'Beyond the Stones' : 35th Anniversary of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site

Wessex Archaeology, with support from the @nationaltrustcharity, have made their first feature-length documentary called ‘Beyond the Stones’ which celebrates the 35th anniversary of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site.
‘Beyond the Stones’ focuses on our connection to the World Heritage Site landscape through people, communities, and journeys - both now and in the past. We’ll explore what we can learn from more recent excavations within the Stonehenge landscape at sites like Bulford and Larkhill with special contributions from the Wessex Archaeology experts who excavated the sites. Known heritage assets from the World Heritage Site will also be explored with specialists from the National Trust.
We’re excited to showcase the film as part of this year’s Festival of Archaeology with this KZbin livestream for wider audiences and a special premiere to be held at the historic Barn in Avebury Henge this summer.
Immersive, evocative, and accessible, ‘Beyond the Stones’ will be available across different platforms, advertised by both Wessex Archaeology and The National Trust and will be used as an educational resource for years to come.
Become a Patron of Wessex Archaeology!
You can now support our channel by joining one of our tiers and in return you can be part of our private Discord to converse with fellow Patrons and let us know what videos you would like to see more of: / wessexarch
@nationaltrustcharity

[@archaeologists]

We're now on Patreon! www.patreon.com/Wessexarch To ensure our KZbin site is sustainable, and to fund new content, we are asking for your support. As an educational charity our aim is to make all our content freely available, so everyone can have the opportunity to learn, but documentary videos are expensive. By supporting us on Patreon, you are helping to make sure our content grows and is available for all. All contributions are very welcome, any amount you can provide will go a long way. Thank you so much!

[@elizabethfrance3237]

P

[@meredithbrennan2921]

@@elizabethfrance3237 qaauh 1

[@katerinakemp5701]

Our own living megalithic, the indomitable uncle Phil.

[@thescarletgraywitch8052]

😂😂 classic response!!

[@jrhpng]

He's a national treasure, and I'm from NZ

[@dnbbaby3472]

such a Legend

[@deborahdauray8933]

Just love Phil

[@alifesh]

This channel is very undersubed!

[@mkilner]

So Great to hear Phil!!! Magic

[@kurtbogle2973]

When I see that Phil is a part of the project I'm sure I'm going to learn something. There's a lot of magnetism to a person who loves his work. Phils enthusiasm is contagious!

[@spacelemur7955]

As a geographer, Phil's ability to read the side of a trench is impressive. He has a great eye for what is there to be seen. I came late to TT, but have caught up. Stewart's landscape reading is also first-rate.

[@larryzigler6812]

When I see a project of this nature on KZbin with or without Phil I know I'm going to learn something.

[@ici_coop]

We adore Phil Harding 🪨 what a National treasure. It would be so awesome if @wessexarchaeology & @nationaltrustcharity would do a series of him redigging some of his favorite locations. Maybe in association with @timeteam productions? With today’s technology they would be a blast to rediscover further.

[@rsguastalla5370]

Estás equivocada no dice la verdad ellos creen que fueron humanos lo que construyeron el Stonehenge nooooo por Dios tanto verso irreal ningun humano construyó los Stonehenge de tifo el Mundo en Peru hay muchos en Tafi Del Valle Tucumán Argentina hay otro Señores dejen de hacer Videos todos malos todos con mentiras y reales señores les digo quien hizo eso lo hizo en la luna cuando fue atrapada por la tierra como puede haber tanta ignorancia la luna partió la pantalla un divorciara creo todos los desiertos del mundo de Mongolia Alicia Jara ha hecho volar por millones de años Piedras porque fíjense esa piedra que ustedes están ahí parados es una piedra que le atrajo la luna de qué hablan no se dan cuenta lo que hubo millones de piedras lava volando por todo el mundo Los muelles de la isla de Pascua es lo mismo que ustedes están haciendo ahí es lo mismo nada más que no estallaron los modificaron lo llevaron de un lugar a otro aparte en esa época como dice la NASA o gravedad cero está marcado en un lago seco de Estados Unidos como la Luna atraía las piedras el bamboleo la tierra que produjo la luna de Costa Rica desde el mundo pero también hay en Honduras en El Salvador donde los indios ya han hecho una caricatura declaras bien la luna también probé y yo de todos los bloques y para construir la pirámide Diego cortador que puedo mostrar que hay montañas enterar que la luna desarmó con su paso de a poco miraba cuando realmente había una diferencia de de altura por eso el ojo del carajo está en una depresión entienden nada por favor llámenme Y no sigan haciendo estos Videos por favor bórrelo porque es información falsa

[@zelly8163]

Seeing Phil again is like bumping into an ol' friend and he is still wearing of his famous hat! Oh and is that a sacred piece of flint I see Phil?

