Stonehenge Through Time
The History: Construction
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When Stonehenge was first built it looked very different to the Stonehenge we can visit today. It was constructed in four stages over a period of more than 1000 years from 2800 BC - 1550 BC:
Initially, the monument would have been built as an earthwork enclosure; however it is likely that this would not have remained for long. Recent excavations have revealed postholes of varying sizes, likely to have supported a timber posts. This was the initial hint of an upright circular structure on the site. There are also deposits of cremated bone suggesting burial dated from around this time
The second stage in development saw a dramatic development to something quite different, around 2500 BC the stones that characterize the sight today made their first appearance. Sarsens from the Marlborough Downs and bluestones from the Preseli Hills in Wales. The station stones were set upright and the two larger Sarsens, now known as the Heel Stone, were constructed.
The third stage saw some minor changes around the outer parts of the monument; these consisted of a circular ditch dug around the Heel Stone and its companion stone being removed. In addition here stones were constructed in a line across the entrance. There was also the addition of low ditched mounds.
The final phase consisted of further changes between 2300 and 2000 BC; once again the enclosure entrance stones were repositioned. The line of entrance was extended, also at this time as many as 60 bluestones were set up in a circle and within the circle oval and perhaps later by the Romans horse shoe shaped circles were formed and an alter stone was placed. These momentous changes would have taken more than 1000 years to create, but the results were an incredible and lasting temple to the sun and a beautiful heritage monument today.
- The Timber Phase
- The Early Stone Phase
- The Late Stone Phase
- The Final Phase
Initially, the monument would have been built as an earthwork enclosure; however it is likely that this would not have remained for long. Recent excavations have revealed postholes of varying sizes, likely to have supported a timber posts. This was the initial hint of an upright circular structure on the site. There are also deposits of cremated bone suggesting burial dated from around this time
The second stage in development saw a dramatic development to something quite different, around 2500 BC the stones that characterize the sight today made their first appearance. Sarsens from the Marlborough Downs and bluestones from the Preseli Hills in Wales. The station stones were set upright and the two larger Sarsens, now known as the Heel Stone, were constructed.
The third stage saw some minor changes around the outer parts of the monument; these consisted of a circular ditch dug around the Heel Stone and its companion stone being removed. In addition here stones were constructed in a line across the entrance. There was also the addition of low ditched mounds.
The final phase consisted of further changes between 2300 and 2000 BC; once again the enclosure entrance stones were repositioned. The line of entrance was extended, also at this time as many as 60 bluestones were set up in a circle and within the circle oval and perhaps later by the Romans horse shoe shaped circles were formed and an alter stone was placed. These momentous changes would have taken more than 1000 years to create, but the results were an incredible and lasting temple to the sun and a beautiful heritage monument today.
Stonhenge's attraction
_The mystery of Stonehenge is a huge part of what makes it attractive. We don't know why it was built, or what for, and our curiosity about it hasn't changed.
Stonehenge never used to be as popular an attraction as it is today. Visitors used to be able to go right up next to the stones and even touch them. You are still able to go into the stone circle today but only by a private booking. Stonehenge was a popular excursion in Victorian times with visitors visiting Old Sarum in the morning then Stonehenge in the afternoon while they were staying in Salisbury.
Throughout time Stonehenge has been a popular topic for novels by many different authors including Bernard Cornwall and Sam Christer.
In December 1900 two stones blew down, these were the first stones to fall since 1797. As a result of this Stonehenge had to be safety checked and admission charged. They also stationed a policeman there so that no harm was caused to the stones.
Since then Stonehenge has been partially restored to its former self and many replicas have been built.
Stonehenge never used to be as popular an attraction as it is today. Visitors used to be able to go right up next to the stones and even touch them. You are still able to go into the stone circle today but only by a private booking. Stonehenge was a popular excursion in Victorian times with visitors visiting Old Sarum in the morning then Stonehenge in the afternoon while they were staying in Salisbury.
Throughout time Stonehenge has been a popular topic for novels by many different authors including Bernard Cornwall and Sam Christer.
In December 1900 two stones blew down, these were the first stones to fall since 1797. As a result of this Stonehenge had to be safety checked and admission charged. They also stationed a policeman there so that no harm was caused to the stones.
Since then Stonehenge has been partially restored to its former self and many replicas have been built.