A Brief History Of Stonehenge

In the midst of surrounding fields, on the desolate plains of Salisbury, in Wiltshire, England, a prehistoric Neolithic monument stands majestically, shrouded in mysteries that continue to baffle the world. The monument's great stones have prevailed against the ravages of the eternal seasons that have spanned the ages. It is a monument which bears witness to the many changing faces of the expansive landscapes that encompasses it, and in addition, Stonehenge is the venerated custodian of ancient secrets that have stood the test of time, and has become the inspiration for many authors that have created legendary tales, which were passed down over many centuries.

Stonehenge: Prehistoric Neolithic Monument

According to scientists Stonehenge is a prehistoric Neolithic monument (the latter Stone Age period) which was built approximately 3,100 BC. Modern historians and archaeologists continue their unrelenting pursuit for answers as to why, how, and who built Stonehenge, as they passionately debate the many theories put forward over the centuries, in the hope of finally solving the haunting mysteries surrounding the best-known ancient monument in Europe. Although the precise age of Stonehenge is not clear, there is a consensus amongst modern day scientists who have concluded from their extensive research, that the entire construction of Stonehenge was built in several phases over a time period of 1,500 years. The first phase began from roughly, 3,100 BC, while the final stage of development occurred between 1,600 BC - 1,500 BC. Prehistoric refers to an undocumented age, meaning that the society who built Stonehenge did not leave any recorded information about how they built Stonehenge, the purpose of Stonehenge, or any details about their cultures.

The First Development Phase

The term ‘Stonehenge’ is derived from Old English 'Stan' meaning 'Stone field' and the term 'henge' refers to a particular type of Neolithic earth structure, which consisted of a circular enclosed bank with an internal circular ditch. Yet, it may be worth noting that Stonehenge is recorded as having an external circular ditch, and not an internal circular ditch. Archaeologist state that the first development phase of Stonehenge was built roughly, 3,100 BC, and initially it consisted of a circular earthwork bank and a ditch encloser, with a diameter of approximately 360 feet, plus a large entrance to the north east and an additional smaller entrance to the south. The entire Stonehenge site is situated on a slightly sloping large open field, and within the outer edge of the enclosed area, there are 56 pits which are spaced at regular intervals, forming an entire circle, and each individual pit is about 3.3 feet in diameter. These pits are known as the Aubrey pits, named after the renowned 17th century English antiquarian John Aubrey (1626 - 1697), who discovered them in the 17th century. Another well-known early research contributor to Stonehenge was the 18th century English physician and antiquarian, William Stukeley (1687 - 1765), who wrote extensively about Stonehenge, and he also conducted a detailed research of the entire Stonehenge site.

The Ambitious Phase Of Development

Scientists estimate that the 'Ambitious phase' of the construction of Stonehenge took place between 2,400 BC and 2,600 BC. This particular phase of construction consisted of two concentric circles of great stones, which were built from within the centre of the site. The much larger surrounding circle structure of sarsen stones, forming a complete circle around the inner horse shoe shaped structure of blue stones. The open-end section of the horse shoe shaped structure of stones was built facing and parallel with, the north east entrance to Stonehenge. Due to inconclusive evidence obtained from the Stonehenge site, modern archaeologists remain uncertain, in regards to the total amount of original upright stones, which may have been used to build the entire Stonehenge monument throughout all of its construction phases. Furthermore, there is some uncertainty regarding the dates associated with the instalments for each of the great stones. From extensive and detailed scientific research on various particles found beneath the earth around the grounds of the site, archaeologists have considered a number of theories, such as the possibility of a timber construction as being the original Stonehenge upright foundation, which was later upgraded to a stone monument. Another interesting theory put forward is the possibility that blue stones could have been used as markers for the Aubrey pits. The significance of this theory is that Stonehenge could have been founded with a stone structure 500 years earlier than the official estimated date.

The Great Stone Circles Of Stonehenge

According to scientists the principle building element for Stonehenge are sarsen stones, which were found in southern England. It is thought that the original structure contained a total of 85 sarsen stones, of which there now remains 53 stones. The outer megalithic encloser (prehistoric stone structure), consisted of a circle with a diameter of 108 feet, and was constructed with sarsen stones (silicified sandstones). A total of 60 large sarsen stones were utilized to complete the outer circle, including 30 upright stones and 30 lintel stones. Lintel stones are those that are placed horizontally, along the top of the upright vertical standing stones. The average height of each of the stones for the outer circle was 13 feet, the average weight of each was approximately 25 tons, and the average width of each was 6.9 feet, while the distance between each one was approximately 3.3 feet.

