101+ Fun Facts about Stonehenge

We’ve created this list of 101 fun facts about Stonehenge!

This article contains over 101 fun facts about Stonehenge, fun facts for kids, plus fun facts about its history, tourism, culture, legends, and so much more!

About Stonehenge
Fun Facts About Stonehenge
Fun Facts About Stonehenge for Kids
History
Design
Cultural significance
Tourism
Legends of the Stonehenge
Symbols of Stonehenge
Other Interesting Things About Stonehenge

Fun Facts About Stonehenge – About Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England. It consists of a ring of standing stones, some weighing up to 25 tons, arranged in a circle. The stones were placed between 3000 and 2000 BC and the purpose of the monument is still uncertain, but it is believed to have had a ceremonial or religious function.

The stones themselves are made of two main types of rock: the larger sarsen stones, which were quarried and brought from about 25 miles away, and smaller bluestones, which are believed to have been transported from a quarry in Wales about 150 miles away. The engineering required to transport and erect these stones, especially the sarsens, is still not fully understood.

Stonehenge is also surrounded by a number of other earthworks, including circular ditches, banks, and avenues. These features suggest that the site was used for a variety of purposes over the centuries, including burial and as a gathering place for important events.

Today, Stonehenge is a popular tourist attraction and is considered one of the most iconic and mysterious prehistoric sites in the world. It has also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Fun Facts About Stonehenge – 101 Fun Facts

Here are 101 fun facts about Stonehenge:

