Stonehenge Architectur: Mystery and Sophistication
Stonehenge England — The Unmissable Mysterious and Sophisticated Architecture for your England Itinerary
Stonehenge England, a mysterious and sophisticated architecture and one of the wonders of the world is right at our doorstep! This pre-historic monument has wowed many and continues to intrigue all visitors to England. Not only is Stonehenge England exudes a mysterious construct but it is also a sophisticated architecture. Some regard Stonehenge as an engineering masterpiece given that it was built with simple tools and technologies during the Neolithic times. It is another of those structures in the world that make visitors and scientists wonder to the theories behind its construction – Why it was constructed and by whom, to the extend that it could have been an alien creation or the much popularised legend of King Arthur by historian, Geoffrey of Monmouth.
Here is Stonehenge England, facts and fiction for you in a nutshell — pay us a visit — mystical or magical — mysterious or an engineering masterpiece — you decide.
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TIMELESS TRAVEL STEPS BEST TIPS FOR STONEHENGE
1 | Pre book admission tickets to Stonehenge;
2 | Stonehenge morning or afternoon half-day tour;
3 | Full Day Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford Tour from London;
1 | Stonehenge Architecture
Stonehenge architecture is mystifying. It was erected with precise interlocking joints, unseen at any other prehistoric monument. According to its history, it was built in several stages, with the first monument being constructed around 5,000 years ago.
2 | Stonehenge ENGLAND — A UNESCO World Heritage Site
This unique prehistoric masterpiece sits on a rich archaeological landscape and the area, Avebury and Stonehenge form a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is said that Stonehenge is the most architecturally sophisticated and a unique place to visit.
3 | Where is Stonehenge ENGLAND exactly?
Stonehenge is located on Salisbury Plain, about 8 miles (13 km) north of Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. Its coordinates are:
Latitude: 51° 10′ 26.30″ N Longitude: -1° 49′ 20.56″ W
If you haven’t been to Stonehenge, click on the link to Google Earth and get a first hand, up close and personal experience of this mysterious wonderment. Watch the awesomeness of this majestic structure that has puzzled many historians and remains a mystery! It will sure to blow you away too!
4 | The Stone Circle at Stonehenge ENGLAND
Stonehenge architecture, especially the Stone Circle at Stonehenge is an iconic symbol of Britain with each stone standing at 13 feet high, 7 feet wide and weighing around 25 tons. It is believed to have been constructed between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. This mysterious yet sophisticated architecture is the only surviving lintelled stone circle in the world.
I was instantly wowed at the gigantic stones and intrigued at how cleverly it was “constructed”. I did feel a little “tiny” in the midst of all these and the vastness of the area. There is certainly a lot to discover here.
As mentioned earlier, this iconic sophisticated architecture throws more questions than answers as to the “Why’s” and “Who” – here’s what I found out but be rest assured that there are a lot more theories and opinions out there.
5 | The Theories Behind Stonehenge Architecture
One of the most comprehensive hypotheses of the mysterious and sophisticated architecture of Stonehenge and its origin along with its purpose can be found in Stonehenge Decoded by Gerald Hawkins.
5.1 | Stonehenge Decoded
According to Hawkins, the cluster of stones were constructed in phases between 3100 BC through 1600 BC and its purpose was to relate to an ancient astronomical observatory calendar, to predict movements of the sun and stars. His hypothesis identified 165 separate points on the construction, and he links them to the two solstices, equinoxes, lunar and solar eclipses.
The stones are aligned in such a way that at dawn on the summer solstice the sun glides from behind the Heel Stone to above the stones and shine onto the centre of the circle – the sun and stones all aligning perfectly. Similarly, at the winter solstice on December 21, one can experience much the same at sunset. It would seem that Stonehenge was created to showcase the summer solstice.
In this book, Hawkins decodes the mystery behind Stonehenge and illustrates his findings that gave rise to controversy on both sides of the Atlantic.
