Stonehenge - stone circle of mystery
One of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world, and the subject of considerable speculation, Stonehenge is a spectacular monument that you must not miss if you visit the south of England. Stonehenge is situated just eight miles north of the historic city of Salisbury, and is a circular setting of large standing stones surrounded by earthworks. The stones themselves are thought to date back to around 2200 BC, and the earthworks may go back to 3100 BC. It is even thought that some building activity in the area could go back to an incredible 8000 BC.
It seems that the stones were brought from 25 miles away, which is a pretty amazing thought when you consider that it probably took 500 men to pull one of the 50 tonne stones.
There have been many theories about the origin of Stonehenge, ranging from the scientific to the paranormal. Stonehenge has become a place of pilgrimage and celebration for modern day Druids and pagans. Every summer solstice dawn appears over the stone known as the heel stone, and this sight attracts great numbers of visitors.
Salisbury is a good place to stay for those considering visiting Stonehenge, and has a good number of places to stay. Alternatively, half an hour from Stonehenge, in the historic town of Shaftesbury, there is the Royal Chase Hotel, a former monastery which is now a highly rated hotel with restaurant and heated indoor swimming pool. While you relax in the pool spare a thought for the souls who dragged the stones all those miles.
Filed under: Ancient historic sites, Religious Sights, Historic Sights, Lodging, England
