STONE BOTHERING

In the heart of Cornwall, England, stands a testament to a bygone era: Trethevy Quoit. Known locally as "the giant's house," this impressive megalithic structure is a well-preserved example of a portal dolmen, a type of burial chamber dating back to the Neolithic period (around 3500-2500 BC). Standing at nearly 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall, Trethevy Quoit is formed by five massive upright stones topped with a giant capstone. The structure's name itself offers a clue to its origins. "Trethevy" translates from Cornish to "place of the graves," hinting at its likely purpose as a communal tomb for ancestors. A Look Inside the Giant's House Unlike many dolmens, Trethevy Quoit has a unique feature: a small, moveable stone at the front that once allowed access to the chamber. However, for preservation reasons, this entrance is rarely opened today. Interestingly, the back of the chamber has collapsed inwards, adding to the monument's intrigue. More Tha

Nestled in the idyllic countryside of Wiltshire, England, lies the village of Kingsdown. But beneath its peaceful facade lurks a historical enigma: a collection of scattered ancient stones, hinting at a forgotten past. These aren't your average garden pebbles; these are large standing stones, known as menhirs, and they've sparked the curiosity of locals and historians alike. The stones themselves are impressive. Imagine monolithic giants, some reportedly exceeding the size of a car, scattered along roadsides, nestled in gardens, and even piled atop one another within Kingsdown Woods. Their presence is undeniable, yet their purpose remains shrouded in mystery. The prevailing theory suggests these stones were once part of a grander structure, possibly a stone circle – a prehistoric monument believed to hold religious significance. Imagine a ring of these megaliths standing tall on the heights of Kingsdown, perhaps similar to the Swinside Stone Circle in the Lake District. But u

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Worcestershire, Bredon Hill offers not just stunning views but also a peek into the past. Among its many historical landmarks are the King and Queen Stones, a pair of imposing natural wonders shrouded in legend and intrigue. Stones Steeped in History The exact origins of the King and Queen Stones remain shrouded in mystery. Some theories suggest they are the remnants of a collapsed long barrow, an ancient burial chamber. Another theory points to their natural formation, with the stones being large fragments of oolitic limestone cemented together over time. A Local Tradition of Healing Legend imbues the stones with a touch of magic. Locals have long believed that passing between the King and Queen Stones can cure illness. This tradition likely stems from a time when people attributed natural landmarks with mystical properties. Court Leet: A Touch of Ceremony Interestingly, the King and Queen Stones played a part in a more official capacity. For centu

Standing tall and weathered on Minchinhampton Common in Gloucestershire, England, lies the Longstone. This prehistoric monument, shrouded in both time and local legend, is a fascinating piece of history that continues to spark curiosity today. Made from oolitic limestone, the Longstone reaches an impressive 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) in height. Its most striking feature is the collection of natural holes that pierce through the stone. These holes have fueled much of the folklore surrounding the Longstone. Local tradition whispers that passing a child through one of these holes can cure them of childhood ailments. Measles, whooping cough, and rickets are all said to be treatable by this curious method. Another legend claims that at the stroke of midnight, the Longstone comes alive, frolicking and dancing across the field! While the truth behind these stories remains a mystery, there's no denying the Longstone's long history. The stone is estimated to be over 4,000 years old, placing

Nestled in the fertile Supe Valley, just north of Lima, lies Caral, an ancient metropolis that rewrites the history of the Americas. This archaeological marvel, dating back to around 3,600 BC, predates even the rise of the Maya and Inca civilizations, making it the oldest known city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Caral's Enduring Pyramids Caral's six earthen pyramids, some reaching over 160 feet tall, are a testament to the advanced engineering skills of its inhabitants. Dating back to around 3,600 BC, these structures predate the more famous pyramids of Giza by thousands of years. Built with meticulously stacked stones and filled with adobe and cobbles, the pyramids served multiple purposes. Some believe they were temples dedicated to specific deities, while others suggest they functioned as administrative or social centers. The Intriguing Standing Stone Adding to the mystique of Caral is the solitary standing stone, strategically placed in the central plaz

England's mystical Bodmin Moor holds secrets older than time, whispered on the wind and etched in the weathered faces of ancient stones. While Stonehenge may steal the spotlight, the enigmatic stone circles and standing stones scattered across the moor offer an equally captivating journey into the past. A Landscape Steeped in Prehistory: Imagine rolling hills cloaked in mist, granite tors piercing the sky, and the whispers of forgotten rituals clinging to the air. This is the setting for Bodmin Moor's ancient stones, dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages (4500-800 BC). From massive stone circles to solitary monoliths, these silent sentinels stand as testaments to a way of life lost to time. Circles of Wonder: Among the most captivating are the Hurlers , three concentric rings of granite giants guarding the moor's secrets. Each stone whispers stories of astronomical alignments, ceremonial gatherings, or even a celestial calendar. Their true purpose remai

