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What is Stonehenge? Stonehenge is definitely one of Britain's greatest national icons, symbolising mystery, power and endurance. Stonehenge is a prehistoric, mysterious circle of upright stones in southern England. Construction on the great monument began 5,000 years ago; the famous stones that still stand today were put in place about 4,000 years ago.
Did you know..? • Stonehenge was constructed in three phases. • It has been estimated that the three phases of the construction required more than thirty million hours of labour. • Rumours as to why it was built range from human sacrifice to astronomy. • The circle was aligned with the midsummer sunrise, the midwinter sunset, and the most southerly rising and northerly setting of the moon. • Stonehenge is thought to have healing properties.
Quick Guide Age estimated at 3100 BC Location Wiltshire, UK Type of stone Bluestone, Sarson, Welsh Sandstone Worship Lunar, Solar Access It is now owned by the English Heritage - there is a charge to visit the stones Extra notes Except on special or arranged occasions, visitors are unable to walk amongst the stones
The Mystery of Stonehenge... • Vocabulary • ‘ ...in the mists of time...’ - over the years • Ancestors - The people we descend (come) from. • Primitive - Simple/Un-sophisticated The true meaning of this ancient, awe-inspiring creation has been lost in the mists of time. Was it a temple for sun worship, a healing centre, a burial site or perhaps a huge calendar? How did our ancestors manage to carry the mighty stones from so far away and then, using only the most primitive of tools, build this amazing structure? Surrounded by mystery, Stonehenge never fails to impress... Even today, people still don’t know the real purpose of Stonehenge.
Other Ancient Sites and Stone Rings in the UK... The Avebury Ring The Avebury ring is the oldest stone ring that is known to be in existence anywhere in the world and is even older than Stonehenge. It is also situated in the Wiltshire county. More than nine hundred stone rings exist in the British Isles. Of these, Stonehenge is the most well known. The Belas Knap A chambered tomb dating from about 1400BC. Thirty eight skeletons were discovered in the tomb, and these and other artifacts can be seen in the folk museum in Winchcombe, Gloustershire. Castlerigg A Stone circle in Cumbria. It is not as large, or as well known as Stonehenge, but is still very beautiful. Castlerigg was one of the first stone circles built in Britain, dating from about 3000 BC.There is a small rectangle of stones within the circle, an unusual feature in stone circles. There is also a small mound inside the circle, which suggests a burial place.