Alexander Keiller Museum

Type: Museum

Details the history of the stone circle at Avebury, particularly in regard to the archaeological excavations that have taken place there. Founded in 1938, the museum lies just outside the largest stone circle in the British Isles, at Avebury henge. The main displays are in a small 17th century stables and an associatated permanent exhibition occupies a nearby 17th century thatched threshing barn. The museum's founder, Alexander Keiller, excavated parts of the henge monument and associated avenue of standing stones in the 1930s and re-erected many fallen and buried stones.

The collection is primarily archaeological and mainly of Neolithic and Early Bronze Age date, with a smaller component of Anglo-Saxon and later material. It includes a large excavation archive from excavations in the 1920s and 1930s. A rare early 20th century motor car is also displayed: a Sizaire Berwick which belonged to Alexander Keiller and the collection includes much Keiller correspondence. The museum library houses an extensive collection of archaeological publications and is open by appointment.

Opening Times

Winter 2008/09 1 Nov 2008 - 28 Mar 2009

Spring 2009 29 Mar 2009 - 31 Mar 2009

Summer 2009 1 Apr 2009 - 31 Oct 2009

Tickets Information

Price includes entry into Barn Gallery Exhibition. Last entry half and hour before closing.

Road Directions

Avebury is 6 miles West of Marlborough. Visitor car park is S of Avebury off the A4361

Public Transport Directions

Train Access: Swindon 11 miles
Bus Access: Number 49 Swindon - Devizes/Trowbridge, and Wilts & Dorset services 5/6 Marlborough/Salisbury (all services pass close to Swindon station)