The Stonehenge tour is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Britain. The site, which is situated in Wiltshire, is a famous prehistoric landmark that has captivated thousands of visitors since it was first discovered by antiquarians in 1820. It’s been estimated that about 1 million people visit Stonehenge each year to see this world-famous monument.
Although many people have visited the ancient site, very few know much about how the construction of Stonehenge actually took place. This is probably because the Stonehenge tour operators tend to focus on providing as much information as possible to their clients, rather than delving into the history behind the monument. This article will explain what you need to know about the history and origins of Stonehenge, so that you can better appreciate your visit to this unique archaeological site.
Who built Stonehenge?
The original purpose of Stonehenge remains unknown. Many researchers believe that it served as an astronomical observatory, which may have been used to track the movement of the sun across the sky. Others suggest that it was a ceremonial center where important ceremonies were performed. Archaeologists believe that Stonehenge may have been used for rituals to honor dead ancestors or gods.
One thing is certain, though; whatever its original purpose was, the monument has been standing at the same spot for over 5,000 years. The earliest evidence of Stonehenge dates back to 3000 BC. However, archaeologists are uncertain when the first structure was erected upon the site.
How did Stonehenge get its name?
It’s widely believed that the name “Stonehenge” comes from a legend that describes how it was erected by giants. According to this story, during the reign of King Arthur, two giant brothers named Heimdall and Helgikon lived close to Stonehenge. They were said to be responsible for constructing the monument. Their names are now translated as “Heavenly Gateway”. Some historians also believe that Stonehenge may have been constructed by the Celts, who inhabited Britain before the Romans arrived.
Why does Stonehenge look like it does?
Many people are surprised to learn that the Stonehenge tour guides don’t provide any explanations regarding the monument’s appearance. However, the truth is that the design of Stonehenge is not very complicated. In fact, the basic concept is quite simple. Basically, the monument consists of a circle of stones arranged in a spiral pattern. These stones vary in size and shape, with some being flat slabs of stone while others are upright pillars. The largest stones weigh up to 30 tons. Although they’re enormous, these rocks are surprisingly light, thanks to the use of quartzite, an extremely hard rock.
What do we know about Stonehenge’s builders?
There are three main theories regarding the Stonehenge builders. One theory suggests that Stonehenge was constructed by Neolithic tribesmen known as the Amesbury Archer. Archaeological evidence indicates that this group may have migrated to England from France around 4000 BC. Another theory holds that Stonehenge was constructed by the Bronze Age Celts. Finally, some people believe that Stonehenge was originally constructed by the Bronze Age Britons, although there isn’t any direct evidence to prove this.
Regardless of who built it, it is clear that Stonehenge had an incredible influence on the architecture of the surrounding area. For example, the nearby village of Amesbury contains a number of buildings that look remarkably similar to Stonehenge.
Where else can I visit if I want to see more of Stonehenge?
If you would like to see other parts of the country that contain interesting prehistoric monuments, perhaps you should take a trip to Salisbury Plain. Here you’ll find the impressive Stonehenge visitor center, which provides an excellent overview of the history of the monument.
Another place worth visiting is Avebury, another remarkable megalithic complex located near Marlborough in southern England. As the name implies, this structure is home to a huge circular earthwork known as a henge, which surrounds a central burial mound. This ancient site is thought to date back to approximately 5000 BC, making it far older than Stonehenge.
Also worth checking out is the Silbury Hill, one of the largest artificial mounds in Europe, located near the town of Marlborough. Although it wasn’t built using stones, it was buried under a layer of sandstone. This structure is a great place to walk around, as you can climb all the way to the top of the hill.
What kind of visitor attractions can I expect to encounter while I’m at Stonehenge?
Perhaps the biggest draw for tourists is the spectacular view that is available at Stonehenge. The monument overlooks Salisbury plain and offers one of the best views in the region. If you happen to be traveling with kids, then they might enjoy the chance to ride the ponies that roam freely throughout the grounds. You can also visit the visitor center, which houses exhibits explaining the significance of the monument. There are also plenty of places to eat within walking distance of the site.
Perhaps one of the most amazing things about Stonehenge is that despite its age, it still looks almost exactly as it did thousands of years ago. The massive stones remain perfectly aligned, and the entire structure appears to be frozen in time. This phenomenon is due to the presence of naturally occurring groundwater. This water seeps through the ground beneath Stonehenge, causing the stones to move slightly. Due to this phenomenon, Stonehenge has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years. Because of this, Stonehenge is truly a fascinating historical landmark, and well worth the visit.
Stonehenge Tour Tips
Have you taken the decision to be at www.stonehengevisit.co.uk? If yes then this is the decision that will prove to be the best one of your life. The place proves to be an attraction for most of the visitors. They can be at the place and enjoy the various activities. The activities that a person will perform will decide the entertainment for the people.
If you’d like to see more of England, but don’t have much time, why not try visiting Stonehenge and Avebury? Both sites offer incredible views of nature combined with an abundance of historic and archaeological interest.
