Stanton Drew Stone Circles and Cove

Stanton Drew Stone Circles is considered to be one of the largest Neolithic monument to have been built in Britain. The monument was built about 4,500 years ago.

Although being the third largest complex of standing stones in England, the site doesn't receive the same level of interest and exploration as the more famous stone circles at Avebury and Stonehenge.

In 1740 the site was surveyed by the antiquarian John Wood, who suggested the layout was based on the Pythagorean planetary system of worlds. According to this theory, the number and position of the stones correspond to the solar, lunar and earth cycles.

Astronomical alignments and ley lines are common theories to explain the positioning of the stones at Stanton Drew. However, recent surveys have revealed that the circles and cove were part of a much more elaborate and important ritual site than had previously been imagined.

The Cove is a group of three large stones located in the garden of the village pub. It has been shown to be around 1000 years older than the stone circles.

Stanton Drew Stone Circles and Cove is located in the village of Stanton Drew in England.





© All rights reserved

Popular Posts

Devil's Quoits

Image
The Devil's Quoits is a henge and stone circle in the county of Oxfordshire. It's believed that the henge is from the Neolithic Period, between 4,000 and 5,000 years old. The stone circle may have been put up at a later date, in the Early Bronze Age. The site was seriously damaged by the construction of an airfield in 1940. Excavations carried out in the 1970's and 1988, revealed the stone circle and the henge. The site was restored between 2002 and 2008, with stones which had fallen over being re-erected and the surrounding earthworks rebuilt. The name of the site is associated with a legend that states that the Devil once played quoits with a beggar for his soul and won by flinging the big stones. The Devil's Quoits is located near the village of Stanton Harcourt in England. © All rights reserved
Read more

Lanhill Long Barrow (Hubba's Low)

Image
Lanhill Long Barrow also known as Hubba's Low is a Neolithic chambered long barrow constructed about 5,000 years ago. Evidence suggests that the barrow had three burial chambers, but only one survives. Unfortunately much of the barrow was destroyed by farmers over the last centuries. It was once included among the most important antiquities in Wiltshire. The barrow was partially excavated in 1909. Several human skeletons were found in the chambers. Lanhill Long Barrow is situated in a field near Chippenham, England. © All rights reserved
Read more

Coate Stone Circle

Image
Coate Stone Circle is a partly visible stone circle containing five recumbent sarsen stones. The monument was one of at least seven stone circles that are known to have been erected in the area south of Swindon. Based on his observations in the 1890s, the antiquarian A. D. Passmore suggested that the circle would have once contained over thirty stones. He recorded nine stones surviving as part of the circle, but by the 21st century there were only five. Passmore also recorded a line of five stones leading towards the circle, which might have represented an avenue similar to West Kennet Avenue in Avebury. It's believed that the Coate Stone Circle could have had connections with Avebury Stone Circles and Stonehenge, but there is no evidence to support this theory. Coate Stone Circle is located near the town of Swindon in England. © All rights reserved
Read more