The Origins of the Sarsen Stones at Stonehenge

The mystery of where the giant sarsen stones at the ancient, mystical site of in came from has now been resolved. The 15 giant upright sarsens that form the central horseshoe, known as megaliths, typically weigh about 20 tonnes and can stand up to seven meters tall.

Stonehenge represents one of Britain’s greatest archaeological mysteries, as the exact motivation behind the immense construction efforts remains unclear. The first phase of building began around 3000 BC, during which the outer circular bank and ditch were established. According to English Heritage, which manages the site and contributed to the related study, researchers have identified that the likely source of the sarsen stones is in West Woods—a woodland area approximately 15 miles from Stonehenge.

A crucial piece of evidence regarding the origins of Stonehenge’s sarsen stones returned after 60 years has shed light on this ancient mystery. During a restoration program at Stonehenge in 1958, three sarsen stones that had collapsed in 1797 were put back in place. One of these stones displayed longitudinal fractures, leading to the drilling of three horizontal holes into it, through which metal ties were inserted. Previously assumed to be lost, a drill core from the stone was returned by Robert Phillips, a former excavations employee, in 2018, granting researchers a rare chance to analyze its interior.

Subsequent testing of both the stones and the cores indicated a shared chemistry among most of them, tracing them back to the same region. This chemistry correlates perfectly with that of West Woods, a forested area known for its scenic cycling and walking trails located approximately 15 miles north of the stone circle. However, intriguingly, two stones seem to have originated from different sources compared to the other sarsens at Stonehenge.

“To be able to pinpoint the area that Stonehenge’s builders used to source their materials around 2500 BC is incredibly exciting,” states Susan Greane, English Heritage senior properties historian. “Now we can begin to understand the journey they might have undertaken and piece together another part of the puzzle. When sourcing the sarsens, the primary goal was to find the largest, most substantial stones possible, which is why it makes sense to acquire them from nearby regions. This evidence emphasizes the careful planning and deliberate effort that went into constructing this phase of Stonehenge.”

You can read the full scientific report in Science Advances here.

The global situation is evolving as societies adjust to new norms. For insights on how COVID-19 is reshaping travel, explore reliable resources.