William Stukeley – Saviour of Stonehenge

The HPA received an invitation to a very special event this week down at beautiful Hartland Abbey, which is a key attraction for this area. It was a preview of the new exhibition which opened on 9th June, called William Stukeley – Saviour of Stonehenge.

An 18th century ancestor of the Stucley family, William Stukeley was best known for saving Stonehenge and Avebury from ‘stonekillers’, destroyers of ancient neolithic monuments which form a vital part of our heritage. So, it is wonderful to think that Hartland has these amazing links.

Stukeley was rather accomplished, typical of the Enlightenment: a physician, a Druid, vicar, antiquarian, archaeologist, artist, architect, writer, poet, musician, numismatist, cosmologist, traveller, and friend of Sir Isaac Newton, Edmund Halley and many others. Obviously, he didn’t have housework to do!! Apparently, though, he was the first person to write of Sir Isaac Newton’s discovery of gravity through the falling apple scenario.

Entry to the exhibition is free to visitors who have purchased tickets to the house and gardens at Hartland Abbey.

The Exhibition was officially opened by Robin Makeig-Jones, Commercial Director of North Devon Plus, with an excellent speech delivered by Lady Angela Stucley. For those who can access Facebook there are more photos here.