The megalithic inner horse shoe shaped encloser was constructed with bluestones (meaning, igneous, subvolcanic rock), a total of 15 stones were used for the construction of the trilithon horse shoe shaped encloser, which span a 45 feet diameter. Trilithons consist of two vertical upright stones with a third horizontal stone lying across the top of the two upright stones, and these stand as a separate unit from the other stones. A number of scientists have proposed the possibility that, sand stones may have been the original instalments for the construction of the inner horse shoe shaped circle, and then later replaced with blue stones. The trilithons consisted of the largest stones, some weighing up to 50 tons each, their individual heights range from between 20 feet to almost 25 feet each. The great stones that formed the circles were connected by sophisticated tongue and groove joints, plus mortise and tenant joints. The other monolithic stones that inspire great interest are the Neolithic Altar Stone, the Heel stone, the Portal Stones, and the Station Stones, they are situated at various locations around the site, but are not part of the original inner circles. The aforementioned were all part of a sophisticated architecture that is beyond the scope of this article. Although there is no doubt amongst scholars as to the significance of each stone in relation to the overall design of Stonehenge, nevertheless, historians and scientists still express uncertainty about the original numbers of those stones and their purpose due to insufficient evidence. 

Blick Mead Spring

Vespasian's Camp is an Iron Age hill fort, situated approximately 2 miles from Stonehenge, close to Amesbury, Wiltshire, England. It is known to be one of the major attractions when visiting Stonehenge. Another famous attraction is Blick Mead spring, in Wiltshire, situated about a mile from Stonehenge. From the north east entrance to Stonehenge, there is a man-made pathway called 'Stonehenge Avenue' with parallel ditches and banks along either side, it runs 2 miles until it reaches the River Avon, also known as the Salisbury Avon. The ancient Celtic word for river is Avon. It is believed that the River Avon, in Wiltshire, was a popular venue for people well before Stonehenge was even constructed, mainly because it is known as one of the most prolific provider of various species of fishes within Britain. Interestingly, following extensive research, scientists have concluded that Stonehenge Avenue could have been built partly for the purpose of religious processions, which were possibly connected to pagan rituals, via Stonehenge to the River Avon and vice versa. Blick Mead is said to be a chalk spring which never freezes, and has a constant temperature of 11 C (52 F). Within Blick Mead spring there is known to be a rare aquatic algae plant called Hildenbrandia, which transforms any stones obtained from the spring into a bright red colour, once exposed to the air. Thousands of years ago this phenomenon could have been viewed as a supernatural event by the local community. Although Blick Mead spring most probably provided a constant supply of rich seafood and fresh clean drinking water for local communities at that time in history, which are two very good incentives to build Stonehenge within that proximity. Nevertheless, many modern historians and archaeologists are adamant that there were far greater reasons for building Stonehenge at that chosen location.

The Heel Stone

The monolithic Heel Stone is situated within Stonehenge Avenue, directly standing a short distance outside the north east entrance to Stonehenge. It is 4.7 meters tall, has a minimum thickness of 2.4 meters, and a weight of approximately 35 tons. The Heel Stone's top section tapers off into a sort of peak, giving it an overall appearance similar to a sphere, only it is infested with numerous sporadic and uneven cavity markings across its sections. The Heel Stone's mauled, eaten away condition, is perhaps attributed to the ravages by the vicious storms, harsh winds, torrential rains, and other debilitating elements brought by the seasons over the eras. This particular monolithic stone is the subject of a number of chilling supernatural stories, which has been reiterated down the centuries in order to explain its origin and purpose. From the centre of the site, the open section of the horse shoe encloser, directly faces and is in perfect alinement with the north east entrance, which was ideally designed to capture the glory of the winter and summer solstice, as it is emitted by the spectacular projection of the sun, whilst it ascends and descends the apex of the well-positioned, but rather hideous looking Heel Stone. And when the pitch of night falls across the land, the spine-tingling vision of the Heel Stone stands waiting like a dark menacing, looming creature of doom, just a short distance outside the open northeast entrance of Stonehenge.

Oldest Prehistoric Cremation Site In Britain

Archaeologists claim to have discovered bones of oxen, deer, and flint tools, buried at various points within Stonehenge's surrounding ditch, that date to within the first century of the creation of Stonehenge. In addition, cremated human bones were found buried at various locations beneath the grounds of the site, and within some of the Audrey pits, from about 3,000 BC. It is believed that this practice had continued for at least 500 years from the date the cremated bones were discovered. Also, according to the scientific evidence and research, Stonehenge is officially the earliest known prehistoric cremation cemetery that exists within the British Isles. Scientist employed a method called Radiocarbon dating, also known as Carbon 14 dating, in order to establish the age of bones, wood, soil elements, stones, or any object containing organic material. This scientific technique was pioneered by the famous American, Willard Frank Libby, who practiced physical chemistry. Libby was given recognition for his substantial contribution towards the 1949 development of carbon dating. This new methodology was seen as a great scientific breakthrough, and proved to revolutionise the science of archaeology and palaeontology.

