Stonehenge
England
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, consisting of a ring of massive standing stones arranged in a unique architectural style. Constructed in several phases starting around 3100 BC and continuing until about 1600 BC, it features large sarsen stones approximately 4 meters high and 2 meters wide, topped by horizontal lintels joined with mortise and tenon joints, a distinctive engineering technique. Inside the outer ring lies a circle of smaller bluestones and trilithons, which are two vertical stones capped by a lintel. The site is aligned with the sunrise of the summer solstice and sunset of the winter solstice, highlighting its possible astronomical significance. It is surrounded by numerous Neolithic and Bronze Age burial mounds, indicating its importance as a ceremonial and burial site. Stonehenge is a British cultural icon, legally protected since the 19th century and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. Managed by English Heritage and owned by the Crown Estate, it offers visitors exhibitions and expert-led tours that provide deeper insight into its construction and historical context.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to pre-book tickets to explore Stonehenge and consider joining the Stone Circle Experience for an exclusive visit inside the stones. The best times to visit are during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, and special guided tours, including British Sign Language tours, are available. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, and children. Audio guides and exhibitions enhance the visitor experience, and refreshments can be enjoyed at the on-site café with views of the monument.
Interesting facts
- •The lintel stones at Stonehenge are held in place using mortise and tenon joints, a unique feature among contemporary monuments.
- •Stonehenge is aligned with the sunrise on the summer solstice and sunset on the winter solstice, highlighting its astronomical purpose.
- •The site is surrounded by hundreds of burial mounds, making it part of the densest complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England.
- •Stonehenge has been legally protected since the Ancient Monuments Protection Act of 1882.
- •It was added to UNESCO's World Heritage list in 1986 due to its cultural and historical significance.
History
Stonehenge was first constructed around 3100 BC with the establishment of a circular earth bank and ditch.
The iconic large sarsen stones were erected between 2600 BC and 2400 BC, while the smaller bluestones were positioned between 2400 BC and 2200 BC.
Initially, the site served as a burial ground, with human remains dating back to its earliest phases.
Over centuries, Stonehenge evolved through multiple construction phases spanning at least 1500 years, becoming a central ceremonial and funerary site in Neolithic and Bronze Age Britain.
Its significance has been recognized since the 19th century, leading to legal protection and archaeological study, culminating in its designation as a World Heritage Site in 1986.
Place Guide
Stone Circle2600-2400 BC
The main feature of Stonehenge, consisting of large sarsen stones arranged in a circular layout with lintels connecting the uprights, forming trilithons inside. This structure is notable for its unique mortise and tenon joints and solstice alignments.
Bluestone Circle2400-2200 BC
A ring of smaller bluestones inside the larger sarsen stone circle, believed to have been positioned between 2400 and 2200 BC. These stones were possibly sourced from the Preseli Hills in Wales, over 150 miles away.
Stonehenge Exhibition
An exhibition providing insights into the builders of Stonehenge, their lives, and the archaeological findings related to the monument, enhancing visitor understanding of its historical and cultural context.
Contact
Phone: 0370 333 1181
