Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 59

Reports on excavations conducted as part of a wider programme of research into the Neolithic archaeology of the upper Kennet region, in the vicinity of Avebury. The report includes the following contributions: `Test pits' by I Dennis (206); `Flint scatters around the Roughridge long barrow' by C Barker (206); `Pottery' by M Hamilton (206--7); `Flint' by J Pollard (208--10); `Land molluscs' by A J Rouse & J G Evans (211--17); `Soil micromorphology' by R I Macphail (218 & appendix 234--5); `Soil pollen' by G M Cruise (219--21); `Charred plant remains' by A S Fairbairn (221); `Wood charcoal' by C Cartwright (221--2); `Animal bone' by B Noddle (222--3); `small vertebrates' by A J Rouse (223--5).

Investigates the character of the rock art of south west Scotland, comparing the positions of the petroglyphs with two series of control samples in the surrounding landscape. The carvings seem to have been situated at topographical viewpoints and there are indications that their form related to the local landscape. It is also suggested that the changing character of the designs may reflect differences in the audience to whom they were addressed.

A report of Grimes's excavation of a rectangular earthwork carried out in advance of the construction of the airport. The article is based on a methodological and structural report written by Grimes himself, probably soon after the completion of his dig (`The excavation' (308--30)). The excavation uncovered occupation of mainly LBA--IA date, including an IA timber building of unique `concentric-rectangle' plan (resembling that of a Romano-Celtic temple), IA penannular house gullies, and two Neo pits. Background information is given in an `Introduction' by Jonathan Cotton (304--8). The finds catalogue covers: `Neolithic flintwork', by Jonathan Cotton (340--1); pottery (LBA, MIA, LIA and RB), with a `Note on petrology' by D F Williams (351--2); bronze (a small BA disc and spearhead); clay (including BA loomweights); and slag (fuel ash with no metalworking association). An appendix on an `Iron Age gold coin', by Jeffrey May (357--8), discusses a find from Heathrow recently identified in a private collection.

Describes a group of distinctive earthworks (Middle Rigg on Easington High Moor, Danby Rigg, and Ugthorpe Moor) that had previously been categorised as double pit-alignments. The earthworks consist of two or three pairs of pits enclosed by parallel banks. Their tangential alignment on burial mounds (possibly BA) is thought to provide a clue to the date and function of the alignments.