Itinerarium curiosum (centuria I)

Name: Itinerarium curiosum (centuria I)
Author: William Stukeley

By William Stukeley

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Archaeology & Anthropology History - British Travel Writing

About This Book

The author records a series of travel itineraries across Britain, offering firsthand descriptions of antiquities, natural curiosities, and local monuments illustrated with engraved plates. The narrative blends concise site reports, sketches of observations, and reflections on antiquarian method, emphasizing direct inspection over compiling others' accounts. Prefatory remarks invite readers to pursue further local research and correspondence, while practical plates and appended indexes serve as field aids for travelers and antiquaries. The tone alternates between personal travel notes and systematic cataloguing, with many entries presented as memorandum-like prompts for deeper inquiry.

About the Author

William Stukeley

William Stukeley (1687–1765) was an English antiquarian and physician, best known for his pioneering studies of prehistoric monuments in Britain. His works, including "Stonehenge, a Temple Restor'd to the British Druids," reflect his deep interest in the ancient Druids and their religious practices. Stukeley's detailed observations and illustrations contributed significantly to the understanding of megalithic structures and their cultural significance. He also authored "Abury, A Temple of the British Druids, With Some Others, Described," where he explored the ceremonial landscape of Avebury. His writings blend archaeology, history, and philosophy, marking him as a notable figure in the early development of archaeology as a discipline.