[@gabe1ist]

The fact that Phil Harding is over 70 years old blows my mind. His energy is astounding.

[@bigbensarrowheadchannel2739]

I'd giveaway my pension for a guided tour of ancient England with Phil Harding. What a gentleman and a scholar. His passion for the soil is second to none.

[@lanadellhatestheclock3325]

I heard his voice and cheered!

[@monicacall7532]

Can you imagine how fantastic a tour with Phil would be? Between his incredible experience and knowledge of archeology and his delightful personality a tour to various archeological sites that he’s worked on with him as the leader/teacher would be a once in a lifetime experience. It’s too bad that Wessex Archeology doesn’t actually do something like that. I’d pay big bucks AND fly to England to do so. Knowing how many Time Team groupies Phil has I’m sure that a lot of other folks in the UK and abroad would sign up too. Go Phil!!!

[@l.anng.4054]

I'll come with you.

[@robertwalker951]

Bigger than his passion for a nasel hair trimmer yuk !!!!!!!

[@rcgmpearson]

You’d likely get a tour of the best Pubs in the evening too

[@POGGIOALSERE]

If Phil is in it ….I will watch it! Hands-down !

[@carolmckissock8366]

Phil Harding is such a treasure . His knowledge, his experience and understanding of prehistory just astounds. Thank you Wessex archaeology for this wonderful program.

[@williambulmer6389]

We should petition to the Honours Committee to get him a knighthood.

[@fruitytea]

Wonderful! Well presented by the red-haired lady. Great to see Dr Phil! The legend continues.

[@SandraNelson063]

I am ditheringly delighted to see that our Dr. Phil is part of a dig that will bring him so much joy. Flint is beautiful!

[@Watcher1852]

HOW GREAT IT WAS TO SEE PHIL H AGAIN, GREAT SHOW THANK YOU ALL

[@KernowekTim]

Many thanks to Emma Carter, who provided us with some fantastic hosting. This programme would not have been as good without her. Bravo indeed. Cheers W A. Fantastic through-out!

[@lanadellhatestheclock3325]

Fabulous to see Phil! ❤️

[@oldschoolman1444]

Great to see Phil, always love his enthusiasm!

[@jenniferlaurensmom]

No one loves his work more than Phil

[@Teresa-ih4sn]

Phil !!! So good to see you! Very much missed!

[@Tysto]

“…when i started my career 50 years ago.” My god, that seems impossible. So nice to see Phil.

[@evaguthridge2160]

I've been a Time Team fan from across the pond for years and it's so good see my old Uncle Phil again!!!Thanks KZbin!!!!

[@rick7043]

Phil's enthusiasm is contagious

[@cyndiknapp4904]

A joy to see and hear from Dr. Harding. I could listen to him for hours...his enthusiasm draws you in.

[@tomaszsuchecki1779]

There are Playlists of Classic TimeTeam cause of our love for Professor Mick and Uncle Phil

[@williamjeffersonclinton69]

Been watching 2 or 3 episodes of Time Team a day. Phil is a treasure to the world.

[@RobBoudreau]

Very well done. Informative, visually captivating, all around just brilliant. I do have to say, "Weathering well Phil, weathering well." Great to see Phil still at it and just as enthusiastic as ever.

[@Ck-zk3we]

I agree

[@janielaurel]

And still with the ratty leather hat. I love consistency in Phil. He will *never* change. :)

[@juliaforsyth8332]

@@janielaurel Everyone needs a ratty hat, just to piss people off with!

[@Gremriel]

I could listen to Phil for hours.

[@steviez110]

What a fantastic informative film with the ever knowledable Dr Phil Harding and his love of flint

[@lisarivera4422]

I could listen to Phil for hours. ❤️💕

[@makinitsch9113]

Phil is the best ! When he talks, he captures your attention! Bravo!!

