The Y and Z holes are concentric circular holes 11m and 3.7m respectively outside the Sarsen Circle. These circles are considered to be contemporary on the basis of morphology and alignment. The Y Holes have no stratigraphic relationship with any other part of the Monument, although the Z Holes can be shown to be later than the Sarsen Circle since two of the holes cut erection ramps of stones from this setting.

Three samples were analysed from a pile of antlers deposited on the base of Y Hole 30, and one from Z Hole 29. These antlers are different from those used to dig the main Ditch because they do not seem to have been modified as tools. Instead they may be a `structured deposit' equivalent to those on the base of the main Ditch. The radiocarbon results from Y Hole 30 seem to support this hypothesis since UB-3824 is statistically significantly older than the other two samples (Ward and Wilson 1978).

Analysis of the results provides a best estimate for the date of the construction of the Y Holes is 1640 - 1520 cal BC. Given the archaeological arguments for the contemporaneity of the two circles and the curation demonstrated in Y Hole 30, the date from the Z Hole (2030 - 1740 cal BC) can only be regarded as a terminus post quem for these holes (see probability distributions).

One result has been rejected on technical grounds (rejected result).

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