Ley Hunter - 1966 vol 2 no 3

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LEY HUNTER
Issue: Vol. 2 No.3
Date: August 1966

This issue of The Ley Hunter, a magazine dedicated to the study of ley lines, introduces its new editor, Ken Rogers, and provides an update on the publication's direction. The magazine aims to maintain the high standards set by its previous editor, Philip Heselton, while exploring the connections and distinctions between ley lines and orthoteny.

New Editor and Editorial Stance

Ken Rogers, a seventeen-year-old working for the Daily Express, takes over as editor. He is also involved with the Enfield UFO Investigation Society and the English Association of International Sky Scouts. While his initial interest in leys stemmed from their connection to UFO phenomena, he has developed a personal interest in leys themselves. The previous editor, Philip Heselton, will continue to contribute articles and is planning to publish a booklet on British leys.

The editorial emphasizes a cautious approach, aiming to keep the subject of leys separate from orthoteny unless definitively proven. The editor expresses gratitude for reader contributions and hopes for international material on leys. A significant point of interest is the potential use of the 'Titan' computer at Cambridge University to analyze ley grid-references, aiming to prove their non-random nature and uncover more accurate alignments.

"Fenland Past and Present" and Pre-Roman Roads

An article by Flight-Sergeant Michael Davidson discusses the book "Fenland. Past and Present" by Miller and Skertchley (1878). The book provides insights into the local folklore, history, and place names of the Fenland region. It suggests that a road system existed in Britain before the Roman occupation, and that many 'Woman towns' were built on earlier British or Celtic sites. The authors argue that the British were a cultured and prosperous people, evidenced by their coinage and trade with the Continent. The ease with which Caesar penetrated southern Britain and Ptolomy's mention of numerous cities are cited as support for the existence of a pre-Roman road network. The article also references old traditions that the Fosse and Icknield Ways, along with Watling and Ermine Streets, were pre-Roman, with other potential ancient routes identified.

The article further explores the possibility that land drainage schemes attributed to the Romans might have been pre-existing. It draws parallels with Greek drainage projects and suggests that technical knowledge may have been exchanged between the British and Gauls, who were known for their skill in drainage. The vastness of the Car Dyke is questioned as purely Roman work, suggesting it may have been an improvement on an existing structure. The Devils Ditch is highlighted as an impressive ancient earthwork, and its builders remain a subject of debate, with some inclining towards Saxon attribution due to battlefield findings.

A Sussex Ley Hunt

Geoffery Forrester and Nick Odell recount their ley hunting expedition in Sussex during October and November 1965. Their work involved map analysis and field investigation. They report finding a symmetrical arrangement of scotch pines in alignment with a road near Rock, and on Warren Hill, they discovered a long barrow, tumuli, and more scotch pines. A subsequent trip to Cissbury Rings allowed them to sight several leys. They also visited the Horsham parish church, noting a straight road leading to it, but found no alignment with the church itself. However, the road did align with a nearby ancient fort, which they found unusually positioned and constructed from a unique sandstone.

An editor's note apologizes for the absence of a map accompanying this article due to printing difficulties.

Stonehenge as a Prehistoric Computer

The issue touches upon the theory that Stonehenge was constructed by skilled astronomers. Alignments within the stones have been shown to correlate with eclipses and celestial body positions. Professor Fred Hoyle is cited for his work suggesting that the 56 Aubrey holes at Stonehenge could be used to predict solar and lunar eclipses, proposing Stonehenge as a giant pre-historic computer and astronomical observatory. A book titled "STONEHENGE DECODED" by Professor Gerald Hawkins is recommended for further reading.

Reader Correspondence

Letter from A. Hugh Finlay (Co. Down):
Mr. Finlay notes that Ireland also has leys, often perpetuated in place names. He questions the reliance on 'ghosties or ghoulies' to explain phenomena, advocating for scientific explanation. He discusses the mathematical article on the laws of chance in Old Straight Track volumes and poses the question of whether Atlantis has a connection to leys. He shares his experience finding leys in Co. Down, mentioning specific locations and the discovery of ancient features like a cromleck and a standing stone not marked on maps.

Letter from Dr. John Cleary-Baker (Hampshire):
Dr. Cleary-Baker provides historical details about the Church of SS. Peter and Paul at Heytesbury, correcting its age and mentioning its collegiate status and subsequent rebuilding. He also notes the presence of a Saxon church at Bishopstrow.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Ley Hunter revolve around the investigation and interpretation of ancient landscapes, particularly ley lines and prehistoric sites. There is a strong emphasis on historical research, archaeological evidence, and the potential for ancient peoples to have possessed sophisticated knowledge of astronomy and engineering. The editorial stance, as articulated by Ken Rogers, is one of cautious inquiry, seeking evidence-based explanations while remaining open to the possibility of connections between seemingly disparate phenomena like leys and UFOs. The magazine actively encourages reader participation and aims to foster a community of researchers dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of ancient Britain.