Significance of Stonehenge

One of the greatest ancient monuments in Great Britain, Stonehenge is a powerful testament to the capabilities of our ancestors. This Neolithic site gives us an understanding of the burial, ceremonial, and funeral practices of this era.

Stonehenge and other sites like Avebury and Durrington Walls give us an insight into life during the Neolithic period and Bronze Age. The stone circle is an architectural marvel considering the megaliths were artificially cut and were erected and positioned using interlocking tongue and groove joints, unlike any other monument of the period.

Stonehenge timeline

3000 BC: The first Stonehenge is constructed - an earthwork enclosure with a circular ditch and 56 timber or stone posts serving as a cremation cemetery for several centuries.
2500 BC: Over 80 large sarsen stones from the Marlborough Downs are raised in two concentric arrangements, with smaller bluestones in a double arc between them.
2400 BC: The Beaker culture introduces new burial practices, with well-furnished individual Beaker graves.
2300–2200 BC: Bluestones are rearranged to form a circle and inner oval, and burial mounds for individual burials are raised in Stonehenge.
1750–5th century: Four sarsens are adorned with over 100 carvings, and Stonehenge sees activity during the Iron Age.
14th-19th centuries: Stonehenge gains national interest from writers, artists, and antiquarians, but the monument deteriorates, and some stones fall.
1918: Local landowner Cecil Chubb gives Stonehenge to the nation, marking a pivotal moment in its history.

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How Stonehenge was built

When was Stonehenge built?

Stonehenge was created between the Neolithic and Bronze Age (between 3000-2000 BC). There are no written records about its creation, so much of the Stonehenge is shrouded in mystery. Over the years, however, experts have been able to unearth some of its secrets.

Who built Stonehenge?

Druids (Celtic high priests) were believed to build Stonehenge. However, radiocarbon dating showed that Stonehenge was erected a millennia before the Celts were in the area. It is now believed that different tribes contributed to its construction and Neolithic agrarians were the first.

What are the large stones and where are they from?

The megaliths are sarsen stones from Marlborough Downs, which is about 32 kilometers away from the monument. The largest megalith is the Heel Stone, which weighs about 30 tons - a little higher than the average 25 tons of the other stones.

What are the smaller stones and where are they from?

Bluestones are the smaller stones, due to the blue hue they get when wet or freshly cut. They come from Preseli Hills, Wales. Some believe that glaciers brought along the stones, while others think humans carried them.

How were the stones cut?

Hammerstones of sarsen and flint were found north of Stonehenge. The larger hammerstones would have been used to roughly cut the stone, while the smaller ones would have been used to give them a smooth finish.

How do the sarsens remain upright?

A large hole with a slope was dug around the sarsens, lined with wooden stakes. The hole was packed with rubble to ensure the stone remained upright. The outer ring of stones was at an even height, even though the area was not flat.

What are lintels?

The sarsens that lay horizontally on the standing ones are called lintels. These were connected using tongue and groove joints, which was unusual for that era. It is believed that timber platforms were used to bring them up and set them into position.

Was Stonehenge created at once?

Stonehenge was created in three major stages, further divided into several smaller stages. Initially, it was simply an earthwork enclosure where the dead were cremated. The stones were erected much later.

Stonehenge and astronomy

Stonehenge may have an astronomical purpose, as it shows alignment with the sun and moon.
Thousands gather at this monument every Summer and Winter Solstice to witness its relation to the annual solar cycle.
During the Summer Solstice, one can see the sunrise on the Heel Stone from the center. It isn’t a perfect alignment but close.
Currently, the Summer Solstice sunrise happens along the left side of the Heel Stone. However, some evidence points out that the Heel Stone is a part of a pair. Thus, it is theorized that the actual arrangement of the stones was in a way that the sun would rise between the two stones, shining right into the middle of the monument.
Similarly, the site is aligned so that one can witness the Winter Solstice sunset through the monument. On Midwinter’s Day, the sun would have set between the two uprights of the tallest trilithon, the Altar Stone. Today, this effect has been lost because half of the trilithon has fallen.
The winter solstice may have been more important than the summer solstice for the people who built and used Stonehenge. Excavations at Durrington Walls suggest that people held huge Midwinter Feasts around this time of year, based on the pig bones found buried there in pits and rubbish dumps.

The mysteries of Stonehenge

The biggest mystery surrounding this monument is its purpose. For decades, experts have debated why Stonehenge was built. Due to its astronomical alignment, many people theorize that it was an astronomical calendar used to predict major events.
Additionally, some believe that the purpose of this astronomical calendar was to predict seasons that would affect agriculture. However, this is widely debunked as other settlements around the same time could farm successfully without using such a structure.
Some theories suggest that Stonehenge was a place of healing, based on the many skeletons found around the landmark, some with significant injuries and illnesses. The skeletons were discovered to come from cultures far away from Salisbury, leading to speculation as to why someone would cover such a long distance. Additionally, during that era, bluestone was believed to have healing properties, which could be why those who created Stonehenge were willing to bring them from over 250 kilometers away - to benefit from its magical healing properties.
Given the evidence of Stonehenge being used for burial purposes, it is believed to be a burial ground reserved for elites, as objects like incense bowls were found in the area, typically associated with the elite.

While there are many more such theories, the purpose of Stonehenge remains under speculation and is covered in mystery.

Frequently asked questions about Stonehenge history

How many people visit Stonehenge London annually?

Stonehenge is visited by about a million people every year. Here's everything you need to know to plan your visit to Stonehenge.

Can I visit Stonehenge during the summer solstice?

Yes, Stonehenge is open to the public during the summer solstice and the winter solstice. However, the summer solstice also sees peak crowds, especially between June and August, so plan your visit accordingly.

What is the meaning of Stonehenge?

Stonehenge is mostly derived from Old English; stan means 'stone' and hencg refers to 'hinge' or hen(c)en, which means 'to hang'.

Are there any notable historical figures associated with Stonehenge?

While no single individual is directly linked to Stonehenge's construction, legends connect it to figures like Merlin from Arthurian tales, adding to the site's mythological allure.

Can I see any historical artifacts from the Stonehenge site?

Nearby at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre, you can view a collection of artifacts, including tools, pottery, and human remains, offering insights into the lives of those who built and used the monument.

How have modern researchers and archaeologists studied Stonehenge?

Advancements in technology, such as 3D modeling and ground-penetrating radar, have allowed archaeologists to study Stonehenge's construction techniques and uncover hidden features like surrounding burial mounds.

Are there other ancient sites similar to Stonehenge in the world?

Yes, there are similar stone circles, such as Avebury in England and Newgrange in Ireland, which also hold significant archaeological and cultural importance from the same era.

Are there any interactive or immersive experiences related to Stonehenge's history?

The Stonehenge Visitor Centre offers an immersive 360-degree virtual experience that places visitors in the center of the monument, allowing them to experience its historical significance and learn about its construction.

How has Stonehenge influenced British culture throughout history?

Stonehenge has been a symbol of mystery and intrigue for centuries, inspiring countless books, artworks, and research studies, including Stonehenge: Exploring the Greatest Stone Age Mystery, Stonehenge Decoded, and The World of Stonehenge. Its cultural impact can be seen in everything from literature to contemporary Druid ceremonies.