Gerald S. Hawkins, 1965 (Hardcover)
However, Hawkins’ theory had been criticised by historians for it gave too much credit to ancient builders who did not have the sophistication or the tools necessary to predict astrological events (it seems!). Despite its criticisms, Hawkins theory does lend more legitimacy than the 12th century legend associated with King Arthur by Geoffrey of Monmouth in his History of Kings of Britain
5.2 | History of Kings of Britain
According to Geoffrey, the massacre called the Night of the Long Knives in 449 A.D. occurred at a monastery on the Salisbury Plain. To honour the dead soldiers, the then King, Ambrosius Aurelianus consulted the wizard, Merlin to help him select an appropriate monument. The wizard suggested that the King’s Ring from Mount Killarus in Ireland be dismantled and brought to England. An expedition of soldiers were sent to bring the stones to Stonehenge where Merlin reconstructs with his magical powers, a monument on the Salisbury Plain honouring the dead in the monastery cemetery.
However, there is yet another modern twist to the mysterious and sophisticated Stonehenge architecture.
5.3 | A Modern Twist to the Stonehenge Architecture
A modern twist to this tale seems that it was aliens rather than Merlin who constructed the ingenious architecture. Some of these rocks weigh 50 tons and cannot be explained how ordinary humans could have moved such masses., hence aliens. In addition, Alfred Watkin in the 1920s suggested his theory of “ley lines” in his book “The Old Straight Track“, published in 1925. He suggested that Stonehenge connected with other sites which once served as landmarks or ancient sites in a given alignment between, and across the dense island but since vanished. Other theories surrounding this ancient monument relate to it being a healing ground because archaeologists have discovered skeletons with crude wounds, an indication of rudimentary surgery.
5.4 | Recent Discovery at Stonehenge England
In recent years, archaeologists have discovered skeletal remains at Stonehenge which dated to a 500-year period beginning in 3000 B.C.. The discovery suggests that the remains belong to a select group of elite ancient people, hence providing the most solid evidence yet that the site was used as a burial ground. However, this does not preclude Stonehenge as an astrological calendar or as a religious site.
5.5 | The Mystery Continues…
So, a conclusive answer to the “Who” and “How” are yet to be found and the mystery of Stonehenge continues to puzzle archaeologists, historians and ordinary people alike. One thing for sure, that it will continue to attract thousands especially on another equinox when the sun rises and sets, for one to experience the magical or mystical vibes in this mysterious part of Salisbury, Wiltshire.
View post by National Geographic on 7 Ancient Sites Some People Think Were Built by Aliens
6 | Popularity of Stonehenge, England
Stonehenge is one of the popular destinations in UK for tourists with almost 1.5 million visitors a year. Additionally, it is a popular destination for the thousands who are drawn here during the summer and winter solstices, for whom it symbolises a sacred place. It invokes a great sense of awe and humility. Stonehenge is especially significant for members of the Druid and Pagan community, who perform rituals and celebrations at the summer and winter solstices.
6.1 | Summer and Winter Solstices at Stonehenge England
Solstices have been celebrated at Stonehenge for centuries. People gather here to welcome the sunrise on the longest day of the year (JUne 21) with cheering and revelling. On the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone, the ancient entrance to the stone circle, and sunlight is channelled into the centre of the monument. It is also a day when the English Heritage opens-up the stones to the public.
Julio Etchart—Getty Images/Robert Harding Worl
Whatever the true story of this ancient monument, anyone and everyone can enjoy the spectacular sunrise behind these stones at the solstices.
STONEHENGE & STONEHENGE ARCHITECTURE — Mystical, Magical, MYSTERIOUS OR SOPHISTICATED — You decide…
When I visited Stonehenge in late summer, it was after a rain and before a storm. I witnessed these mystic clouds, which appeared above one of the Stone Circle, giving it a sense of solitude and magic. I thought the clouds were rather unusual.
Just so you know, there are a few recorded experiences where one was overcome with feelings of sadness and loss, while some have felt coldness and isolation. Though none of these can be explained and I did not experience any of these feelings, I was totally amazed at the uniqueness of the structure. I would highly recommend that you visit this mysterious yet sophisticated architecture — a bucket list experience for sure.
There is an Asian proverb that says,
“Better to see something once, then to hear about it a thousand times.”
So, if you haven’t been here, get it onto your England itinerary and experience this iconic ancient achievement.
Travel tips and Practical information on Stonehenge ENGLAND
1 | Opening and Closing Times + Tickets
Opening and Closing times:
Summer: 0900 – 2000
Winter: 0930 – 1700
Last entry is 2 hours before closing
Tickets:
Entrance to Stonehenge is through timed tickets. Advance booking is the only way to guarantee entry on the day and time of your choice. So, you Must book these tickets in advance.
