Stonehenge is one of the most famous and intriguing prehistoric sites in the world. Located on a vast plain in southern England, it consists of a ring of massive stones arranged in a complex pattern. But who built it, why, and how? In this article, we will explore the history, description, interesting facts, and visiting tips of this remarkable monument.
Stonehenge: A Mysterious Monument of Ancient Britain
History of Stonehenge
Stonehenge was not built in one go, but in several stages over thousands of years. The earliest evidence of human activity near the site dates back to the Mesolithic period, around 8500-7000 BCE, when some pits and posts were dug and erected1
The first major construction phase began around 3000 BCE, when a circular ditch and bank, known as a henge, was created. Inside the henge, 56 holes, called Aubrey Holes, were dug, possibly to hold wooden posts or stones2 This was also the time when people started to bury their dead around Stonehenge, making it a large cemetery3
The second phase of construction took place around 2500 BCE, when about 80 bluestones were brought from the Preseli Hills in Wales, some 200 miles (ca. 322 kilometers) away. These stones were arranged in a double circle or an oval inside the henge. How the ancient builders managed to transport such heavy stones over such a long distance remains a mystery.
The third and final phase of construction occurred around 2000 BCE, when about 50 sarsen stones were erected in a circle and in a horseshoe shape in the center of the monument. These stones were sourced from local quarries and weighed up to 40 tons each. Some of them were shaped into lintels and fitted on top of the uprights, forming the iconic trilithons that we see today.
Stonehenge was not used only as a burial ground, but also as a place of ritual and celebration. It is aligned with the movements of the sun and the moon, and may have served as an astronomical observatory or calendar. It is also possible that it was a place of healing, as some of the bluestones have properties that could have been associated with curing diseases.
Stonehenge was abandoned around 1600 BCE, and its stones fell into decay and disarray over the centuries. It was not until the 17th century that antiquarians began to study and document it, sparking interest and curiosity among scholars and visitors alike. In 1986, Stonehenge was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, along with the nearby Avebury henge and other Neolithic monuments.
Description of Stonehenge
Stonehenge is located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. It covers an area of about 20 acres and is surrounded by a landscape rich in archaeological features. The monument itself consists of four concentric circles of stones:
The outermost circle is made of 30 sarsen stones, each about 13 feet (ca. 4 meters) high, 7 feet (ca. 213 cm) wide, and weighing 25 tons. Only 17 of these stones remain standing today. They are topped by 30 lintels that form a continuous ring.
The second circle is made of smaller bluestones, each about 6 feet (ca. 183 cm) high and weighing 4 tons. There were originally about 60 of these stones, but only 43 survive today. They are arranged in an incomplete circle or an oval shape.
The third circle is made of five sarsen trilithons, each consisting of two uprights and a lintel. They are arranged in a horseshoe shape, with the open end facing northeast.
They vary in height from 16 to 21 feet (6.4 m) and weigh up to 50 tons each.
The fourth circle is made of another set of bluestones, also arranged in a horseshoe shape inside the sarsen trilithons. There were originally about 19 of these stones, but only six remain today.
Stonehenge plan
1 – altar; 2-3 – mounds; 4 – scaffold or Fallen Stone; 5 – heel stone; 7 – earthen ditch; 8 – inner rampart; 9 – outer rampart; 10 – ditches and ramparts leading to the Avon River. They are called avenues; 11 – Y-holes; 12 – Z-holes; 13 – 56 pits forming a circle; 14 – the southern entrance
In addition to these circles, there are several other features that are part of Stonehenge:
The Heel Stone is a large unworked sarsen stone that stands outside the henge entrance. It is aligned with the sunrise on the summer solstice and the sunset on the winter solstice.
The Slaughter Stone is another large sarsen stone that lies flat on the ground near the Heel Stone. It may have been part of an earlier structure or a fallen lintel.
The Altar Stone is a large sandstone slab that lies horizontally inside the central horseshoe. It may have been used as a sacrificial table or a focal point for ceremonies.
The Station Stones are four sarsen stones that form a rectangle outside the henge. They are aligned with the solstices and the equinoxes, and may have marked the boundaries of a sacred space.
