By William Long, Esq., M.A., F.8.A. 331 
Aubrey’s description of the double circle on Overton Hill is 
marked by his usual negligence and haste. In it are left blank 
spaces for the name of the monument, and number of the stones, 
which were never filled up. He evidently writes from memory, 
without notes, as is proved by his words, “I doe well remember 
there is a circular trench about this monument or temple,”—nothing 
of which kind is shown on his plan (plate iii., fig 1), and the ex- 
istence of which is denied by Stukeley (p. 32). Aubrey’s plan, 
stood two stones, which he remembered were broken up by order of the road- 
commissioners early in the present century. Mr. B. told me that while this 
work of destruction was going on, two gentlemen from London, in a post chaise, 
saw the men thus engaged. ‘They drew up and expressed their disapproval in 
warm language; one of them winding up by telling the foreman that a man 
who would undertake such work, ought not to die in his bed. The man’s name 
was Shipway, he lived at Avebury; and, added Mr. B., the saying of the 
gentleman was fulfilled, for the man hung himself.” The following letter from 
‘Mr, Butler appears to have been addressed to Dr. Thurnam :— 
** Kennet Brewery, near Marlborough, Wilts, 
“¢ January 21st, 1858, 
**Srr,—I am sorry you did not send in your man when you was here. Though I was very unwell, 
I was not so much but I could have seen you, and J could have explained what I knew of the stone 
[better] than I can on paper. I only know of one stone now on the Bath Road, and that lies a few 
_ feet on the Marlborough side of the cottage which is nearly opposite Mrs. Kemm’s house. I do not 
remember its being buried, but from what I have heard it must have been‘about 1807-8, or9. There 
was a stone broke in the winter of 1824-5, on the north side of the road further on towards Marl- 
borough, and which there is no doubt was one of the avenue. It had fallen and was buried by the 
scraping of the road, and was broke to make the present foot-path, as partly buried in the bank on 
the south side of the road is some of the stones which is believed to be a part of the avenue. I 
know of no other stones round, except it is one I had buried in my garden, which from the sizes 
- and situation, I believe must have been one of the avenue. 
**T am, Sir, 
** Your obedient Servant, 
“‘ Gzores BUTLER.”® 
In a memorandum in Dr. Thurnam’s handwriting, dated April 20th, 1860, 
I find as follows: ‘‘Stone in Mr. Butler’s garden buried seven feet deep, about 
two yards within door, and about thirty paces from edge of road opposite 
easternmost window of Mr. B.’s house. A second stone was discovered in 
_ burying a horse, three years ago, in a sort of paddock, close to garden to west. 
This shown by charcoal and ashes such as left by old-fashioned destruction of 
sarsens. The place of this about four times as far from road, and opposite to 
end of west wall of Mr. Butler’s brewery and house. A third stone a little to 
north, north-west, in bank of hedge in same field (once line of Kennet and 
—— road, until early in the century.) This looked for in bank of hedge, but 
not found. The sort of curve made by junction with two stones remaining of 
avenue clearly seen. A stone opposite to Mrs. Kemm’s house in road below path 
‘and another nearer to cottage very near in Marlborough road, as before described,” 
