234 EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS. 



A comparison of the size of the two amphitheatres will be 

 interesting. The outside dimensions of the great embankment 

 at Maumbury are approximately 345ft. on the long axis 

 (N.N.E. to S.S.W.) and 333ft. transversely. The diameters, 

 measuring from crest to crest of the embankment, are about 

 296ft. and 277ft. respectively ; whereas the longer axis of the 

 Caerleon amphitheatre is about 274ft., and the shorter 226ft. 

 (measured from the outer -walls). Last year we ascertained 

 that the length of the oval arena at Maumbury was 196ft., 

 measured from the rounding-off of the arena- wall at the 

 northern entrance to the most southerly point, excluding the 

 floor of the " den," but coming up to its northern or arena 

 margin. This measurement included the area covered by the 

 " inner trench " ; but if that trench at the N. entrance is 

 excluded the measurement is 192' 5ft. (As yet the inner 

 trench has not been traced on either side of the den.) It is 

 doubtful, therefore, if the length of the arena-floor within the 

 inner trench will reach 190ft. Judging by the excavation of 

 Cutting XX. this year, on the W. side of the arena, the 

 transverse axis of the arena-floor, within the inner trench, may 

 prove to be about 157ft.* The arena at Caerleon is said 

 to be about 204ft. by 156ft. 



As director of the excavations, I had the pleasure of con- 

 tinuing the work at Maumbury this year from August 26th to 

 September 24th (the filling-in being completed on October 8th). 

 The sub-Committee, consisting of Dr. H. Colley March, Captain 

 J. E. Acland, Mr. C. S. Prideaux, the Rev. C. W. Whistler, and 

 Mr. W. de C. Prideaux, as last year, rendered me most valuable 

 support. Their friendly criticism and suggestions were always 

 helpful, and their assistance in the general organisation of the 

 investigations and supervision of the workmen was valued by 

 nobody more than myself. In thanking them all, I should like 



* Since this report was written I am informed by Captain Acland that 

 "it is believed, from a trial cutting made under the eastern bank (after the 

 director left the excavations, and when the filling-in was in progress) that the 

 total width of the solid floor is 155ft." 



