One of the most famous, interesting and pre historic European relic in England is the standing stones built during prehistoric times and located near Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. Before I came to Britain on a visit, I had thought of visiting this monument. it is seen as being a megalithic monument that dates back to the Neolithic and the Bronze Age Since it was discovered, there have been many theories as to how and why they were created. Despite countless theories offered over centuries, no one knows who, why and when exactly they were built. For what purpose they were built. The said standing stones are called “Stonehenge†The stones are believed to have been put in place in three main phases from about c. 3100 – c. 1550 BC
I just tried to go through some books on Stonehenge and I could collect some information One author says that it means “‘The Stone Gallows’. Early antiquaries tried to explain the name as ‘The Hanging Stones’, with reference to the way the lintels balance on the upright columns.
. The reasons for the building of Stonehenge though are unknown, but mostly based on speculation. It is believed to have been a place of and ritual. My guide ( head set ) gave me many theories as to its specific purpose. One of the reasons might have been to predict eclipses, and he immediately added that none has been proved. It is said that the stones erected during the second phase of construction (c. 2100 BC) were aligned with the sunrise at the summer solstice, suggesting some ritual connection with that event. Several archaeologists opine that Stonehenge was used to observe the motions of the moon as well as the sun or its possible use as a center for healing and as a burial ground for a local ruling family It has also been called an astronomical observatory for marking significant events on the prehistoric calendar. . I was very much excited as I had seen the pictures of Stonehenge way back in my college days and I would be seeing a construction made nearly 5000 years ago. That apart the British are proud of this monument it connects the civilization of those who lived in about 3 or 6 thousand years ago.
We arrived at about 10.30 in the morning from London by car. It took about approximately 2 hours for us to reach. It is in the English county of Wiltshire near Amersbury and lies about 13 kilometres north of Salisbury. and only 150 Kms west of London
The Stonehenge site is composed of three distinct elements—an outer circle of local sarsen stones and two inner circles of blue stones. We were told that those blue stones were brought from the Prescelly Mountains of Wales, 200 kilometers (125 miles) away. The first and third circles are capped with stone lintels, and the whole construction is encircled by a ditch, inside the bank of which are 56 pits known as the “Aubrey Holes” and a cemetery associated with them. One cannot go near to the stones freely. However, the surrounding walkway provides an unobstructed view of the mysterious creation. One can take photos from here. One will have to pay to enter the grounds but with that we are provided with a headset for the free audio tour, which is very informative and interesting
I was awe stuck by their hugeness and the way they have been placed in a symmetrical manner. Most of the stones must have been removed or destroyed etc. But it tells the story of over 5000 years ago.