[@railiedouglas3018]

How wonderful to have Phil Harding describing the Bulford site. So pleased to see him again.

[@marcelovolcato8892]

We all need to find something to love just like Phil loves old stones.

[@TheDailyWitch]

Love seeing Phil. He is so inspiring, and still loves what he does even 50+ years on.

[@CPT_ERBZ420]

Such a natural teacher I came here because of Phil. Time Team and Phil has taught me so much about roman times. Stay classy Phil

[@teriwood9657]

Phil's passion is so magnetic. I so love watching anything he is part of. What a great personality and special man.

[@melindadussault7622]

So nice to see Phil again. Keep going Phil.

[@christenneson8162]

Phil's love of pre-historic is so infectious. Could listen to him forever.

[@kailand3056]

Thank you for a very interesting program - the thumbnail of Phil Harding really drew me into watching it because he’s such a superstar!

[@OLD_CROW]

Always fun not only to hear Phil's take on the archaeology, but to also just hear him speak.

[@thespian1961]

Ahhhhrrrr.

[@annazaman9657]

Love Phil's enthusiasm

[@adriaank75]

We all love Phil! He's the reason I clicked on this video...and he didn't disappoint ;-) Great video, thanks for posting!

[@MrWompz]

I'll be the 1000th person to say it. People like Phil are such a treasure in his field, and for the world. His enthusiasm for archaeology and history is so infectious.

[@xr6lad]

Nice to see Phil. Lot of respect for him and the ORIGINAL Time Team members and it’s nice to see them still working out there.

[@kerryburns6041]

"....the ORIGINAL Time Team members," I too rather miss that irritating little twit.

[@RICDirector]

Not sure you could stop any of 'em with a stone ax....!

[@vistaverde77]

Great to see Phil again… immersed as usual!

[@erinobrien8408]

Brilliant video! Phil Harding is a world treasure and we've all been so fortunate to have learned so much from him. I've taken up knapping flint and the plentiful obsidian we have here in NW Washington state, between 2 volcanoes, Mts Rainier and Baker.

[@NatsAstrea]

It's great to binge-watch Time Team, and come up to date with Beyond the Stones, and see how Phil's understanding increased enormously over the digs (there's nothing like experience, is there?). His enthusiasm is and has been fantastic, and his ability to explain to other people why he's excited, and what's going on, has improved enormously, too! Rock On, Phil!

[@Jordan_Starr]

Totally agree. Revisiting Time team has been one of the only things that's helped relieve my anxiety and insomnia each night for the last year. But seeing Phil in something new.. a documentary about such an iconic historical monument, AND he has so much experience and knowledge about this whole area - it's just so comforting and wholesome. I would give anything to spend a day listening to him talk about this stuff. His enthusiasm and passion are my safe place :)

[@justexactlyperfectbrothersband]

Great to see Phil is still as perky as ever!

[@lisamoore6804]

It was so nice seeing Phil on here.

[@monicadarrah8425]

Wonderful show! And so happy to see Phil is just as excited and informative as always!❤️

[@lilyrain7584]

Ahhh anything with Dr. Phil Harding is a treasure, he is such a shining star and "absolutely fabulous"! The video is amazing, well done you!!! Love from the U.S. midwest!

[@thedrunkenelf]

Seeing Phil Harding is like the superhero appearing in the film you weren't expecting. Like omg its him? Its REALLY him?

[@georgiewalker1069]

What a privilege to meet Phil. His knowledge is phenomenal. A very interesting episode. Thank you from South Africa

[@richardmaddock147]

Wonderful stuff AND the incomparable Phil Harding. Many thanks.

[@brigittelazarko9754]

Greetings from Canada! As someone who discovered Time Team in the last year through KZbin, it was an absolute joy to see Phil again. This program was incredibly well done and I hope some day to visit the site. I hope there are more to come!

[@kvppvk]

I am also watching this in Canada but I grew up near here … and am fast becoming homesick!

[@margaretwebster2516]

Lovely Phil, I'll never forget when The Time time were excavating at Castleford. They came to our Archy club at Pontefract to meet the Young Archaeologists.

[@marysweeney7370]

I recently discovered it too. Phil and the rest of the wonderful cast got me through some difficult times during the pandemic.

