Numerous archaeologists, including many in ICOMOS who advise UNESCO, are against the A303 road proposals. One of them is Professor Mike Parker Pearson, who agreed to give us his views about the proposal.

Professor Parker Pearson is one of the world’s leading experts on Stonehenge, and Professor of British Later Prehistory at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London. He led a consortium of 22 Stonehenge specialists and academics to object to the A303 Stonehenge road scheme at the Examination and subsequently during the Redetermination process.

Together with other Archaeological organisations such as Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society and Council for British Archaeology, they presented evidence against the scheme.  Their case was upheld by the panel of Planning Inspectors, but their recommendation against the scheme was overturned by two Transport Secretaries.  The decision is being legally challenged in the Court of Appeal (15 to 17 July 2024).

1. What is Stonehenge?

Professor Parker Pearson starts off by describing the Stone Circle’s unique features and possible functions.

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2. What is so special about the Stonehenge landscape?

Professor Mike Parker Pearson details the archaeological value of the landscape where the proposed Stonehenge road would cut through.  Evidence is described of a huge Middle Bronze Age settlement constructed in c.1500 BC.  Tom Holland probes further and helps us understand why UNESCO are so concerned that they recommend placing the WHS on the List of World Heritage in Danger.  The next step would be deletion from the list of WHSs.

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3. What is wrong with the Stonehenge road scheme?

Why is Prof Mike Parker Pearson not in favour of the road scheme? Tom Holland pushes hard about mitigation.  Parker Pearson explains his concerns, and that of many other archaeologists, about the potential loss of artefacts, the problem with the sheer scale of the scheme in the landscape and the need for the whole site to be protected in perpetuity for future generations.

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