
The Age of Stonehenge.
The book opens by asking a question that has fascinated travelers for centuries: just how old is Stonehenge? Rather than offering a definitive answer, the author treats the mystery as a gateway to deeper appreciation of the monument’s imposing presence. By tracing the history of scholarly attempts to date the stones, the narrative sets the stage for a careful, evidence‑based investigation.
Central to the inquiry are the hundreds of barrows that ring the site. Drawing on meticulous excavations by Sir R. C. Hoare and other archaeologists, the work shows that these surrounding mounds are unmistakably pre‑Roman, lacking any Roman artifacts. The author also critiques earlier, more romantic theories—such as those linking the stones to medieval legends—highlighting where imagination outpaces data.
Through clear explanations and thoughtful analysis, the book invites listeners to join a scholarly quest, weighing clues from the landscape itself. It offers a compelling glimpse into how ancient burial practices and the surrounding terrain can shed light on one of the world’s most enigmatic structures.
Language
en
Duration
~16 minutes (15K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2015-09-29
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1779–1852
An English clergyman and antiquary, he spent much of his life exploring the ancient landscape of Wiltshire and writing about sites such as Stonehenge. His work mixes careful local observation with bold, sometimes highly imaginative theories that still make him a memorable figure in early archaeology.
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