceptional care he has taken of the incredible evidence at Wyke Down,” added Kearns. “We’re thrilled to have honoured his discovery in such a tangible way.”
The official unveiling took place yesterday, with builders, archaeologists, members of the public, and Martin Green himself in attendance. The entire build, including interviews with the Butser team and Martin Green, is available to watch on Butser Plus, the farm’s streaming platform.
Wyke Down will be featured in a number of upcoming events at Butser, including the sold-out Beltain festival and the Summer Solstice weekend.
This project was made possible entirely through community support, including donations from the Friends of Butser, memberships on Butser Plus, and income from school visits and public attendance. As a not-for-profit, all funds go directly back into Butser’s research and educational work.
Visit Butser Ancient Farm to step inside Wyke Down and explore prehistory like never before.
Or watch the full reconstruction series now at ButserPlus.com
.jpg)
.jpg)