The Aubrey Holes are 56 pits that surround the henge. They may have held wooden posts or stones, or been used for cremation burials or ritual deposits.
Stonehenge megaliths
Interesting Facts about Stonehenge
Stonehenge is not only a fascinating monument, but also a source of many myths, legends, and mysteries. Here are some interesting facts about it:
Stonehenge is not the only stone circle in Britain. There are over 1,000 stone circles in the British Isles, and some of them are older and larger than Stonehenge. For example, Avebury, which is about 20 miles (ca. 32 km) away from Stonehenge, has a stone circle that is 1,400 feet (ca. 427 m) in diameter and encloses two smaller circles and a village.
Stonehenge is not the original name of the monument. The name Stonehenge comes from the Old English words stan (stone) and hencg (hinge), meaning “hanging stones”.
It was first recorded in the 12th century by Henry of Huntingdon, a chronicler and historian. The ancient name of Stonehenge is unknown, but some scholars have suggested that it may have been called Ynys Witrin (Isle of Glass) by the Celts or Kaer Gwyrtheyrn (Fortress of Vortigern) by the Saxons.
Stonehenge has inspired many artists, writers, and musicians. Some of the famous works that feature or reference Stonehenge are: John Constable’s painting Stonehenge (1835), Thomas Hardy’s novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles (1891), William Butler Yeats’s poem “At the Hawk’s Well” (1916), Geoffrey of Monmouth’s History of the Kings of Britain (1136), Spinal Tap’s song “Stonehenge” (1984), and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series (1997-2007).
Stonehenge has been associated with many legends and theories. Some of the most popular ones are: that it was built by Merlin, the wizard of King Arthur’s legend, using stones from Ireland; that it was built by giants, aliens, or ancient druids; that it was a temple for sun worship, human sacrifice, or healing; that it was a site of ley lines, earth energies, or paranormal phenomena; and that it was a computer, a calendar, or an observatory.
The panorama of Stonehenge
Visiting Stonehenge
If you want to visit Stonehenge, here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable:
Plan ahead. Stonehenge is open all year round, except on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. However, it can get very crowded during peak seasons and special events, such as the solstices and equinoxes. You can book your tickets online in advance to avoid queues and save money. You can also check the opening hours and prices on the official website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/
Get there. Stonehenge is located about 90 miles (ca. 145 km) west of London and 8 miles (ca. 13 km) north of Salisbury. You can get there by car, bus, train, or bike. If you drive, you can park at the visitor center and take a shuttle bus or walk to the monument. If you take public transport, you can catch a train to Salisbury and then a bus to Stonehenge. You can also join a guided tour from London or Salisbury that includes transportation and admission. For more information on how to get there, visit: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/plan-your-visit/directions/
Explore the site. Once you arrive at Stonehenge, you can explore the monument and its surroundings at your own pace or join a guided tour or an audio tour. You can also visit the visitor center, which has a museum, a shop, a café, and a replica of a Neolithic village. You can learn more about the history, culture, and mysteries of Stonehenge through interactive displays, models, artifacts, and videos. You can also see some of the original stones up close in an exhibition gallery.
Respect the rules. Stonehenge is a protected site and a sacred place for many people. Please respect the rules and regulations that are in place to preserve and protect it. Do not touch or climb on the stones, do not litter or damage the site, do not disturb or harm the wildlife or plants, do not make noise or play music loudly, do not take flash photography or fly drones, and do not
Enjoy the experience. Stonehenge is a unique and awe-inspiring monument that has captivated people for millennia. Take your time to admire its beauty, wonder at its mystery, and feel its magic. You can also take some photos or videos to capture your memories, but remember to be respectful and mindful of others. You can also join some of the special events and activities that are offered throughout the year, such as the summer and winter solstice celebrations, the equinox sunrise and sunset viewings, the stone circle access tours, and the family fun days. For more information on what’s on, visit: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/events/
Stonehenge is a remarkable monument that deserves to be seen and appreciated by everyone. Whether you are a tourist, a schoolchild, a student, or a curious explorer, you will find something to interest and inspire you at this ancient wonder of the world. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Stonehenge and discover its secrets for yourself!