[@hachwarwickshire292]

Didn't they show Time Team in Canada ? These are part of the history of most Canadians, prior to moving there.

[@brigittelazarko9754]

@@hachwarwickshire292 we don’t! I found it through KZbin and watched the UK episodes!

[@belbrighton6479]

❤️Phil Harding. I really enjoyed visiting the site and I think after this brilliant documentary I will be back this year.

[@deborahpetith8710]

Phil it's great to see you doing what you love, it shows. I used to watch Time Team and missed seeing you all. Blessed be.♥️♥️♥️

[@helenel4126]

I was fortunate to be able to visit this area twice, in 1975 and in 2005. The enormity of the effort expended by the Neolithic people to dig the ditches, mound the earth, and erect the stones has always astonished and awed me. I'm glad it's preserved for the ages. Being an avid Time Team viewer for decades, it was a delight to see and hear Phil again.

[@helenchappell6502]

Phil is an International treasure

[@nicolemurdoch]

I would love to see more phil! His passion for history is infectious! Could you imagine a full length grimes graves with him?!

[@MonaM204]

Watching from Canada with goosebumps and thoroughly overwhelmed. Teared up when Phil walked into West Kennet Long Barrow. I visited these places once in 2019 and they've changed me forever. I dream of one day returning and walking in the footsteps of the ancestors once more. What a dream it would be to live in this place surrounded by this landscape.

[@schoolingdiana9086]

Excellent! And beautiful presentation, too. Realized after I clicked on it that I’d click on anything that has Uncle Phil in it, or as my middle son just said, “the guy with the hat.” 😂 Edit: Holy smokes! This was an hour??? It felt like 30 minutes, max.

[@shariwelch8760]

Yay it's Phil!

[@GeneralLeia]

What a wonderful program!!! Thank you so much for the amazing production - seeing Phil and hearing his voice was such a lovely addition: “archaeology is all about people” - he is an inspiration! ❤️

[@spikewillow4552]

Fantastic video ! Id love to have a pint or 3 with Phil he is a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for sharing 🤘

[@lynleygilchrist7703]

I love how much enthusiasm & love there is for Dr Harding- who shall forever be to Time Team aficionados the world over as simply our delightful Phil- in the comments section. A truly fitting epithet for such an incredibly intelligent, humble man, that he is so beloved for his willingness to share the font of his knowledge & passion with people all over the world and be utterly beloved for it ❤

[@Blisterdude123]

I could listen to Phil talk about rocks and stones till human civilisation crumbles back into them.

[@bosse641]

Good to see Phil again. Have been watching Time Team since the early years. Love that series.

[@kathmarie8541]

Such an informative program! Well done! And WELL DONE PHIL. Sharing your wisdom with us is a treasure! Love from Canada

[@chrisforrest9482]

At the moment I'm at a loss for words except to say this was just beautiful. A wonderful, wonderful video that was beautiful to watch, and amazingly informative. I thought this would be familiar territory, but I have learned so much more. And now I know to look at the whole area as one piece; an interconnected story about people. I'm going to be watching this video a lot becase there is too much to assimilate in one or two sittings. Thank you Wessex. You've got another feather in your already loaded cap. 😊🤠

[@michaelschuenemann3505]

Yes - and they Blown Up the Georgia Guidestones Monument last Month - it was Spectacular !!!!

[@richardellis1141]

Re your first nine words. "You don't 'sound' it! " Seriously, everybody with any interest at all in Neolithic etc British Isles should watch.

[@chrisforrest9482]

@@richardellis1141 Dear Richard, you have no idea what a "yentah" I am, and on a subject I enjoy... stand back!😂Anyway, I agree whole heartedly with you when you say that anyone with the least intrest in Neolithic Britain, or indeed ANY sort of British history, should tune in to what Wessex Archaeology has to offer. An absolutely great organization, and no... I don't work for them. I'n just a very happy fan. 😄🤠

[@archaeologists]

We hope you've enjoyed our premiere celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site! If you fancy a more hands-on experience, we'll be showing screenings of this film throughout the week in the Avebury Barn coupled with recreations of artefacts from the Amesbury Archer throughout the week. We hope to see you there!

[@spreston1996]

This was amazing!