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England.
It was built over 4,500 years ago, between 3000 and 1520 BC.
Stonehenge is made up of two types of stone: sarsen and bluestone.
The larger sarsen stones weigh up to 25 tons each.
The smaller bluestones weigh up to 4 tons each.
The sarsen stones are thought to have come from Marlborough Downs, about 20 miles away.
The bluestones are thought to have come from the Preseli Hills in Wales, about 150 miles away.
The transport and erection of the stones is a mystery that still baffles experts.
The monument is aligned with the solstices, the longest and shortest days of the year.
The winter solstice is marked by a gathering of people at Stonehenge to watch the sunrise.
The summer solstice is also marked by a gathering of people, but to watch the sunset.
Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in England.
Stonehenge was first mentioned in written records in the 12th century.
It was not until the 17th century that people began to speculate about its purpose.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, people believed that Stonehenge was a Druid temple.
The first scientific study of Stonehenge was conducted in the 20th century.
Today, it is believed that Stonehenge was a place of religious and ceremonial significance.
It is not known exactly how Stonehenge was used.
One theory is that it was a site for healing.
Another theory is that it was a place of burial.
A third theory is that it was a place for astronomical observations.
The first stage of Stonehenge was built around 3000 BC.
It consisted of a circular ditch and bank, with wooden posts.
The second stage of Stonehenge was built around 2150 BC.
It consisted of the bluestones and sarsen stones.
The third stage of Stonehenge was built around 2000 BC.
It consisted of rearranging the bluestones.
The fourth stage of Stonehenge was built around 1500 BC.
It consisted of rearranging the sarsen stones.
The Heel Stone, which stands outside the main circle, may have been used to mark the rising sun on the summer solstice.
The Slaughter Stone, which lies flat on the ground, may have been used for animal sacrifices.
The Altar Stone, which is in the center of the circle, may have been used for offerings.
The exact purpose of the Aubrey Holes, circular depressions in the ground around Stonehenge, is not known.
The bluestones were believed to have healing properties and were taken away by people for medicinal purposes.
Some of the bluestones were used to build Stonehenge’s neighboring monument, the Avebury Stone Circle.
The stones at Stonehenge have been damaged and altered over time by weathering, erosion, and human activity.
In the 18th century, a man named William Stukeley drew the first accurate plan of Stonehenge.
In the 20th century, the National Trust took over the management of Stonehenge.
The National Trust began to restore and conserve the site in the 1950s.
In 1986, Stonehenge was closed to the public for restoration work.
The restoration work included removing some of the concrete used in previous repairs and restoring the original earthworks.
Stonehenge was reopened to the public in 1989.
The surrounding landscape of Stonehenge is also of archaeological significance.
The Amesbury Archer, a burial site containing the richest finds from the Bronze Age, was discovered nearby in 2002.
The visitor center at Stonehenge includes a museum with interactive exhibits about the site’s history and significance.
There is also a gift shop and a cafe on site.
The area around Stonehenge is popular for walking and cycling.
Stonehenge has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including Doctor Who and Transformers: The Last Knight.
The band Spinal Tap famously played a concert at Stonehenge, in a scene from the mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap.
The rocks used to build Stonehenge are not native to the area.
The nearest source of the sarsen stones is about 20 miles away.
The nearest source of the bluestones is about 150 miles away.
It is not known how the builders of Stonehenge transported the stones to the site.
One theory is that they were moved using rafts down rivers.
Another theory is that they were moved using rollers and sledges.
Stonehenge is not the only prehistoric monument in the area.
The Stonehenge Landscape contains numerous other ancient sites, including burial mounds and hill forts.
The area around Stonehenge has been inhabited for thousands of years.
The Neolithic people who built Stonehenge were the first farmers in the area.
They also built other monuments, such as the nearby barrows and causewayed enclosures.
The Bronze Age people who lived in the area after the Neolithic period used Stonehenge for their own purposes.
They added the Avenue, a processional route leading to the monument.
Stonehenge was abandoned around 1600 BC.
The area around Stonehenge was used for agriculture and grazing for many centuries.
Stonehenge became a popular tourist attraction in the 18th century.
Visitors were allowed to chip off pieces of the stones as souvenirs.
This practice was stopped in the 19th century.
Stonehenge was bought by a private owner in 1915.
It was given to the National Trust in 1918.
The first guided tours of Stonehenge began in 1928.
The tours were conducted by local people, known as “Stonehenge guides.”
The role of Stonehenge guides was passed down through families.
The last Stonehenge guide retired in 1984.
Today, audio guides and guidebooks are available for visitors.
Stonehenge has inspired numerous works of art and literature.
The poet Thomas Hardy wrote a poem about Stonehenge, titled “At the Word ‘Farewell.'”
The painter John Constable made several sketches of Stonehenge.
The composer Gustav Holst wrote a piece of music called “Hymn to the Dawn,” inspired by the summer solstice at Stonehenge.
Stonehenge has been a source of fascination and speculation for centuries.
Some people believe that Stonehenge was built by aliens or by a lost civilization.
There is no evidence to support these theories.
Stonehenge has been the subject of many scientific studies.
In 1958, the archaeologist Richard Atkinson carried out a detailed survey of the site.
Atkinson’s survey revealed that Stonehenge had undergone several phases of construction.
In the 1960s, the archaeologist and astronomer Gerald Hawkins proposed that Stonehenge was used as an astronomical observatory.
Hawkins suggested that the alignment of the stones corresponded to the positions of the sun and moon at certain times of the year.
This theory has been disputed by other researchers.
Stonehenge has also been studied using modern technology.
In 2003, a team of archaeologists used ground-penetrating radar to survey the area around Stonehenge.
The survey revealed the existence of numerous previously unknown archaeological features.
In 2013, a team of researchers used a 3D laser scanner to create a detailed digital model of Stonehenge.
The model allowed researchers to study the monument in detail without damaging it.
Stonehenge has inspired numerous replicas and imitations around the world.
There is a full-scale replica of Stonehenge in Maryhill, Washington, USA.
The replica was built by a businessman in the early 20th century as a tribute to the fallen soldiers of World War I.
There is also a replica of Stonehenge in Esperance, Western Australia.
The Esperance Stonehenge was built in the early 2000s as a tourist attraction.
There is even a miniature Stonehenge in the city of Rolla, Missouri, USA.
The miniature Stonehenge was built by a group of engineering students in the 1980s.
Stonehenge continues to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK, attracting over a million visitors every year.

Fun Facts About Stonehenge – 25 Fun Facts for Kids

Here are 25 fun facts about Stonehenge that kids might enjoy:

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England.
It was built about 5,000 years ago.
It is made up of standing stones and lintels.
The largest stones at Stonehenge weigh about 25 tons!
No one knows for sure why Stonehenge was built.
Some people think it was used as a calendar or to mark the solstices.
Stonehenge was built over a period of about 1,500 years.
It was built by people who did not have modern tools or machinery.
The stones at Stonehenge were brought from as far away as Wales.
Stonehenge is aligned with the sun and moon.
The monument is surrounded by a circular ditch and bank.
Some of the stones at Stonehenge are called bluestones because of their blueish color.
Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
People have been visiting Stonehenge for thousands of years.
In the 12th century, people believed that Merlin the wizard had built Stonehenge.
During the Middle Ages, people thought that Stonehenge had been built by giants.
Stonehenge is mentioned in many books, movies, and TV shows.
Stonehenge was damaged by people over the centuries.
In the 1800s, a group of people tried to restore Stonehenge to its original condition.
In the 1900s, people realized that restoring Stonehenge was not a good idea because it would destroy the monument’s history.
Today, visitors can see Stonehenge from a distance but cannot touch the stones.
In 1985, a man flew a helicopter over Stonehenge and landed inside the circle of stones.
The man was arrested and fined for damaging the monument.
Stonehenge has inspired many replicas around the world.
Stonehenge is a fascinating mystery that we may never fully understand!

