The intriguing stones of Winterbourne Monkton

Nestled in the heart of Wiltshire, England, lies the quaint village of Winterbourne Monkton. While seemingly unassuming at first glance, this village holds a hidden charm – a collection of intriguing stones that whisper tales of a bygone era.

Unlike the world-famous megaliths of nearby Avebury, Winterbourne Monkton's stones are shrouded in an air of mystery. Scattered throughout the village, these ancient sentinels stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time, their origins and purpose a puzzle waiting to be unravelled.

One captivating feature is the large recumbent stone resting in the grounds of the village church. Believed to have originated from the Mill Barrow, an ancient burial mound, this stone fuels speculation about its connection to past rituals and practices.

Adding to the intrigue are the sarsen stones, a type of sandstone commonly found in the area. These stones, discovered during bridge repairs, were once part of the Mill Barrow's foundation. Today, they stand rearranged in a small stone circle, a silent tribute to the dismantled barrow.

As you wander through Winterbourne Monkton, keep your eyes peeled for the scattered stones integrated into walls and buildings. Are they mere remnants of the past, or do they hold deeper significance? The answer, like the stones themselves, remains an enigma.

The beauty of these stones lies not just in their physical presence but also in the unanswered questions they evoke. They spark our imagination, urging us to ponder the lives of those who came before us and the stories they might hold within.

So, if you find yourself exploring the rolling hills of Wiltshire, make sure to include Winterbourne Monkton on your itinerary. Take a moment to appreciate these intriguing stones, and let them transport you on a journey into the captivating world of the past.





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