STONE BOTHERING

Oxfordshire, with its rolling hills and rich tapestry of history, is not just home to the prestigious university but also to a wealth of ancient sites that whisper stories from millennia past. From enigmatic stone circles to burial mounds, these sites offer a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of our ancestors. Join me as we explore some of the most intriguing ancient landmarks in this picturesque county. ROLLRIGHT STONES One of Oxfordshire's most famous ancient sites, the Rollright Stones are a collection of megalithic monuments located near the village of Long Compton. This site consists of three distinct groups: the King's Men stone circle, the Whispering Knights burial chamber, and the King Stone. The King's Men, a circle of 77 standing stones, is believed to date back to the Neolithic period. Legends abound regarding the stones; local folklore suggests that they are the petrified remains of a king and his men turned to stone by a witch. The atmosphere here is mystical,...

Deep within the ancient emerald embrace of the Forest of Dean, nestled against the winding River Wye, lies the charming village of Staunton. But for those with a curious spirit and a taste for the mysterious, it's not just the picturesque cottages and idyllic landscapes that beckon. Staunton boasts a collection of fascinating stones, each whispering tales of forgotten times and intriguing the imagination. The Staunton Longstone is a sentinel of Old Red Conglomerate standing tall by the road. Erected in the Bronze Age, its purpose remains shrouded in mist. Was it a marker for travelers, a monument to the departed, or a focal point for rituals under the starlit sky? Local lore imbues it with a touch of the macabre, claiming it bleeds at the witching hour – a chilling legend guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. The Buckstone, a once-rocking behemoth, dislodged by revelers in 1885, now rests firmly cemented atop a hill. Climb its weathered surface and be rewarded with panoramic ...

Hidden among the trees of Wiltshire, England, lies a woodland whispering tales of giants and ancient puzzles. West Woods, once an unassuming site, has shot to fame in recent years as the likely source of the colossal sarsen stones that make up Stonehenge, the iconic prehistoric monument. For centuries, the origin of these massive stones, weighing up to 25 tons, remained a mystery. Theories pointed to distant locations, with speculations ranging from Wales to even Africa. But in 2020, a scientific breakthrough changed everything. Geochemical analysis of a core drilled from a Stonehenge sarsen stone matched perfectly with samples from West Woods. This confirmed what many archaeologists had suspected for years: this unassuming woodland held the key to Stonehenge's construction. But West Woods is more than just a quarry. Evidence suggests it was a place of human activity long before the sarsens were extracted. Stone tools dating back to the Mesolithic period (7,000 - 4,000 BCE) have be...

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 Quoi...

Amidst the rolling hills and verdant valleys of Wales, shrouded in the mists of time, stands the enigmatic Pen y Beacon Stone Circle. With its lone sentinel stone reaching skyward and whispers of ancient rituals swirling in the air, this prehistoric monument beckons curious explorers and history buffs alike. A Circle Steeped in Mystery: Located a short distance from the charming town of Hay-on-Wye, Pen y Beacon's origins remain shrouded in mystery. While only four stones remain, archaeologists believe it once boasted a grand circle roughly 30 meters in diameter. Some speculate it served as a ceremonial site, while others believe it marked an important burial ground. The presence of portal stones, an uncommon feature in Wales, adds another layer of intrigue. Stepping Back in Time: As you stand amidst the stones, imagine the lives that unfolded here millennia ago. Picture druids chanting under the moonlight, families laying their loved ones to rest, or communities gat...

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Herefordshire, England, lies a monument shrouded in legend and history - Arthur's Stone. This impressive Neolithic chambered tomb, dating back to a staggering 3, 700-2, 700 BC, whispers tales of ancient rituals and whispers of the mythical King Arthur. More than just massive stones, Arthur's Stone is a portal to a bygone era. As you approach, the sheer size of the capstone, weighing an estimated 25 tons, inspires awe. Imagine the immense effort it took our Neolithic ancestors to move and position these behemoths without the aid of modern machinery. The sight sparks curiosity: who built this tomb? What ceremonies were held within its chamber? What stories do these stones hold? While the answers remain locked in time, legends offer their own interpretations. The most famous links Arthur's Stone to the legendary King Arthur himself. Local folklore claims it was here that Arthur slayed a giant, leaving indentations of his e...

Imagine yourself strolling amidst towering stones, each whispering tales of a civilization long gone. This isn't a scene from a fantasy novel, but a real experience waiting for you at West Kennet Avenue, a prehistoric wonder nestled in the heart of England's Wiltshire countryside. West Kennet Avenue is no ordinary path. It was once lined with around 100 pairs of megaliths, forming a grand avenue that snakes its way between the Avebury henge and The Sanctuary. While many of the stones have fallen victim to time, the remaining 37 pairs still stand tall, radiating an aura of mystery and intrigue. Built sometime between 2500 and 2200 BC, the avenue's purpose remains a captivating enigma. Some believe it served as a processional route for rituals and ceremonies, connecting the sacred sites of Avebury and The Sanctuary. Others propose it functioned as a calendar, with the stones aligning with astronomical events. Every theory adds a layer of fascination to this anc...

Standing amidst the imposing stones of Avebury Henge is like stepping back into the footsteps of our distant ancestors. This awe-inspiring Neolithic monument, located in the heart of Wiltshire, England, is a captivating blend of mystery, history, and natural beauty. A Monumental Masterpiece: Built over 4, 500 years ago, Avebury is not just one stone circle, but a complex of marvels. Imagine a colossal circular bank and ditch, enclosing an area almost a mile in circumference. Within this impressive frame lies the largest stone circle in the world, boasting around 100 megaliths originally, some weighing over 100 tons! Two smaller, intriguing stone circles nestle within this giant, adding to the enigmatic tapestry of the site. A Landscape Steeped in Significance: More than just impressive stones, Avebury was likely a vibrant ceremonial center for Neolithic communities. Theories abound about its purpose, ranging from astronomical observations to rituals connected to the ...