STONE BOTHERING

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...

Nestled in the heart of Wiltshire, England, Avebury is one of the most intriguing prehistoric sites in the world. While Stonehenge often steals the limelight, Avebury offers an expansive and fascinating landscape dotted with ancient stones, each steeped in history and legend. Let’s take a closer look at these remarkable features. DEVIL'S CHAIR The Devil's Chair is a striking formation within Avebury, shaped like a throne or seat. Legend has it that this stone was once used by the Devil himself to survey the surrounding landscape. The tale goes that the Devil would sit here, tempting passersby with mischief. This stone exudes an aura of mystery, drawing visitors to ponder its dark associations. Whether you believe in folklore or not, the imposing presence of the Devil's Chair is undeniable, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the site. RING STONE According to local legend, the Ring Stone was once whole and stood proudly as a pivotal part of the Avebury circle. However, ...

High on the dramatic moorlands of Shropshire, England, stands a silent sentinel to millennia past - Mitchell's Fold Stone Circle. This awe-inspiring monument, built over 3,000 years ago during the Bronze Age, is a powerful reminder of the rich history that lies beneath our feet. Originally comprised of some 30 stones, today Mitchell's Fold boasts 15 standing stones arranged in a rough circle. Though the reasons behind its construction remain shrouded in mystery, it likely served as a focal point for rituals and ceremonies for the Bronze Age communities who called this land home. Theories abound about the circle's purpose. Perhaps it was a celestial calendar, aligned with the movements of the sun and moon. Maybe it served as a sacred space for gatherings and celebrations. Or, it could have been a place of burial or ancestor worship. The whispers of the past ignite our imaginations. Adding to the intrigue is the local folklore surrounding Mitchell's Fold. Legend tells of ...

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales lies an ancient mystery: the Cerrig Duon Complex. This captivating collection of Bronze Age monuments, dating back to 2500-800 BC, offers a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of our distant ancestors. The heart of the complex is the Cerrig Duon stone circle, aptly named "Black Stones" in Welsh. Unlike the perfect circles we often envision, this arrangement is oval-shaped, with roughly 20 small stones standing about 2 feet tall. While some believe additional stones were added later, the circle's true origins and purpose remain shrouded in the mists of time. Standing proudly north of the circle is Maen Mawr, meaning "Big Stone." This impressive monolith reaches a height of nearly 2 meters and dwarfs the surrounding stones. Adding to the intrigue are two smaller stones aligned with Maen Mawr, forming a short stone row. But the complex doesn't stop there. Further exploration reveals th...

When you think of Wiltshire, the iconic Stonehenge often steals the spotlight, drawing millions of visitors eager to marvel at its prehistoric grandeur. However, this enchanting county is home to a treasure trove of lesser-known ancient sites that are equally steeped in history and mystery. From long barrows to stone circles, these hidden gems offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of our prehistoric past. Let’s embark on a journey to discover some of Wiltshire’s fascinating lesser-known sites. LANHILL LONG BARROW Tucked away near the village of Lanhill, this long barrow dates back to the Neolithic period. Measuring approximately 60 meters long, it features a large earthen mound that likely served as a burial site for early communities. The tranquility of the surrounding countryside adds to the site's allure, making it an ideal spot for contemplation and reflection. While the site may not attract the crowds of its more famous counterparts, its understated beauty and historical sign...

Cornwall, located in the southwestern tip of England, is home to some of the most intriguing and well-preserved ancient sites in the United Kingdom. These landmarks, steeped in history, offer a glimpse into the lives of the early inhabitants of the British Isles. From Neolithic stone circles to Bronze Age burial chambers, Cornwall’s ancient sites are a must-visit for history enthusiasts, archaeology lovers, and anyone interested in the mysteries of the past. In this blog post, we will take you through some of the most fascinating ancient sites in Cornwall. MEN-AN-TOL One of Cornwall’s most famous and enigmatic sites is Men-an-Tol. This prehistoric monument, believed to date back to the Bronze Age, consists of four upright stones, one of which has a large circular hole in the center. The exact purpose of Men-an-Tol is unknown, but it is thought to have had ritualistic significance, possibly related to fertility or healing. Many local legends surround Men-an-Tol, including the belief tha...

England's landscape is steeped in history, whispering tales of bygone eras. But beyond the majestic castles and crumbling ruins lie silent sentinels: stones imbued with a mysterious power – the power to heal. For millennia, cultures across the globe have attributed healing properties to various crystals and minerals. England is no exception. Evidence suggests our ancestors not only appreciated the beauty of these stones, but also believed they held the key to wellness. Rock Crystal: A Window to the Soul Unearthed at Dorstone Hill, Herefordshire, lie hundreds of rock crystal fragments – the largest such discovery in Britain. These translucent beauties weren't crafted into tools, but rather placed near burials, hinting at a deeper purpose. Perhaps the Neolithic people saw them as conduits to the spirit world, or maybe they valued their clarity for promoting clear thinking and inner peace. Stonehenge: More Than Just a Monument Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is shrouded...

Wiltshire, located in the heart of southern England, is renowned for its rich history and impressive prehistoric monuments. The region is home to some of the most iconic ancient sites in the world, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of our ancient ancestors. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of archaeology, or simply someone intrigued by the mysteries of the past, Wiltshire has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the top ancient sites in Wiltshire. STONEHENGE: THE ICONIC MONUMENT No visit to Wiltshire is complete without experiencing Stonehenge, one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world. Located near Amesbury, Stonehenge is a Neolithic stone circle that dates back to around 3000 BC. The monument consists of a ring of standing stones, some weighing as much as 40 tons, which were transported from as far as Wales. While the exact purpose of Stonehenge remains a mystery, it is widely believed to have been used for ...

High up on the edge of Wentwood in Wales, overlooking the sprawling Severn Estuary, lies a monument shrouded in time - the Gray Hill Stone Circle. Dating back to the Bronze Age, around 4,000 years ago, this circle of stones stands as a silent testament to the lives and beliefs of an ancient people. The circle itself is around 32 feet in diameter, with nine stones laid out on the circumference. Unlike some stone circles where the stones stand tall and proud, these stones rest on their sides, forming a low wall. One intriguing feature is a solitary standing stone positioned just outside the circle, accompanied by a larger "outlier" stone nearby. Archaeologists believe this outlying stone may have served as a marker or even part of an entrance to a chamber tomb once located within the circle. The purpose of Gray Hill Stone Circle, like many prehistoric monuments, remains an enigma. Theories range from serving as a ceremonial site for astronomical alignments to a place of burial ...

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,...