Fun Facts About Stonehenge – History

The following are some historical fun facts about Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England. It was constructed over a period of several hundred years, from around 3000 BC to 1600 BC. The monument is made up of standing stones and lintels arranged in a circular pattern, with smaller stones called bluestones set inside the circle.

The exact purpose of Stonehenge is not known for certain, but it is believed to have been a place of religious or ceremonial significance. The monument may have been used for astronomical observations or as a calendar to track the movements of the sun and moon.

Stonehenge was likely constructed by several different groups of people over the centuries. The first stage of construction involved digging a circular ditch and bank, which still surrounds the monument today. The standing stones were then erected in the center of the circle.

The largest stones at Stonehenge, called sarsens, were brought from Marlborough Downs, about 20 miles away. Each stone weighs over 20 tons and was likely transported on rollers and dragged by large groups of people. The smaller bluestones were brought from the Preseli Hills in Wales, over 150 miles away.

Over the centuries, Stonehenge was modified and reconfigured several times. The bluestones were rearranged and new stones were added. In the late Bronze Age, the monument was transformed into a large cremation cemetery, with human remains and artifacts buried around the site.

Stonehenge continued to be used and modified until around 1600 BC. After that time, the site fell into disuse and was largely abandoned. In the centuries that followed, Stonehenge was largely forgotten by the general population. It was rediscovered in the 12th century and has been a subject of fascination and study ever since. Today, Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK.

Fun Facts About Stonehenge – Design

The following are some fun facts about Stonehenge’s design.

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument made up of a circular arrangement of large standing stones and lintels. The monument consists of two main types of stones: sarsens and bluestones. Sarsens are large sandstone blocks that weigh up to 25 tons, while bluestones are smaller, more irregular stones that are thought to have come from Wales.

The stones at Stonehenge are arranged in several different configurations. The outer circle consists of 30 upright sarsen stones, each of which is approximately 13 feet high and 7 feet wide. These stones are arranged in a circular pattern, with lintels (horizontal stones) placed on top to create a continuous ring.

Inside the circle of sarsen stones, there is a horseshoe-shaped arrangement of five sarsens, known as the trilithons. Each trilithon consists of two upright sarsens with a lintel placed on top. The tallest trilithon stands 24 feet high.

In the center of the circle, there are smaller bluestones that were arranged in various configurations over time. Some of these stones were arranged in a double circle, while others were arranged in a horseshoe shape. The exact arrangement and purpose of the bluestones are not known for certain, but they are thought to have been brought from Wales over a distance of more than 150 miles.

The entire Stonehenge complex is surrounded by a circular ditch and bank, which measures approximately 300 feet in diameter. The ditch is 6 feet deep and the bank is 4 feet high, with an outer entrance known as the Avenue. The Avenue is a processional route that leads to the monument from the northeast.

The overall design of Stonehenge is impressive for its size and complexity. The construction of such a monument would have required a significant amount of planning, labor, and engineering skill, especially given the prehistoric tools and techniques that were available at the time.

Fun Facts About Stonehenge – Cultural Significance

Another fun fact about Stonehenge’s is that it has fascinated people for thousands of years and has been the subject of many different cultural and religious beliefs. Here are some examples:

Ancient Celtic people who lived in the area of Stonehenge believed that the monument was a sacred site where the spirits of their ancestors resided.
In the Middle Ages, Stonehenge was associated with Merlin, the legendary wizard of King Arthur’s court. Some believed that Merlin had built the monument with the help of giants.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Stonehenge was seen as a symbol of ancient wisdom and was believed to have been built by Druids, a group of pre-Christian priests.
In the 20th century, some people believed that Stonehenge was connected to extraterrestrial activity, and that the monument was built by aliens or used as a landing site for UFOs.
Modern Druids and neo-pagans continue to hold ceremonies at Stonehenge, and the site is considered a sacred place for many people.
Archaeologists and historians view Stonehenge as an important example of prehistoric engineering and astronomy. They believe that the monument was built over a period of several centuries by successive groups of people, and that it may have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes, as well as for astronomical observations.

