Maud Cunnington

Maud Cunnington

It is best known for its excavations of several major prehistoric sites on Salisbury Plain.
Date of Birth: 24.09.1869
Country: Great Britain

Content:
  1. Margaret E. Cunnington: The Pioneer of Wiltshire Archaeology
  2. Early Life and Education
  3. Archaeological Career
  4. Knap Hill: The first known causewayed enclosure
  5. Legacy and Honors

Margaret E. Cunnington: The Pioneer of Wiltshire Archaeology

Margaret E. Cunnington, née Pegge, was a pioneering British archaeologist known for her groundbreaking excavations of prehistoric monuments on the Salisbury Plain.

Early Life and Education

Born into a family of physicians, Margaret was the daughter of Charles Pegge, head physician of Vernon House, Wales. She received a brief education at Cheltenham Ladies' College. In 1889, she married Ben Cunnington, an archaeologist and curator of the Devizes Museum.

Archaeological Career

From 1897 onwards, Cunnington dedicated her life to "rescue archaeology," excavating sites under threat of demolition. Among her notable discoveries were:

Knap Hill: The first known causewayed enclosure

All Cannings Cross: An Iron Age settlement
West Kennett Long Barrow: A neolithic long barrow
Figsbury Ring: An Iron Age hill fort
Woodhenge: A late Neolithic henge monument

The Sanctuary: A forgotten prehistoric site rediscovered by Cunnington

Her contributions to British archaeology earned her the title of "the mother of Wiltshire archaeology."

Legacy and Honors

In 1931, Cunnington was elected President of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society. In 1948, she became the first female archaeologist to receive the Order of the British Empire for her services to archaeology. However, she never learned of this honor due to her declining health.

Despite suffering from Alzheimer's disease in her later years, Cunnington left a lasting legacy. She donated much of her property, valued at £14,000, to the Wiltshire Heritage Museum, ensuring the preservation of her archaeological findings for future generations.

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