Stone Circles and Henges |
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| On this Page: Introduction Stonehenge Avebury Stone Circle Wood Henge Hay Henge |
Introduction
The standing stones in England are almost countless. Saying that, I am sure someone does have the count, but to us, there are more than we could ever see. Perhaps the most known is Stonehenge, but close to that are Avebury Stone Circle which is amazing, though less visited, and wood henge, which amazingly you can visit.
Stonehenge
Parts of stonehenge were built about 3050 B.C. This part is a large circular ditch and bank that surrounds the area. This is what is called a henge. Around 2500 B.C. a wooden structure was build in the center. You can not see remains of this today. Between 2500 and 1500 B.C. The stone monument was constructed and rearranged.
On the left images you see the Circle of Sarsen. It is made up of the tall stones that have a horizontal row resting on top of the pillars. They came from the Marlbourough Downs which is about 18 miles away. The small vertical stones in front of it are part of the circle of bluestones which are from the Presili mountains in Wales which are about 230 miles away.
The second photo (right) shows part of the Horseshoe of Trilithons which are inside the bluestones mentioned above. You can also see smaller stones inside the horseshoe. They are also bluestone
Avebury Stone Circle
Photo of the map of Avebury Stone Circle at the parking lot
Avebury Stone Circle was constructed in Neolithic times (between 2500 to 2000 B.C.) though some sources date it back to 3000 B.C.. Either way, it is old. At about a quarter of a mile in diameter, it is probably the largest known stone circle in the world.
The southeast quadrant showing what remains of the southern inner circle
Ditch encircling the site
The stone circle is surrounded by a deep ditch currently about 6-8 feet deep, though it was originally 30 feet deep. Outside the ditch is a hill that encircles the site and is easy to walk along. The path is white chalk where the grass has worn thin.
West Kennet Avenue leading to Avebury
At one time West Kennet Avenue connected the southern henge entrance to Overton Hill and the remains of a small stone circle called The Sanctuary. West Kennet Avenue covers a mile and a half in distance. Today, the remains of this 15m wide path extends only about 800m from the southern henge entrance.
Beyond Overton Hill lays West Kennet Long Barrow and Silsbury Hill. Silsbury Hill is the largest prehistoric mound in Europe, and the barrow is a Neolithic burial chamber with standing stones in front at the entrance.
Hikers might be interested in the Ridgeway Path
Woodhenge
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Possible Bronze Age, possible for religious/ceremonial use, etc, this site consists of cement markers where wooden poles once stood. The ring of timber was actually oval in shape where the long axis aligned with the midsummer sunrise. When we went to visit this site, there was another couple visiting. There is nearby areas where it is nice to sit and have a picnic lunch. |
Hay Henge
Just kidding!
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Last updated: February 11, 2004