Only one stone, known as "Adam", remains
standing and even in
William Stukeley's time (early 18th century) there was little evidence on the surface of the avenue. The other stones were probably broken up and sold by local landowners in the post-medieval era.
Excavations by the
University of Southampton in 2000, however, revealed the parallel rows of holes that held the stones. of the avenue was uncovered and indicated that the avenue consisted of a double row of stones placed at intervals in a similar pattern to those at
Kennet Avenue. Stukeley's theory was that the two avenues were part of a giant 'snake' winding across the landscape with its head at
The Sanctuary and also incorporating the Avebury monument. The avenue may have originally extended further past the Longstones, with Adam being part of the '
cove', or standing stone arrangement, sited along its course. "Eve" is a known part of the avenue leading back to the western gateway of the
henge, which included what is now the village high street. ==Earlier history==