Devilishly Intriguing: Exploring Oxfordshire's Mysterious Quoits

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Oxfordshire, England, lies a site shrouded in legend and history: the Devil's Quoits. This evocative name hints at its ancient past, a past that stretches back 4,000-5,000 years to the Neolithic period. While not as widely known as its larger cousin, Stonehenge, the Devil's Quoits possess a charm and mystery all their own.

A Circle Whispers Tales:

Standing as a henge and stone circle, the Quoits boast an impressive circumference of 100 meters. Originally consisting of around 50 massive stones, only 17 remain upright today. Yet, even in their partially restored state, they whisper tales of a bygone era. Imagine Neolithic people gathering within this sacred space, conducting rituals under the watchful gaze of the sun and moon. What ceremonies did they perform? What beliefs did they hold? The stones, silent yet eloquent, leave these questions to fuel our imaginations.

The Devil's Game:

The name, "Devil's Quoits," stems from a captivating legend. Locals whisper of a duel between a cunning Devil and a poor beggar, their souls wagered on a game of quoits. The Devil, naturally, emerges victorious, flinging the massive stones from Wytham Hill across the valley to mark his triumph. While fanciful, the legend speaks to the awe and mystery these stones have inspired for centuries.

A Walk Through Time:

Exploring the Devil's Quoits today is a chance to step back in time. The gentle walk from the car park leads you through meadows bursting with wildflowers, offering a glimpse into the rural idyll that surrounds the site. As you stand within the circle, imagine the whispers of the past, the echo of ancient footsteps, and the weight of history pressing down.

Beyond the Stones:

While the Quoits are the main attraction, the surrounding area offers further intrigue. Stanton Harcourt Manor, a magnificent 14th-century house, lies nearby, whispering tales of nobility and intrigue. You can also explore the Thames Path, a scenic trail meandering alongside the majestic River Thames.

A Must-Visit for History Buffs and Mystery Seekers:

Whether you're a history buff drawn to the whispers of the past, or simply seeking a unique and atmospheric experience, the Devil's Quoits deserve a place on your Oxfordshire itinerary. They stand as a testament to the ingenuity and spirituality of our ancestors, inviting us to ponder the mysteries that lie at the heart of human existence.






© All rights reserved

Popular Posts

Lanhill Long Barrow: A Window into Neolithic Britain

Image
Lanhill Long Barrow also known as Hubba's Low, is a Neolithic long barrow located in Wiltshire, England. It is one of the best-preserved long barrows in the Cotswolds-Severn Group, and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The barrow is oriented east-west and measures 56 meters long and 4 meters high. It has a roughly oval shape, with a rounded end at the east and a slightly pointed end at the west. The barrow is made up of earth and rubble, and is surrounded by a ditch. The barrow was excavated in 1909, and three burial chambers were discovered. However, only the southernmost burial chamber survives today. The chamber is rectangular in shape and measures 2.5 meters long, 1.5 meters wide, and 1 meter high. It is made up of large sarsen stones, and the roof is now supported by steel bars. The burial chamber contained the remains of at least 12 people, as well as a variety of grave goods, including pottery, flint tools, and jewelry. The grave goods suggest that the barrow was used for com
Read more

Stones of Avebury

Image
Avebury is a village in the county of Wiltshire in England known for containing a significant number of ancient monuments. The most famous monument is the Avebury Stone Circle. Avebury Stone Circle is the world's largest stone circle, comprising of other monuments within it, including a cove and two stone circles. The stone circle is located inside the henge that encircles part of Avebury village. Some stones at Avebury have names and these names are based on the stories that are related to the stones. Most of the stones are part of the stone circles. But two of them form a stone setting that is believed to be older than the stone circles. DEVIL'S CHAIR This stone got its name from a naturally formed seat on one side of the stone. Directly above the seat is a hole known as "chimney". Legend has it that if you run around the stone anti-clockwise, you will summon the Devil. RING STONE The Ring Stone is a broken piece of stone once smashed by an enraged church minister.
Read more