A Bronze age skeleton of a child has become the most important find to date by archaeologists digging at a little known henge near Devizes.

The 4,000-year-old skeleton was found lying in a foetal position and wearing an amber necklace by a team from the University of Reading excavating at Marden Henge and the adjoining Wilsford Henge.

Archaeologist Dr Jim Leary said: "It is a wonderful discovery. Finds from the first five weeks of the dig were exciting - but as so often during excavations the best is revealed last.

"Scientific analysis will provide information on the gender of the child, diet, pathologies and date of burial.

"It may also shed light on where this young individual had lived."

The three year Vale of Pewsey dig is a partnership between the University of Reading, Historic England, the Arts and Humanities Research Council and Wiltshire Museum.

The aim is to gain a better understanding of the people who lived in the areas surrounding Stonehenge.

During the last six weeks the team has focused on Marden henge and Wilsford henge.

Built in 2,400 BC, Marden henge is the largest prehistoric monument of its kind in the country.

Duncan Wilson, of Historic England, said: "Bigger than Avebury, 10 times the size of Stonehenge and halfway between the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Sites, comparatively little is known about this fascinating and ancient landscape.

"The work will help Historic England focus on identifying sites for protection and improved management, as well as adding a new dimension to our understanding of this important archaeological environment."

Two weeks ago Dr Leary even before the skeleton was found Dr Leary said Marden Henge could prove to be more important than world famous Stonehenge.

He said: "We’ve over-fetishised Stonehenge for far too long, because those giant trilithons are just so damn impressive. It could well be that this was really where it was at in the Neolithic age."

The house and other parts of the huge site have produced finds including beautifully worked flint arrowheads and blades, decorated pottery including some pieces with the residue of the last meals cooked in them, shale and copper bracelets and a beautiful little Roman brooch – and the tiny jawbone of a vole.

Analysis of the mass of seeds and charred grains recovered will reveal what the people were growing and eating.