Britain's pagan past, with its astonishing number and variety of mysterious monuments, atmospheric sites, enigmatic artefacts, bloodthirsty legends and cryptic inscriptions, has always enthralled and perplexed us. 'Pagan Britain' is a history of religious beliefs from the Old Stone Age to the coming of Christianity. This ambitious book integrates the latest evidence to survey our transformed - and transforming - understanding of early religious behaviour; and, also, the way in which that behaviour has been interpreted in recent times, as a mirror for modern dreams and fears. From the Palaeolithic era to the coming of Christianity and beyond, Hutton reveals the long development, rapid suppression and enduring cultural significance of paganism. Woven into the chronological narrative are numerous case studies of sacred sites both well-known - Stonehenge, Avebury, Seahenge and Maiden Castle - and more unusual far-flung locations across the mainland and coastal islands.

Print version record.

The Palaeolithic and Mesolithic: how ritual came to Britain -- The earlier Neolithic: a craze for monuments -- The late Neolithic and early Bronze Age: the time of the sacred circle -- Late prehistory: earthworks, pits and bones -- The Roman impact: temples, statues and inscriptions -- The conversion to Christianity: a clash of religions, a blend of religions -- The legacy of British paganism.

Includes bibliographical references and index.