The West Kennet Long Barrow is a Neolithic tomb or burial mound located near Avebury in Wiltshire, England. It is part of the Avebury World Heritage Site, which includes the famous Avebury Stone Circle. The West Kennet Long Barrow is one of the largest and most well-preserved chambered long barrows in Britain.

Key features and information about the West Kennet Long Barrow:

1. Location:
   • The West Kennet Long Barrow is situated on a ridge of the Marlborough Downs, about one mile south of Avebury, a Neolithic henge monument.
2. Construction Date:
   • The long barrow was built during the Neolithic period, around 3650 BCE, making it over 5,000 years old.
3. Structure:
   • The West Kennet Long Barrow is a long, rectangular mound with two pairs of opposing ditches flanking its sides. The mound is approximately 100 meters (328 feet) in length and is oriented east-west.
4. Chambers:
   • The barrow contains five chambers accessed by a central passage. These chambers were used for burial purposes and are made of large sarsen stones. The chambers were likely used for communal burials over an extended period.
5. Construction Materials:
   • The long barrow was constructed using massive sarsen stones for the chambers and dry chalk walling for the mound.
6. Excavations:
   • Extensive excavations of the West Kennet Long Barrow were carried out in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These excavations revealed the remains of at least 46 individuals, along with artifacts such as pottery and stone tools.
7. Ritual Use:
   • The long barrow is believed to have had both practical and ritualistic purposes. While it served as a burial site, the communal nature of the burials and the careful construction of the chambers suggest a significant ritual aspect.
8. Alignment:
   • The entrance passage of the barrow is aligned with the summer solstice sunrise, indicating a possible astronomical significance.
9. Restoration:
   • The West Kennet Long Barrow underwent restoration in the 20th century to stabilize the structure and protect it from further erosion.
10. Accessibility:
    • The West Kennet Long Barrow is a popular archaeological site and is accessible to the public. Visitors can explore the chambers and passage, gaining insights into Neolithic burial practices.
11. Avebury Landscape:
    • The West Kennet Long Barrow is part of the broader Avebury Landscape, which includes Avebury Stone Circle, Silbury Hill, and other ancient monuments. This landscape reflects the cultural and spiritual significance of the area during the Neolithic period.

The West Kennet Long Barrow is an important archaeological site that contributes to our understanding of Neolithic burial practices, architecture, and the spiritual beliefs of the people who lived in the region over five millennia ago.