The Mysteries Of Stonehenge

Stonehenge was primarily built with a variety of silicified sandstones, which are found in and around the surrounding areas of Wiltshire. However, the inner trilithon horse shoe circle is built with bluestones which are igneous volcanic rocks, found in the Preseli Hills in Wales, which is a distance of between 140 to 150 miles from Stonehenge. One of the great mysteries of Stonehenge is how the precise number of bluestones which was used to build a section of the Stonehenge monument had arrived in Wiltshire. Scientist have considered two logical theories, the first is that the bluestones were brought to the site across the Irish-Sea, by way of glacially-deposited rocks. Yet, thus far, scientists have not been able to find conclusive evidence to support this theory. The other extremely well scrutinized theory, is the possibility that the stones arrived by a particular type of transportation framework which was assisted by humans or possibly horses and humans, but considering the harsh terrain and distance to travel, most historians and archaeologists agree that if this process had been successful, then it would have been a truly remarkable achievement.

Although the wheel was invented approximately 3,500 BC - 4,000 BC, in some countries, many historians and archaeologists dismiss the possibility of the invention of the wheel in Britain, before the construction of Stonehenge. Furthermore, scientists discount the idea of the wheel, as part of a carriage or framework, which may have been used to transport the bluestones from the Preseli Hills in Wales, to Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain. If by remote possibility the wheel was in use at that particular time in ancient England, it would most probably have been in its very early stages of development, and certainly not advanced enough to withstand the combination of enormous weight placed upon it, and the exceptional challenges which existed across the vast distance of the journey from the Preseli Hills in Wales, to Salisbury Plain, in England. The alternative consideration, which some scholars have seriously debated over many generations, relates to supernatural means.

The bluestones in question weighed over 20 tons each, while some had individual lengths of between 24 to 25 feet each. In the era of paganism with various hostile tribes jealously guarding their territories, and when faced with the possibility of confronting wild boars, wolfs, bears, or other wild and dangerous creatures that existed during that era in England, the journey to transport the stones from whales would have been extremely gruelling, perilous, and painstakingly slow for those men assigned to the unenviable task. There is also the daunting prospect of traveling through dense forests, felling troublesome trees and dense bushes, in order to create pathways through uneven and treacherous terrain, not to mention, the unpredictable and sometimes destructive weather. All things considered, most scientists have concluded that it would have been an astonishing human achievement, if the bluestones had been successfully transported between approximately 140 - 180 miles from the Preseli Hills, in Wales, to Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, in England.

Bluestones

Bluestones are said to possess acoustic and healing properties. The stones are known to emit a natural magnetic field, which is believed possible to connect with the chakra or energy points within the human body. Although many archaeologists are of the opinion that Stonehenge was partly used as a sacred burial and place of healing, as well as an astronomical site, yet many remain discontent with these reasons alone, as an explanation for the Stonehenge monument. The question of why and how Stonehenge was built, as well as the chosen location, remains a great mystery, even after many generations of intense investigations by scientists and scholars. The once popular belief that Druids built Stonehenge, which was proposed by the 17th century antiquarian, John Aubrey, has long been refuted. Scientific researches strongly indicate that the Celtic society, who created the Druid priesthood, came into existence after the construction of Stonehenge.

The architecture of the Stonehenge monument indicates a level of sophistication that is well in advance of the era in which it was built. Stonehenge is said to be a masterpiece of engineering architecture, supposedly designed and constructed using only simple tools, before the arrival of metals and the invention of the wheel, but the technology that was used for the creation of Stonehenge is still uncertain. Stonehenge is a monument created by a mysterious society that placed great value and importance upon the megalithic stones and their significance. The superhuman effort and dedication displayed by the ancient innovators and designers of Stonehenge, implies a deeply revered political and religious belief system, yet despite great extensive research on the subject over many generations, modern scientists still debate and remain completely perplexed as to what were that society's established cultures, religious beliefs, political ideologies, and ultimately what their true motives were for creating the Stonehenge monument, which is said to be an enduring legacy that remains one of the great mysteries of this world.

Written by Star_gazer

Published 11 September 2020