STONEHENGE HISTORY
Stonehenge: A prehistoric mystery
Stonehenge is a prehistoric stone circle, cemetery, and archaeological site on Salisbury Plain, about 8 miles (13 km) north of Salisbury, England. Built in phases over 5,000 years ago, its famous stone circle was completed around 2500 BC. While its exact purpose is unknown, it was likely a religious site and a symbol of power and wealth, with many of its builders buried in nearby barrows. Stonehenge is aligned with the Sun, suggesting it may have been used to track solar and lunar movements, possibly for farming. Some believe it was a sacred site, a healing center, or a ceremonial place. Although the Druids (Celtic priests) likely did not use it, modern Druids gather there each year for the midsummer sunrise. The northeast entrance aligns with the rising Sun over the Heel Stone, while the opposite direction points to the midwinter sunset.
Stonehenge remains a mystery because its exact purpose is still uncertain. Researchers continue to wonder how the massive stones, especially the Bluestones from Wales, were transported and positioned. Today, Stonehenge, together with Avebury, forms a World Heritage Site, attracting visitors worldwide, especially during summer solstice celebrations.
Around 3000 BC: Early phase of Stonehenge
Stonehenge dates back approximately 5,000 years, with its initial construction beginning around 3000 BC during the late Neolithic period (New Stone Age). The first monument was a circular earthwork, defined by a large ditch and bank. Inside this enclosure, early builders created a series of wooden posts or small stone settings, which were eventually replaced and expanded in later stages.
In its original form, Stonehenge would have looked very different from the monument we see today. It consisted of a simple circular ditch with an earth bank surrounding it. Within this space were likely wooden posts or smaller bluestones, which were portable and used in the early stages. While the first version of Stonehenge was much less grandiose than the later structure, it was still carefully designed to align with astronomical events and the surrounding landscape. Construction continued over time, and eventually, the iconic sarsen stone circle was built, giving Stonehenge its more recognizable form.
Stonehenge and its connection to the River Avon
Stonehenge is located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. It is linked to the River Avon, about 3 kilometers (2 miles) away, by an ancient path called the Avenue. Built after the stones were placed during the late Neolithic period, the Avenue is a wide, straight pathway with banks and ditches on both sides.
The Avenue aligns with the midwinter solstice sunrise, suggesting it was used for ceremonies. This connection to the River Avon shows that the river likely played an important role in rituals at Stonehenge.
What was the purpose of the early Stonehenge structure?
Although the exact purpose of this early structure remains unknown, it is believed to have been a ritual or ceremonial site. The site was likely used for ceremonial purposes, possibly as a ritual or burial site. Early human remains have been discovered in pits within the enclosure, supporting the idea that it was used for burial rites. The henge’s design and alignment with the Sun suggest it may have been used for astronomical observation, marking the solstices and other important events in the agricultural calendar. Some theories also propose that it was a sacred space for burial rites, as it is surrounded by some of the earliest burial mounds (barrows). This indicates that it held significant religious and cultural importance for the people of the time.
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Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour
Book your special access inside the Stonehenge stone circle! An expert guide will explain the prehistoric monument's history and theories about its purpose. The tour includes skip-the-line access and transportation from London.
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Stonehenge Half-Day Tour
Join our guided morning Stonehenge tour from London, departing early in the day. This tour includes an organized air-conditioned transport. Enjoy priority entry to the site and explore the monument and exhibition. Learn about Stonehenge’s history with an audio guide available in 5 languages.
Who built the first Stonehenge?
When Stonehenge was first constructed (around 3000 BC), the people who lived nearby were part of a Neolithic farming society. They had recently shifted from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to one focused on farming, growing crops, and raising animals such as cattle and sheep.
These people lived in small villages and were organized into tribal groups. Their society was likely hierarchical, with leaders or priests playing key roles in organizing events and major projects, such as building Stonehenge. The site’s alignments with celestial events and burial mounds suggest that religious ceremonies and ancestor worship were important aspects of their culture. Although we don’t know exactly who lived at Stonehenge, it’s clear that they were part of a society that valued community, rituals, and the connection to the stars.
Around 2500 BC: The arrival of the stones at Stonehenge & final configuration
The first massive stones were erected around 2500 BC, marking the beginning of Stonehenge as we recognize it today. The monument evolved into a more complex structure, with the stone circle and large sarsen stones replacing the earlier wooden structures. The sarsens were arranged in a large outer circle, with an inner horseshoe-shaped arrangement of trilithons-pairs of upright stones topped with a horizontal lintel. This iconic layout was carefully aligned with the movement of the Sun, suggesting an early astronomical or ritual purpose. It remains a mystery and fascination how prehistoric people moved and placed these stones, especially the massive sarsen stones that weigh up to 30 tons.
