The Wonders of Stonehenge

Stonehenge is the most famous prehistory monument found in England and one of the most famous sites in the entire world. Located in the county of Wiltshire England, Stonehenge is group of large standing stones set into the earth and several burial mounds. In 1986 the site became an official World Heritage Site in a co listing with the Avebury Henge monument. Stonehenge has attracted visitors from all over the world for as long as they have been standing. It is believed they were constructed anywhere from 3000 BC to as early as 2000 BC. It is thought the stones and area served as a burial ground due to the fact that human cremated remains from the earliest period of their existence.

There are many aspects of Stonehenge which are subject to debate. The trouble theorists have is that Stonehenge was constructed at a time where there are no written records. So how and why they are there will always be argued. As technology evolves, the history of the stones will finally piece together the truth behind this great site. How they were constructed is one of the questions which have baffled scholars and visitors alike. The stone circle was built before the invention of the wheel so how they got to the site is one question unanswered. The stones around the outer ring are sarsen sandstone slabs which are believed to be from local quarries, fair enough, however, the inner ring of stones are made up of rocks known as bluestones which scientists believe came from the Preseli Hills in Wales. This is some 200 miles away so how on earth did they move these 4 ton stone this far?

How this early civilization produced the mighty circle of upright megalithic stones will always be up for question. It is known that they were built in several different phrases or many years. As technology evolves and historians discover more facts, we may find the answer one day. But for now they will be a wonderful mystery for people to marvel over.

Other theories surrounding the meaning of Stonehenge is that the stones are of astronomical nature. Gerald Hawkins’ who was an English astronomer used a modern computer to calculate all the sightlines and their relation to objects of sky such as the Moon and Sun. Hawkins and other astronomer Fred Hoyle believed that Stonehenge was used as an observatory to keep records and predict astronomical events like eclipses. This is just one of the theories which have mystified people for many years.

Currently there is a scheme being run by English Heritage to make the area much more suitable for visitors. They began the work in July 2012 and hope to complete by Autumn of 2013. A visitor centre with exhibitions and education facilities is planned, as is a transport system to take visitors from the centre to a drop off point close to the Stones. There will be an archaeological gallery which will feature important objects on loan from local museums. They also plan to build three Neolithic houses which will be recreated using extremely rare evidence of domestic buildings from prehistoric England which were recently unearthed near Stonehenge. These ambitious plans which are currently in process as I type are set to give visitors to Stonehenge an even greater experience.

Why not go on a Stonehenge, Bath & Windsor Tour to find out all about Stonehenge for yourself. Run by Brit Experiences, the UK\’s top tours and experience company.

Why not go on a http://britexperiences.com/stonehenge-bath-windsor-tour/ Stonehenge, Bath & Windsor Tour to find out all about Stonehenge for yourself. Run by Brit Experiences, the UK\’s top tours and experience company.

Author Bio: Why not go on a Stonehenge, Bath & Windsor Tour to find out all about Stonehenge for yourself. Run by Brit Experiences, the UK\’s top tours and experience company.

Category: Travel
Keywords: upright megalithic stones, prehistory monument, famous sites, heritage site, stonehenge

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