Stonehenge is far older than many people realise, with its earliest phase of construction dating back to around 3100 BC. This makes the initial earthwork circle on Salisbury Plain older than the Great Pyramid of Giza. The iconic stone circle that we see today was erected much later, between approximately 2600 and 2400 BC, but the site's history spans at least 1,500 years of development.

How were the stones transported?

One of the most astonishing facts about Stonehenge is the sheer effort involved in transporting its stones. The monument is built from two different types of stone: the larger sarsens and the smaller bluestones. The sarsen stones, which form the famous outer circle and inner trilithons, weigh an average of 25 tons each, with the largest, the Heel Stone, weighing about 30 tons. Geochemical analysis has traced their origin to West Woods, an area about 16 miles (26 km) north of the site.

Even more remarkably, the smaller bluestones, weighing between 2 and 5 tons each, were transported from the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire, Wales. This was an incredible journey of over 140 miles (225 km). While it was once theorised they were carried by glaciers, modern research confirms they were quarried and moved by human effort, a feat requiring immense organisation and ingenuity.

What was Stonehenge's purpose?

While no one knows its exact purpose, evidence points to Stonehenge being a multi-functional site of great importance. Its perfect alignment with the movements of the sun is one of its most famous features. On the summer solstice, the sun rises directly behind the Heel Stone, casting a ray of light into the heart of the circle. Similarly, the winter solstice sunset is framed by the tallest trilithon. This suggests it was used as a sophisticated solar calendar or a place for seasonal ceremony.

Archaeological discoveries also reveal it was a significant burial ground. Excavations have uncovered cremated human remains dating back as early as 3000 BC. At least 63 different individuals were buried here, making it one of the largest Neolithic cemeteries known in Britain. This suggests a deep connection to ancestors and the afterlife.

Surprising Stonehenge Facts

  • It uses woodworking techniques: The builders shaped the sarsen stones using techniques usually reserved for wood, creating mortise and tenon joints to secure the horizontal lintels on top of the uprights.
  • The stones have acoustic properties: Studies have shown that some of the bluestones produce a unique, resonant sound when struck, leading some to believe they were chosen for their sonic qualities, like giant bells.
  • It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Stonehenge and its surrounding landscape, which includes hundreds of prehistoric monuments, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
  • It wasn't just one circle: The monument was built and rearranged over many centuries. Earlier phases included timber posts and different arrangements of the bluestones before the final sarsen structure was created.
  • The Altar Stone is a mystery: The six-tonne Altar Stone was long believed to come from Wales with the other bluestones. However, recent research published in 2024 suggests it may have originated from as far away as northern Scotland, a distance of over 435 miles (700 km).

Who built Stonehenge?

Stonehenge was not built by one single group of people. Construction spanned over 1,500 years and involved different cultures. The initial earthwork was created by Neolithic farming communities around 3100 BC. Later phases, including the raising of the great sarsen stones, were carried out by subsequent Bronze Age societies, sometimes referred to as the Beaker Folk. The sheer scale of the project required hundreds of people working together over many generations, demonstrating a highly organised and cooperative society. To experience this ancient wonder for yourself, you can book tickets in advance.

Frequently asked questions

How old is Stonehenge really?

The earliest part of Stonehenge, the circular earth bank and ditch, was built around 3100 BC. The iconic stone settings were erected later, between approximately 2600 BC and 1600 BC.

How much do the stones weigh?

The large sarsen stones weigh an average of 25 tons (22.6 metric tons). The smaller bluestones weigh between 2 and 5 tons each.

Was Stonehenge built by Druids?

No, this is a common myth. The Druids were a priestly class of the Celts who lived in Britain during the Iron Age, thousands of years after Stonehenge was completed. The monument was built by much earlier Neolithic and Bronze Age peoples.

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