Overall, Stonehenge has captured the imagination of people from many different cultures and backgrounds, and continues to be a source of mystery and fascination to this day.

Fun Facts About Stonehenge – Tourism

Another fun fact is that Stonehenge is one of the most popular tourist destinations in England, attracting more than a million visitors each year. Here are some key aspects of tourism at Stonehenge:

Admission: To visit Stonehenge, visitors must purchase a ticket. There are different types of tickets available, including standard admission, guided tours, and special access tickets that allow visitors to go inside the stone circle.
Visitor Center: There is a visitor center located about a mile from Stonehenge, which includes a museum, gift shop, and cafe. The museum provides information about the history and significance of Stonehenge, as well as the surrounding landscape and the people who lived there.
Shuttle Buses: Visitors are not allowed to drive up to the monument, and must park at the visitor center and take a shuttle bus to the site. The shuttle buses run frequently throughout the day, and the journey takes about 10 minutes.
Audio Guides: Visitors can rent audio guides at the site, which provide information about the history and significance of Stonehenge in multiple languages.
Restrictions: In order to protect the monument and its surroundings, there are certain restrictions in place for visitors. For example, visitors are not allowed to touch the stones, climb on them, or take photos inside the stone circle.
Events: Throughout the year, Stonehenge hosts a variety of special events and activities, such as solstice celebrations, guided walks, and archaeological tours.
Accessibility: Stonehenge is accessible to visitors with disabilities, with designated parking spaces, wheelchair ramps, and accessible toilets.

Overall, tourism at Stonehenge is carefully managed in order to protect the site and its surroundings, while also providing visitors with a memorable and informative experience.

About Stonehenge – Legends

Another fun fact about Stonehenge is that it has been a source of fascination and intrigue for people for thousands of years, and many legends and stories have been associated with it. Here are a few examples:

Merlin the Wizard: In medieval times, it was believed that the wizard Merlin had built Stonehenge using his magic powers. According to some legends, he had transported the giant stones from Ireland, and arranged them in a precise pattern to mark the path of the sun and moon.

Giants: According to a popular legend, Stonehenge was built by giants who used the massive stones as playing pieces in a game of chess. The giants were said to have left the area when they lost the game, leaving the stones behind.

Sacrifices: Some legends suggest that Stonehenge was used for human sacrifices in ancient times. According to these stories, people would be tied to the stones and left to die as part of a religious ritual.

Healing Powers: Stonehenge has long been associated with healing and spiritual powers. Some legends suggest that the stones had the ability to cure illnesses and that people would travel from far and wide to seek their help.

UFOs: In recent years, Stonehenge has been associated with sightings of UFOs and other paranormal activity. Some people believe that the stones are a portal to other dimensions and that they are being visited by aliens.

Overall, the legends associated with Stonehenge reflect the enduring mystery and fascination that surrounds this ancient monument. While some of these stories may be based on historical fact, others are simply products of human imagination and creativity.

About Stonehenge – Symbols

Yet another set of fun facts about Stonehenge comes from it’s many symbols. Stonehenge is a complex monument with many different symbols and meanings associated with it. Here are a few examples:

The Stone Circle: The most recognizable symbol of Stonehenge is its arrangement of large standing stones. The circle is made up of upright sarsen stones and smaller bluestones, arranged in a specific pattern that aligns with the movements of the sun and moon.

The Heelstone: The Heelstone is a single standing stone located just outside the main circle of stones. It is believed to have been an important marker of the solstice and equinox, and may have been used to predict the changing seasons.

The Avenue: The Avenue is a processional way that leads up to the main entrance of Stonehenge. It is marked by parallel banks and ditches, and is aligned with the solstice sunrise.

The Cursus: The Cursus is a large earthwork enclosure located near Stonehenge. It is rectangular in shape and may have been used for ritual or ceremonial purposes.

The Aubrey Holes: The Aubrey Holes are a series of circular pits located inside the main circle of stones. They are believed to have been used for marking the movements of the sun and moon, and may have been used as part of a complex astronomical calendar.

