Stonehenge

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Stonehenge Today and Yesterday by Frank Stevens

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Stonehenge evolved in several phases over the course of at least 1500 years. Around 3100 BC, a ditch was dug. The removed earth was mounded alongside, creating a bank and ditch formation 360 feet in diameter. This formation had an entrance on the northeast side and a smaller one on the south. The northeast entrance aligned with the midsummer sunrise and the midwinter sunset.

Construction with stone began around 2600 BC. Some 20 different rock types are associated with the monument, including dolerite, rhyolite, tuff, and sarsen -- a hard, dense sandstone block created by glacial effects. These stones are 6.5 feet tall, 4 feet wide, and 2.5 feet thick; they weigh up to four tons. While the stones making up the outer ring are local, the origin of the bluestone in the inner ring was a mystery until recently. In 2011, geologists pinpointed the source of the rocks as an outcropping called Craig Rhos-y-Felin in north Pembrokeshire, about 160 miles away. Of course, that still doesn't answer the question of how the rocks were transported to the Stonehenge site, though speculation includes glaciation or human effort.

Between 2600 and 2400 BC, 30 sarsen stones were erected in a 110-foot circle with 30 lintel stones on top. The standing stones are 13 feet tall, 7 feet wide, and 3.5 feet thick, weighing 25 tons each. The lintels are 10 feet by 3 feet by 2.5 feet, making the overall height of the construction 16 feet. Within this circle, five trilithons -- three-stone formations with a horizontal stone on top of two vertical stones -- were placed in a horseshoe shape, with the opening to the northeast.

In this same time frame, a parallel pair of ditches and banks was constructed, leading 1.9 miles to River Avon. Such avenues were common in Bronze Age ritual constructions, often linking stone circles with rivers.

As large as the rocks are, it is hard to imagine how prehistoric man could have built Stonehenge. It has been suggested that some supernatural force was responsible, but conventional methods available in those ancient times have been proven to be capable of moving such stones.

Stonehenge was built before written language, so there is no record of the hows and whys of the structure. We can only speculate as to the purpose of the site. Some theories are that it was used as a calendar, an astronomical observatory, a religious site, a burial site, or a place of healing.

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Of course, the main function of Stonehenge today is attracting tourists. It was roped off in 1977 to avoid erosion and damage by vandalism. Access to the stones is permitted, though, during summer and winter solstice and spring and autumn equinox, as well as other times by pre-arrangement.

Stonehenge has become a focus of pilgrimage for neo-druids. Archaeologists discourage the association with Druidism, stressing the differences between Iron Age Druidism and what they have learned about the stone circle. Neo-druidism is a form of spirituality which promotes harmony and worship of nature, along with respect for the environment and all beings. Some call it a religion, while others see it as a philosophy. It is based on theories about Iron Age Celtic Druids, although those theories are no longer considered accurate. Nevertheless, robe-clad neo-druids converge upon Stonehenge at each solstice, the first such recorded practice in 1905.

Photo courtesy of Sandy Raidy

Americans are known for grasping an idea and putting their own spin on it. Here in the U.S. are numerous versions of Stonehenge:


Sam Hill's Stonehenge in Maryhill, Washington





The Georgia Guidestones in Nuberg, Georgia






Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska





Foamhenge in Natural Bridge, Virginia





If you can't go to England, find these and more at Roadside America and plan your own pilgrimage.
All American Stonehenge photos © roadsideamerica.com

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