In Wiltshire, England, just 13 kilometers from the city of Salisbury, there is an ancient megalithic stone structure - Stonehenge prehistoric monument. Covered with many secrets, it invariably attracts scientists, researchers and, of course, travelers. Even in the translation of the word "stonehenge" there are discrepancies. Someone is inclined to believe that it comes from a literal translation from English stone hedge - “stone fence”. Others (referring to the language of the ancient Celts) translate the name of this place as "dancing stones". In 1986, this building was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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| Stonehenge England |
Construction of Stonehenge
It is difficult for archaeologists to come to a consensus on the date of construction. This is due to the fact that the construction was divided into stages - approximately in 3100 BC. e. ditches and pits were dug for the further installation of stones. Around 2500 B.C. e. stones were placed in the center of the structure. Two types of stones were used - sandstone boulders (sarsen) and blue stones, presumably brought from a remote region of Wales 400 km away.
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| Stonehenge England |
The stone complex of Stonehenge includes several components:
- 82 megaliths, each weighing 5 tons, are large processed pieces of rock, composed without the use of mortar;
- 30 stone blocks weighing 25 tons each;
- 5 triliths - a stone structure created in the shape of the letter P. Technically, these are 2 vertical blocks that support a third, horizontal one. The weight of such triliths reaches 50 tons. All of them are created symmetrically with a height of 6 to 7.3 meters.
For the construction of the Stonehenge complex, the post-and-beam method was used. A single ring of the first was created by vertical pillars and slabs lying on them. The second circle was formed by single standing stones of a smaller size. Circles three and four were not closed, and their shape resembled a horseshoe. They were built from smaller stones, also stacked in a post-and-beam structure. However, here a horizontal slab is laid on top of two vertical stones. From time to time, part of the structures are subject to collapse. At least two such cases were recorded - in 1797 and at the end of 1900.
The first mention of Stonehenge goes back to the time of King Arthur. Legends say that the great wizard of that era, Merlin, erected it in Ireland and transferred it to England already in its entirety.
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| Stonehenge England |
At the same time, the purpose of the construction of Stonehenge was not known for a very long time. In the 18th century, there was an assumption about an ancient observatory, which led researchers to associate Stonehenge with the Druids. Now the number of versions about the meaning of the appearance of this strange stone complex is exceptionally growing. The options for "cult" and "astronomical" were also joined by a connection with alien creatures.
In the process of studying nearby territories, the researchers recorded two more unusual structures, if you mark them with dots on the map, then together with Stonehenge they form an equilateral triangle. These attractions include the Avebury stone circle and a man-made earth mound called Silbury Hill. The version that these three prehistoric monuments are part of a single ensemble is not without meaning.
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| Stonehenge England |
How to get to Stonehenge
You can come to Stonehenge first of all as part of an excursion group that leaves from major cities in England.
Many tourists choose to get to Salisbury by commuter train (in London from Waterloo Station) or by intercity bus, and then use a convenient mode of transport to get to their destination. At the choice of travelers, you can take a taxi, rent a car or use the official transfer bus "Stonehenge Tour Bus". They run from the bus and railway stations of the city. The cost of an adult ticket for such a bus will be £16.00, and for a child (from 5 to 15 years old) £11.00.
The Stonehenge Tour Bus also offers all-inclusive tickets that include transfer to the site, entrance tickets to Stonehenge bypassing the lines, exploring the area along the way and visiting Salisbury Cathedral. Ticket for an adult - £39.50, for children (5-15 years old) £26.00
To drive from London with your own car, you need to overcome the path of 137 kilometers along the A303 and M3 highways. Ample parking has been created near the entrance to the visitor center. For those who come to see the cultural heritage, it is free. You can enter on a ticket reservation, if you already have one, or pay £5.00 first, which will be refunded when you purchase an entrance ticket. For visitors to the cafe, the cost of parking is also £5.00.