The ancient stones of Stonehenge
Several types of stone were used in the construction, each sourced from a different location:
The Bluestones: These smaller stones, weighing between 2 and 5 tons each, were transported from Wales’ Preseli Hills, over 150 miles (240 km) away, a remarkable achievement for prehistoric builders. They are arranged in an inner circle and are composed primarily of dolerite, rhyolite, and tuff.
The Sarsen Stones: The massive sarsen stones, some weighing up to 30 tons, were brought from Marlborough Downs, about 15 miles (25 km) north of Stonehenge. These stones form the outer circle and central trilithons. This iconic layout was carefully aligned with the movement of the Sun, suggesting an early astronomical or ritual purpose. One of the most intriguing sarsen stones is the Heel Stone, a large, unshaped rock standing 77.4 meters from the center of the stone circle. Unlike the other stones, it was left in its natural state. Its placement is particularly interesting, as it aligns perfectly with the summer solstice sunrise, suggesting it played a key role in ancient astronomical and ceremonial practices.
The Altar Stone: This unique stone, now mostly buried, is larger than the bluestones and is believed to have been transported at least 430 miles ( 700 km) to its current location. Recent research suggests it could have originated from Northeast Scotland.
Who lived at Stonehenge around 2500 BC?
The people during this period were still part of farming communities, but their society had likely become more organized, possibly with leaders or priests overseeing large-scale projects, such as the construction of Stonehenge.
The site’s astronomical alignments, especially with the solstices, suggest that by this time, people had advanced in their understanding of astronomy and its connection to seasonal changes.
Spiritual and cultural practices may have become more elaborate. The site now serves as a major ceremonial center and possibly a place for healing and social gatherings.
From 2000-1500 BC: A sacred and astronomical site
By 2000 BC, Stonehenge had become a major ceremonial and religious center, possibly linked to solar worship. Its precise alignment with the Sun is one of its most fascinating features:
Northeast Entrance: Aligns with the rising Sun during the summer solstice, lighting up the monument’s center.
Opposite Alignment: Aligns with the setting Sun during the winter solstice, marking the shortest day of the year.
These alignments suggest that Stonehenge was used to track the seasons, helping early farming societies. The monument’s design reflects a sophisticated understanding of astronomy. The nearby burial mounds (barrows) indicate it may have also been a ritual site for ancestor worship, healing, or spiritual gatherings. While its exact purpose remains unknown, its solar connections and cultural significance make it one of the most important monuments of the ancient world.
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1600 – 1000 BC: The Bronze Age burials and rituals
As the Bronze Age progressed, burial mounds (barrows) were built around Stonehenge, indicating its continued importance. The surrounding landscape became filled with graves of high-status individuals, suggesting the site remained a center of elite power and influence.
Stonehenge was part of a larger network of prehistoric monuments, including Durrington Walls, a massive settlement where people gathered for feasts and ceremonies, possibly related to Stonehenge’s rituals. By this time, Stonehenge had likely become a major ceremonial center with increased importance in spiritual and cultural life. The monument may have been used for significant rituals, such as celebrating the solstices, and continued to be a site for burial rites and ancestor worship.
Communities living around Stonehenge during the Bronze Age
The people living around Stonehenge during the Bronze Age were part of an advanced Bronze Age society. They were farmers, metalworkers, and traders, and Stonehenge remained a central ceremonial and religious site, used for rituals, burials, and possibly to mark important astronomical events. Their society was likely tribal and hierarchical, with leaders guiding the community in both spiritual and practical matters.
Stonehenge’s decline: A sacred site left in the past
By 1000 BC, Stonehenge was no longer used for ceremonies, and construction stopped. Over time, it became a site of mystery and legend. Excavations show it was actively used during the Neolithic and early Bronze Age but not after 1000 BC. No new structures or changes were made, and there is no evidence of any maintenance, suggesting that the site was entirely abandoned. Burial mounds around the site also stopped being built by the end of the Bronze Age. It is believed that communities during the Iron Age moved to different types of settlements, like hill forts, leaving large ceremonial sites behind.
Stonehenge through ages
After its abandonment around 1000 BC, Stonehenge continued to attract attention through time.