[@GeneralLeia]

I learned so much! Thank you 😊

[@beckroberts8810]

As a long-time lover of archeology and someone who just discovered Time Team last year, Phil Harding is everything that I would have loved to have been as a professional archeologist. I love his passion, his detail for those of us who are learning and his kindness in sharing. I'll never see these sites in person so thank you Phil Harding for being the best tour guide and teacher ever.

[@garygarry]

great work, great team of experts, fine presenter too

[@czgator9000]

Hey Phil! It's great to see you!

[@peterhudson4027]

Thank you so much, I really enjoyed this. School books in my childhood depicted Neolithic people as hairy, primitive, dressed in raggedy animal skins and hacking at mammoth carcasses with stone axes. Videos like this make it clear that they must have had a sophisticated and stable social organisation. They must have had a language with the richness of vocabulary and complexity to communicate and organise and plan. They divided labour. They traded. They built things for the future. Within the bounds of their technical knowledge they decorated and made things of art and beauty. They were us, but a long time ago.

[@ipakoho4446]

New Time Team isnt same without Phil Harding.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Yeah, it's the new "politically correct, totally lacking talent" crew 👍😩

[@Fragrant_Digits]

@@edwardfletcher7790 This is really sad to hear.

[@RKHageman]

@@Fragrant_Digits It’s also completely untrue- he’s wildly exaggerating. A few of the current team are new, but the core of the current team are part of the original team: Carenza Lewis, John Gater, Stewart Ainsworth, Helen Geake, Matt Williams, Henry Chapman, Naomi Sewpaul, Jenni Butterworth, Brigid Gallagher, Raysan Al-Kubaisi (both participating from NZ), Dani Wootton, Jim Mower, and more. And, of course, Tim Taylor is still at the helm producing the series and selecting the crew.

[@RKHageman]

@@edwardfletcher7790 That’s a lie.

[@mkarnaze3689]

I understand these are great people in their fields.....but I agree. Without Phil and Tony, it just isn't as interesting or fun. I'm trying to like it for the educational value, but it is a struggle to do so.

[@juliegarrett8389]

What a magnificent production! And it's so wonderful to see the incredible Phil Harding still at it. 💖💖 I have been lucky enough, many years ago, to visit Stonehenge back when it was just a site in a field that anyone could visit and climb on, and again just a couple of years ago to visit the amazing visitor centre there now. Unfortunately I didn't have enough time in the area to visit the museums and the other wonderful sites. Still, it's one of my favourite parts of the world!

[@eilrobichaud]

Great to see Phil is still as enthusiastic as ever! Enthusiasm is infectious!

[@amykortuem5554]

Wonderful - thank you. I’m a long-time Time Team fan. It was so good to see Phil and learn from him again.

[@jeanettemoon472]

This was absolutely fascinating. I especially loved seeing Phil Harding again. His enthusiasm for archeology and flint in particular, is inspiring. I learned things about this area that I had not known before. This documentary was exceptionally well done and brilliantly produced. Thank you.

[@kjbova]

So good to hear and see Phil again. Wish we could see him dig. Nothing better than seeing him find a piece of flint.

[@spacecowboy2k]

On my bucket list is to meet and buy a pint for ol' St. Phil.

[@maggiebrinkley4760]

To misquote the great CLR James (and Kipling): 'What do they know of Stonehenge who only Stonehenge know?' What a fascinating, informative programme! Lovely to see Phil Harding, too, just as inspiring and enthusiastic as ever!

[@jenniferlevine5406]

Fantastic documentary. Wonderful to get caught up on such amazing history and filled in on all the recent work. I loved seeing Phil!

[@kindcounselor]

Phil is an important part of my life. So good to see him again.

[@dennisnicholson952]

Incredible and magnificent sites; seeing them shows just how strongly connected to the land people were back then. It was nice to see Mr. Phil and hear his insightful comments about what he thought of it all and some of the artifacts that he had found.

[@paulblock2332]

After a tricky start, I warmed to the flame-haired presenter. Always great to see Dr Harding. Over all, this is a compelling and hugely worthy film. I've been to all these places and they still bring up a sense of pride in what my ancestors achieved in these green islands in the grey North Sea. Too, the production quality is way up there and brings to the ringside seat the majesty and daring of those times. Many thanks to everyone for putting this together.

[@lnbjr7]

An incredible production! I especially enjoyed Dr Phil Harding’s contributions!