The Trilithons: The Trilithons are the large stone structures that make up the central horseshoe shape of Stonehenge. They consist of two upright stones with a third stone placed horizontally across the top, creating a doorway-like structure.

Overall, the symbols of Stonehenge reflect the complex and sophisticated understanding of astronomy and the natural world that was present in Neolithic and Bronze Age societies. They also demonstrate the importance of ritual and ceremony in these cultures, and the enduring fascination that Stonehenge continues to hold for people today.

Other Interesting Things About Stonehenge – Popular Culture

Stonehenge has been a source of fascination and inspiration for many artists, writers, and filmmakers, and has been featured in a variety of popular culture works. Here are some additional fun facts about Stonehenge:

Books: Stonehenge has been featured in many books, including “Stonehenge” by Bernard Cornwell, “The Mists of Avalon” by Marion Zimmer Bradley, and “Stonehenge: A Novel of 2000 BC” by Bernard Cornwell.

Films: Stonehenge has appeared in a number of films, including “This is Spinal Tap,” where it was famously depicted as being too small, and “Thor: The Dark World,” where it was used as a portal to other dimensions.

TV Shows: Stonehenge has been featured in several TV shows, including “Doctor Who,” “The X-Files,” and “Ancient Aliens.”

Music: Stonehenge has inspired many musicians, including the band Black Sabbath, who wrote a song called “Stonehenge,” and the singer Yoko Ono, who recorded a song called “We’re All Water,” which includes references to the monument.

Video Games: Stonehenge has been included in several video games, including “Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla,” “Age of Empires II,” and “Civilization VI.”

Overall, Stonehenge has been portrayed in popular culture in a variety of ways, reflecting its enduring fascination and mystery. While some portrayals are accurate and respectful of the monument’s historical significance, others are more fanciful and imaginative, reflecting the many myths and legends that have grown up around Stonehenge over the centuries.

Other Interesting Things About Stonehenge – Theories

There are many theories about Stonehenge and its purpose. Some fun facts about Stonehenge’s most commonly discussed theories include:

Astronomical Observatory: One theory is that Stonehenge was used as an astronomical observatory, with the stones aligned to mark the movements of the sun and moon. The alignment of the stones is said to correspond with important astronomical events, such as the summer solstice.

Healing Center: Another theory is that Stonehenge was used as a healing center, with the stones having special powers to cure various ailments. This theory is based on the fact that many ancient cultures believed in the healing properties of certain stones.

Burial Site: Some experts believe that Stonehenge was used as a burial site, with the stones marking the graves of important people. This theory is based on the fact that many human remains have been found in and around the site.

Meeting Place: Another theory is that Stonehenge was used as a meeting place for people from different parts of Britain, with the stones representing different tribes. This theory is based on the fact that Stonehenge is located at the intersection of several ancient trade routes.

Ritual Site: Many experts believe that Stonehenge was used as a ritual site, with the stones representing different aspects of nature and the universe. This theory is supported by the fact that many similar stone circles and earthworks have been found throughout Britain and Europe, indicating a widespread belief in the importance of ritual and ceremony.

Overall, the exact purpose of Stonehenge remains a mystery, and there is likely some truth to all of these theories. The monument is a complex and multi-layered site that likely served many different purposes over the centuries.

Other Interesting Things About Stonehenge – Quotes

In addition to the fun facts about Stonehenge, here are some notable quotes about stonehenge:

“Stonehenge was our first attempt to build a temple to the sun.” – Gerald S. Hawkins

“Stonehenge is the most architecturally sophisticated prehistoric stone circle in the world.” – Julian Richards

“Stonehenge has been a mystery for generations, and will probably continue to be for generations to come.” – Simon Charsley

“Stonehenge is the most famous and enigmatic prehistoric monument in Britain, and possibly in the world.” – Mike Parker Pearson

“Stonehenge is not a monument that lends itself to interpretation.” – English Heritage

“Stonehenge is a symbol of mystery, a sacred site that has captivated people’s imaginations for thousands of years.” – Tim Wallace-Murphy

“Stonehenge is a masterpiece of engineering and one of the most iconic prehistoric sites in the world.” – Francis Pryor

“Stonehenge is a place of great beauty, mystery and spiritual significance.” – Rupert Sheldrake

“Stonehenge is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of our ancient ancestors.” – Neil Oliver

“Stonehenge is not just a monument, it’s a symbol of the resilience and endurance of human civilization.” – Jeanette Winterson

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