Romans and Stonehenge: During their occupation of Britain (43-410 AD), the Romans visited Stonehenge but made no major changes to the site. Evidence of their presence includes Roman coins and artifacts discovered in the area.
Saxons at Stonehenge: During the early medieval period, the Saxons also visited Stonehenge. An important discovery in 1923 revealed a decapitated Saxon man buried at the site, suggesting that the monument was known and possibly used during that time.
Legends and mysteries during the Middle Ages: Stonehenge became surrounded by mystery and folklore during the medieval period. It was often linked to legends and myths, reflecting the era’s fascination with ancient monuments.
Stonehenge theories and discoveries during the 17th and 18th centuries: In the 17th and 18th centuries, antiquarians and scholars began studying Stonehenge and proposing various theories about its origins and purpose.
Druids and Stonehenge: The connection between Stonehenge and the Druids began in the 17th and 18th centuries when some researchers suggested that the Druids built the site. Some even called it a Druid temple. John Aubrey was one of the first to study Stonehenge, suggesting that the Druids built the site, though there was no proof. He also discovered circular pits, now called Aubrey Holes, that may have held wooden posts or stones. William Stukeley continued Aubrey’s work in the 18th century. He created detailed drawings and maps of Stonehenge and strongly promoted the Druid connection.
Though their theories were later disproven, their work helped spark interest in Stonehenge and its history. Many people still associate the Druids with Stonehenge today. As a result, modern Druid and pagan groups hold ceremonies there, especially during the solstices.
Restoring Stonehenge: In the 20th century, several restoration projects helped preserve Stonehenge. In 1901, a leaning stone was straightened and set in concrete to prevent it from falling. Between 1919 and 1926, six stones were stabilized, and excavations were carried out. A major restoration took place in 1958–1959, when a fallen trilithon was re-erected, and other stones were secured. In 1964, after another stone fell, further stabilization work was done. These efforts ensured that Stonehenge remained a symbol of ancient engineering and cultural heritage.
20th-century preservation: Some major restoration efforts were carried out during the 20th century to protect Stonehenge. This included straightening and securing stones in concrete to prevent further deterioration, ensuring the monument’s survival as a testament to ancient engineering and cultural heritage.
21st Century: Protecting the site and improving visitor experience: Several projects have helped protect Stonehenge and improve the visitor experience of the historical site. Between 2003 and 2011, part of the land around the site was restored to grassland, making the area look more like it did in ancient times. In 2013, a new visitor center opened with exhibits and better facilities. The closing of the A344 road reconnected Stonehenge with its original processional path, making visits more authentic. Archaeological research, including the Stonehenge Riverside Project, has deepened the understanding of the site and its connection with the surrounding landscape.
Stonehenge and other ancient stone circles
Stonehenge is not the only ancient stone circle in the UK. Other sites, like Avebury, Woodhenge, and Stanton Drew, suggest a widespread cultural and religious tradition during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Avebury, built between 2850 BC and 2200 BC, has the largest stone circle in Britain and was first recorded in 1649. Woodhenge, discovered in 1925 near Stonehenge, consists of wooden posts arranged in circles and dates back to around 2500 BC. Stanton Drew, in Somerset, features one of the largest stone circles in the country, with evidence suggesting it was part of a significant ritual site. These monuments show that Stonehenge was part of a much larger network of sacred sites used by ancient communities for ceremonies and gatherings.
Stonehenge today: A timeless wonder
Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of visitors each year. It is especially popular during the summer and winter solstices, when people gather to witness the sun align perfectly with the stones, just as it did thousands of years ago. This rare connection to ancient astronomy, combined with its mysterious origins and remarkable engineering, makes Stonehenge a place of fascination. While many questions remain about its true purpose, the monument stands as a testament to the skill, culture, and knowledge of ancient Britain. Its unique design, historical significance, and connection to both past and present traditions continue to make it a top destination for those drawn to history and nature and those seeking spiritual experiences.
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Stonehenge & Bath Tour
Go on a day trip from London and see two iconic World Heritage sites. Explore the 5000-year-old ancient stones of Stonehenge with an audio guide. Then, visit Bath and walk over Pulteney Bridge and see the Bath Abbey. Choose to visit the Roman Baths or take some time for sightseeing!
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Stonehenge & Windsor Castle Tour
Visit two top attractions - the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge and the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world! Your expert guide will tell you why Stonehenge was built and who lived at Windsor Castle since the 11th century. Your tour also includes round-trip transportation from London for your convenience!