[@lisaenglert3202]

Honestly, I would watch anything with Tony, Phil or Mick! Legends all. Many enjoyable hours spent learning from them.

[@littlesth0b0]

When you listen to someone with huge amounts of knowledge on a subject it can get dull, but listening to Phil and Nick talk you can feel their passion for the topic and it really comes across - no errs or umms, they want to share what they find exciting about this fascinating monument and I love it. Thanks to everyone involved in this, you're very groovy individuals.

[@karenglenn6707]

I know that everyone has already said it, but how wonderful is it to hear Phil’s voice again. His enthusiasm never wanes and he is an amazing source of knowledge. When you’ve watched someone for so many years on a wonderful tv show such as a time Team, you feel like you know these people, and of course the brilliant Professor Mick Aston, who I miss to this day. We’ve sadly lost Mick, Victor and Robin Bush but we still have Phil. Just wish we saw and heard more from him, his voice is like music to my ears. Thank you for this from Australia 🇦🇺

[@ashleysmith3106]

Wonderful to see (and hear) Phil again !! Would love to see you here in Australia (Land of innumerable Knapped Flints ) !

[@nolasmith7687]

Hi Ashley… where are you finding good flint here in Oz? I’m on the east coast and would love to get my hands on some.

[@AlexJacksonSmith]

The passion and enthusiasm of Phil is just contagious. I was out of the UK for the entire time of time team and never saw it real time. He is so important to gaining the feel of archeology and its relevance to anthropology. "My site" is just classic Phil... get out my trench comes to mind. :) A.,

[@abstractdream001]

Phil sharing his own "mother flint" with us was a delight and an honor. Phil made this MORE than a documentary. I hope, in some small way, he understands how important viewing these sights from his eyes is in making pre-history come alive.

[@ruthcarter8895]

Excellently done, Wessex Archeology, thank you so much!👍🏼

[@susanwestern6434]

Excellent film. Beautiful photography. The explanation of the wider landscape was fascinating. Including Bulford was interesting. My father did military training at Bulford Camp in the 1930s. It was lovely to see Phil Harding again. I watched Time Team from the beginning when it first aired. I think there was a programme called Timelines when the valley in Devon, which became the Roadford Reservoir, was recorded. I believe Phil Harding was involved with that. He is always so infectiously enthusiastic.

[@maureenjamieson6223]

Time team was my covid escape! Love Phil, his laugh was infectious and a joy to listen to! His enthusiasm for his craft was amazing.

[@tkgsingsct]

SO wonderful to see Phil Harding involved! I love his philosophy and his heart, his passion for archeology is infectious ❤

[@juliemyers8869]

Phil is our national treasure, his knowledge is pure gold , would love to spend an hour in his company, what an education that would be

[@christinemccomb1773]

He enjoys this so much! It's a pleasure to watch him.

[@johndoubleu5942]

Love hearing from Phil Harding!

[@melissaegbertson9100]

Congratulations to all the creators of this beautiful documentary- I am very proud to be a contributor!

[@diananelson3702]

50 years of digging and still so much enthusiasm. I loved Avebury.

[@sarahwatts7152]

I love the moment when Dr. Nick Snashall just casually takes the mace head out of their pocket. What an awesome thing! Everyone included has obvious passion for the subject and so completely hooked me. Just lovely!

[@carolbrooks5224]

Missing the whole gang from Time Team, I go back and rewatch all the episodes over and over.

[@jasonwillette6180]

That was beautiful and fun the entire way! Brilliant storytelling with such animated, intelligent, and dedicated, people.

[@JimTheDruid-db3ok]

I visited Avebury twice while in England a few years back. I was so impressed I had a 38 foot diameter stone circle constructed on my land out of stones that come up to my chin. Giggling at what the experts say about it in 1000 years. My contractor and I had a blast arranging it all.

[@rhysatiynr]

Emma did a great job of presenting, but as everyone is commenting - you can’t beat the magnetic charm of Phil. He’s a real treasure. I could listen to him for hours!

[@Afro408]

Great Doco Emma and Wessex Archaeology. 👍👏👏👏😁 The ‘three stones grouping’ speak to me as representing cooking stones, as you need a minimum of three stones to sit your cooking pot on, over a fire and the hearth is still the centre of every home.