By booking in advance you will also benefit from an advanced booking discount.
2 | Become a Member of English Heritage
English Heritage is guardian to some of the nation’s most treasured and iconic buildings and monuments, including Stonehenge, Tintagel Castle, Osborne, Hadrian’s Wall and Dover Castle. They ensure that our heritage is protected for future generations.
From one fee for a whole year, English Heritage members enjoy the following benefits:
- Unlimited access to over 400 historic properties across the country;
- A whole year’s worth of fun days out;
- Free entry for up to six accompanying children per adult member;
- Free or reduced-price entry to exclusive members’ events giving you access to our experts and a glimpse behind the scenes;
- Exclusive Members’ Magazine four times a year with in-depth features about our properties and wider work, which also includes a nationwide events guide;
- A free handbook to help plan your next exciting day out;
- Special offers, discounts and competitions for a great variety of products and experiences; and
- An English Heritage car sticker.
English Heritage and National Trust members are also required that they book in advance for their FREE visit.
Read article on: English Heritage Membership benefits
Read article on: English Heritage Overseas Visitors Pass
Become a Member of National Heritage today and enjoy all the membership benefits for a whole year!
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How to Get to Stonehenge, Salisbury, England
1 | Visiting Stonehenge from London | London to Stonehenge | Easy ways to get to Stonehenge from London
When visiting London, you may find Stonehenge makes a nice little day trip from London. You have a choice of either making your way to Salisbury by train or coach OR join one the value for money guided tours. There are a variety of guided tours to select from, from half-a-day to full day tours. There is a half a day tour to Stonehenge only and the full day tours are often combined with a tour to the Historic City of Bath and Windsor Castle. Personally, I prefer the full day tour that combines Stonehenge with Bath and the West Country.
Should you wish to make your way to Stonehenge directly, the following are ways for you to do so.
2 | How to visit Stonehenge from London
2.1 | From London to Stonehenge by Train
The nearest train station to Stonehenge is Salisbury and the distance from Salisbury to Stonehenge is less than 15 kilometres (9 miles). To get to Stonehenge from London by train will involve two legs of journeys:
Leg 1: From London to Salisbury
Take the train from London Waterloo Station to Salisbury Station on the South Western Railway. There are trains every 30-40 minutes from 6:30 am to 23:40 pm with a slightly altered timetable at weekends. The journey from London to Stonehenge takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The price of your train ticket only applies to this part of your journey.
Buy your Train tickets to Salisbury. Book and buy in advance for best price.
Note: There are Additional costs involved for transportation between Salisbury and Stonehenge
Leg 2: From Salisbury to Stonehenge
Upon arriving at Salisbury, there are taxis, private car hire, bus services serving the route to and from Stonehenge. As well, the Stonehenge Bus Tour offers a hop on hop off service. Stonehenge Bus Tour operates every 30 minutes or so.
2.2 | From London to Stonehenge by Coach
If you wish to visit Stonehenge by coach, you need to make your way from Salisbury to Stonehenge as described above.
As for a coach/bus from London to Salisbury, here’s how you can make that journey:
Take the National Express from Victoria coach station to Ringwood. This service runs from 6.30 am to 7.30 pm. There are around 4 coaches running throughout the day, every 3-4 hours.
When you reach Ringwood, you will then need to change at Ringwood and take the X3 to Salisbury. From Salisbury, your onward journey to Stonehenge will be via local buses, taxis, private car hire or the hop on hop off Salisbury Tour Bus.
For return journey to London, the first coach leaves Ringwood at 6.45 am. The last coach leaves at 6.40 pm. There are around 4-5 coaches throughout the day.
The X3 from Ringwood towards Salisbury and return is operated by the Salisbury Reds. This journey takes around 40 minutes. The service runs from 5.57 am to 11.32 pm Monday to Saturday and from 8.43 am until 8.43 pm on Sundays and public holidays. The X3 runs from Salisbury to Ringwood from 6.40 am to 9.45 pm Monday to Saturday. From 9.40 am until 9.40 pm on Sundays and public holidays.
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On a final note…
Whether this monument is mystical or magical, being present among this incredible, ingenious architecture will have you in awe and wonder! It is an experience that I strongly recommend.
Happy adventures and have a splendid time exploring Stonehenge!
Georgina xx
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Stonehenge Architecture | Facts and Fiction first published at timelesstravelsteps.com
