HEGALITHIC HEMAIXS AT POXWELL, DORSET. 57 



that of Hutcliins, which is subjoined in a note* is exceedingly 

 accurate, and will apply to its present condition, excepting with 

 regard to the " four stones at 200 yards distance " above noted, 

 and the almost complete disappearance of the "ditch." 



With reference to the question whether the Poxwell circle is 

 sepulchral or sacrificial it is probable that a slight excavation 

 of the centre, carefully made, would settle the point. Mr. 

 Dunkin suggests this in the paper above quoted. It is believed 

 that no such excavation has ever been made, and as it could be 

 effected without in any way destroying the external appearance 

 of the circle it is hoped that the owner's consent may be 

 obtained some day to carry out this interesting and, from an 

 antiquarian point of view, important work. 



*A quarter of a mile S.E. of Poxwell House, near to the great road to 

 Weymouth. are 15 stones ranged in a circular form ; one or two seem ini.-s- 

 ing on the N.W. where, perhaps, was the entrance. Some of them are 

 quite level with, and some but little above the surface of the ground ; two 

 of them, on the S.W. above two feet, and broad, some scarce a feot high. 

 They are all extremely old, rough, and ii regular, and full of holes worn by 

 the weather. They stand on a lump, round which are the remains of a 

 small ditch, and are four yards and a half in diameter. Eight or nine paces 

 from this circle are three or four erect stones, which seem the remains of 

 another circle. About 200 yards distance on the N.E. and E. are four 

 pretty large stones which perhaps formed another larger circle, or an 

 avenue to the former." 



