Stonehenge: Landmark of Mystery

© Copyright Peter Trimming

Stonehenge in Wiltshire is a World Heritage Site and one of Britain's most striking landmarks. Standing just off the A344 near Salisbury (and quite visible from the road), this prehistoric monument is thought to have been constructed between 3000 BC to 1600 BC. Its original purpose is still something of a mystery. Possible explanations are that it was a temple for sun worship, a healing centre, a burial site or perhaps a huge calendar.

Evidence of the peoples who built Stonehenge exists through their tools, artefacts, pottery and even the contents of their graves. Some of these are displayed in the museums at Salisbury and Devizes.

© Copyright Peter Trimming

Stonehenge attracts visitors all year round, and many people report powerful energies at the site. For neopagans, druids and new age devotees it is a place of pilgrimage and worship.

On the summer and winter solstices (21st June and 21st December) literally thousands of people gather before daybreak to see the sun rising above the stones. Although the summer solstice celebrations attract more public attention, it is thought that the winter solstice was actually more important to the people who constructed Stonehenge. The winter solstice was a time when most cattle were slaughtered (so they would not have to be fed during the winter) and the majority of wine and beer was finally fermented.

Click here for more information about Stonehenge, including how it was built

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