Stonehenge FAQs

Stonehenge is the oldest prehistoric site built in several stages over various periods. The first stage, an early henge, was built 5,000 years ago. The iconic stone circle was built in the late Neolithic period, around 2500 BC. Later, many burial mounds were created during the early Bronze Age.

Stonehenge is a masterpiece of the prehistoric era, built with basic tools and techniques that prevailed before the creation of metals and wheels. Hundreds of people built heavy stone structures to transport, shape and erect the stones. Various stonework methods were employed to fit the upright stones and horizontal lintels. Historians assume that people dug a large hole with a sloping side to erect stones with the help of wooden stakes.

Even after years of research, it is unclear who built Stonehenge. The site of Stonehenge has evidence of ceremonial purposes and shows signs of modification for different groups of people during various periods. Archeological excavation has pointed out the presence of Neolithic humans and Mesolithic hunter-gatherer groups. These groups could have contributed to the construction of Stonehenge.

There are various theories surrounding the reason for the construction of Stonehenge. One theory suggests that it could be a Neolithic burial site, cremation site or site for last rites. Aubrey Holes, which unearthed holes around the sites, has charred remains and supports this theory. Another popular theory points out that Stonehenge is a giant astronomical calendar. Stonehenge is aligned with the sun, moon and stars and could have been an ancient scientific observatory. It is also suggested that historical people used Stonehenge to calculate the days and years.

Stonehenge is the only remaining wonder among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Stonehenge initially consisted of approximately 100 massive upright stones in a concentric layout. Out of the five trilithons (2 vertical stones with one horizontal lintel) of the inner circle, only three stand until now and two are partly ruined. The Altar stone is buried beneath the tallest trilithon. Only a few remain out of the potential 30 stones in the outer circle.

A visit to Stonehenge is a must for all the history lovers fascinated by the mystery of prehistory. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is older than the Egyptian pyramids and has undergone various modification stages over the last 5000 years. For a unique sightseeing experience, Stonehenge is worth visiting.

Visitors can go upto 15 yards close to Stonehenge. Visitors are not allowed beyond that to protect the stones for future visitors. A thin rope encircles Stone Circle to prevent visitors from moving any closer.

Stonehenge is visible from the A303 highway. However, the view is not clear and it is vague. You should visit the monument up close to get the perfect view of Stonehenge.

Visitors can view the monument for free from the road. But Stonehenge is not clear from such a distance. You must get an entry ticket to get close to Stonehenge and visit the historical museum.

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument. Unlike most monuments, it is not a palace or a castle but a simple collection of stones, which shows how far humans have come in terms of architectural skills.

The summer solstice is mainly associated with a dramatic alignment of the stones with the rising sun, which appears at its highest elevation. The sun remains so for a few days to come. The summer solstice is often believed to have held ritualistic importance for the ancient people, but nothing can be said concretely.

Visitors are not allowed to touch the stones of Stonehenge on their trip. You can only touch the stones at Stonehenge if you are on the team conducting research studies or undertaking preservation methods on the stones.

The landmark administration does not allow visitors to touch the stones for any fees. Visitors purchase the tickets to enter the premises and witness the architectural marvel. They can see the stones pretty close, but entering the circle area and touching the stone is impossible.

Heel Stone at Stonehenge is a stone outside the main circle. It is in an upright position, and chances are that it served as a marker for celestial purposes and events. The Heel Stone at Stonehenge is a vast, single block of stone and is made of Sarsen. It is placed within the Avenue outside the Main Circle.

The Stonehenge’s alignment with the Solstice is often considered intentional. Most theories believe this alignment is not coincidental and was intentionally placed for ritualistic purposes.

Stonehenge is a Unesco World Heritage Site because it is the world’s most sophisticated architectural prehistoric monument. Unesco World Heritage Site tag is bestowed upon important monuments with cultural, historical, scientific, and other significance. Stonehenge clearly checks all these parameters and is thus rightfully declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stonehenge became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the tenth session in 1986.

Some stones at Stonehenge are leaning while some others stand upright. There might be several reasons behind the leaning of these stones. It is mainly believed that the leaning stones are leaning because of subsidence due to the movement of underground materials and excavation attempts.

The stones at Stonehenge are massive, and it is said that the larger sarsen stones weigh around 25 tons or more. The largest sarsen stone, the Heel Stone, is said to weigh around 30 tons or more. The smaller stones may weigh less than the larger sarsen stones but can still weigh several tons.

Several steps are taken consistently to protect the Stonehenge stones. These measures include restricting access to the stones by not allowing visitors to touch them. Other measures for preservation are monitoring the environmental conditions and conducting further research.

Stonehenge never had to be discovered since it was exposed in the open. The stones at Stonehenge have been there since they were installed, and people could always see them. No excavation or other steps were needed to find Stonehenge because it was never lost or hidden.

There are two main types of stones in Stonehenge: sarsen rocks and bluestone rocks. The larger stones are sarsen rocks, and the smaller ones are bluestone. Sarsen rocks are easily available naturally in the southern part of England.

The Avenue is a processional pathway leading to the River Anon and was probably used for ceremonial purposes or rituals. It is on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire and was discovered in the 18th century. The Avenue measures around three kilometers.