Cornwall, a land steeped in myth and mystery, boasts a unique legacy etched in stone - its countless Celtic crosses. These majestic structures, scattered across windswept moors and nestled in quaint villages, whisper tales of faith, folklore, and a resilient culture. More than just religious symbols, they are silent guardians, standing sentinel for centuries, beckoning us to explore their captivating stories. A Landscape Steeped in Symbolism: With over 400 crosses, Cornwall possesses the highest density of traditional Celtic crosses in the world. Crafted from local granite, they rise proudly from rugged terrains, their weathered surfaces bearing witness to the passage of time. From the simple elegance of early crosses like St. Piran's Oratory near Newquay to the intricate artistry of later high crosses like Lanivet's, each stands as a testament to the skills and beliefs of their creators. Beyond the Cross: A Fusion of Faith and Folklore: While their Christian influence is unden

Standing proud on the windswept moors of Cornwall, England, the St Breock Downs Monolith is a stark and imposing figure. This prehistoric standing stone, known locally as Men Gurta or the "Man of Cornwall," is the largest and heaviest in Cornwall, weighing an estimated 16.75 tons and towering over 5 meters tall. The monolith's origins remain shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to date back to the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age, around 2500-1500 BC. Its purpose is unclear, though archaeologists speculate it could have served as a territorial marker, a ritual site, or even a burial monument. The monolith stands on a low stone mound or cairn, adding to its enigmatic presence. The surrounding landscape, with its rolling hills and dramatic coastline, further enhances the sense of awe and wonder that this ancient monument evokes. Visiting the St Breock Downs Monolith is a truly unique experience. The journey to the site itself is an adventure, with winding lanes l

Chun Castle and Chun Quoit are two of the most impressive ancient landmarks in Cornwall, England. Located near the village of Pendeen, they offer visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. Chun Castle is a large Iron Age hillfort, built around 2,500 years ago. It is situated on a prominent hilltop, affording stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. The fort is surrounded by two massive stone walls, with the inner wall enclosing an area of around 10 acres. The interior of the fort contains the remains of several roundhouses, which would have been the homes of the people who lived and worked there. Chun Castle is thought to have had a defensive purpose, given its strategic location and the presence of the two stone walls. However, it is also likely that the fort was a center for trade and social activity. The proximity of the fort to the much older Chun Quoit suggests that the two sites may have been connected in some way. Chun Quoit is a Neol

Maen Llia is a standing stone in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, a few miles north of Ystradfellte. It is a striking sight, standing 12 feet tall and 9 feet wide, and is one of the largest standing stones in Wales. The stone is thought to date back to the Bronze Age, around 3000 BC. Its original purpose is unknown, but it may have been a boundary marker, a religious site, or even a way to tell the time. Maen Llia is surrounded by many other ancient monuments, including a cairn, an embankment, and a platform. This suggests that the stone was part of an important ceremonial or religious complex. The stone is also associated with a number of legends. One legend says that the stone moves down to the river at night to drink. Another legend says that the stone is the home of a fairy queen. Whatever its original purpose, Maen Llia is a powerful and evocative monument. It is a reminder of the people who lived in the Brecon Beacons thousands of years ago. Maen Llia is a fascinati

England is home to some fascinating ancient sites, including stone circles and dolmens (cromlechs). A dolmen is a type of single-chamber tomb, usually consisting of two or more vertical stones supporting a large horizontal capstone. Here we list five dolmens that are worth a visit when travelling in England. TRETHEVY QUOIT Trethevy Quoit is an impressive portal dolmen (cromlech) consisting of five standing stones capped by a large stone. There is also a rear stone which once collapsed and now lies inside the chamber. It's believed that the whole structure was originally covered by a mound. The monument is almost 2.7 meters high and dates to the early Neolithic period, around 3500-2500 BC. At the upper end of the capstone is a porthole which may have been used for astronomical observation. However, some people suggest that the hole was drilled there for decoration purposes. SPINSTER'S ROCK Spinster's Rock is a Neolithic dolmen situated in a farm field near Drewsteignton in D

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Dartmoor National Park in Devon, England, lies a fascinating relic of the past – Spinsters' Rock. This impressive dolmen, also known as a cromlech, is a testament to the ingenuity and beliefs of the Neolithic people who inhabited the region over 4,000 years ago. What is a Dolmen? The word "dolmen" comes from the Breton language and translates to "stone table." These megalithic structures typically consist of large, flat capstones supported by several upright stones. They were primarily used as burial chambers, serving as final resting places for the deceased. Spinsters' Rock: A Survivor of Time Spinsters' Rock is the most well-preserved dolmen in Devon. It comprises three granite supports, each reaching heights between 5.5 and 7.5 feet, holding aloft a massive capstone measuring an impressive 15 by 10 feet. Unfortunately, the surrounding barrow, which would have originally covered the dolmen with earth and stones, has

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

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.