STONE BOTHERING

In the heart of Cornwall, England, stands a testament to a bygone era: Trethevy Quoit. Known locally as "the giant's house," this impressive megalithic structure is a well-preserved example of a portal dolmen, a type of burial chamber dating back to the Neolithic period (around 3500-2500 BC). Standing at nearly 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall, Trethevy Quoit is formed by five massive upright stones topped with a giant capstone. The structure's name itself offers a clue to its origins. "Trethevy" translates from Cornish to "place of the graves," hinting at its likely purpose as a communal tomb for ancestors. A Look Inside the Giant's House Unlike many dolmens, Trethevy Quoit has a unique feature: a small, moveable stone at the front that once allowed access to the chamber. However, for preservation reasons, this entrance is rarely opened today. Interestingly, the back of the chamber has collapsed inwards, adding to the monument's intrigue. More Tha...

Chun Castle and Chun Quoit are two of the most impressive ancient landmarks in Cornwall, England. Located near the village of Pendeen, they offer visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. Chun Castle is a large Iron Age hillfort, built around 2,500 years ago. It is situated on a prominent hilltop, affording stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. The fort is surrounded by two massive stone walls, with the inner wall enclosing an area of around 10 acres. The interior of the fort contains the remains of several roundhouses, which would have been the homes of the people who lived and worked there. Chun Castle is thought to have had a defensive purpose, given its strategic location and the presence of the two stone walls. However, it is also likely that the fort was a center for trade and social activity. The proximity of the fort to the much older Chun Quoit suggests that the two sites may have been connected in some way. Chun Quoit is a Neol...

Dolmens, those ancient megalithic structures, have captivated the imagination of many, standing as silent sentinels of history. Found scattered across the English countryside, these burial chambers are steeped in mystery and lore. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most notable dolmens in England. TRETHEVY QUOIT Located in Cornwall, Trethevy Quoit is one of the most striking dolmens in the country. This impressive structure consists of a massive capstone resting on three upright stones, creating a chamber that was likely used for burial purposes around 3500 BC. The quoit measures approximately 4 meters long and stands at a height of 2 meters. Its architectural grandeur hints at the skills of prehistoric builders and their understanding of stone construction. Visitors to Trethevy Quoit often feel a deep connection to the ancient world, imagining the rituals and ceremonies that once took place here. SPINSTER'S ROCK Not far from the picturesque village of Drewsteignton in De...

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Dartmoor National Park in Devon, England, lies a fascinating relic of the past – Spinsters' Rock. This impressive dolmen, also known as a cromlech, is a testament to the ingenuity and beliefs of the Neolithic people who inhabited the region over 4,000 years ago. What is a Dolmen? The word "dolmen" comes from the Breton language and translates to "stone table." These megalithic structures typically consist of large, flat capstones supported by several upright stones. They were primarily used as burial chambers, serving as final resting places for the deceased. Spinsters' Rock: A Survivor of Time Spinsters' Rock is the most well-preserved dolmen in Devon. It comprises three granite supports, each reaching heights between 5.5 and 7.5 feet, holding aloft a massive capstone measuring an impressive 15 by 10 feet. Unfortunately, the surrounding barrow, which would have originally covered the dolmen with earth and stones, has ...

Cornwall is a county in Southwest England and it's known for its beautiful landscape and also for the huge amount of ancient sites. Cornwall is a delight for explorers and people interested in learning more about life in ancient times. Here we list 9 ancient sites that are totally worth a visit. MEN-AN-TOL Men-an-Tol consists of four granite stones: a holed stone with two upright stones to each side arranged in a line and a fallen stone at the foot of one of the upright stones. It's believed that this monument dates to either the late Neolithic or the early Bronze Age period. The real purpose of this arrangement is unknown. It's believed that this site was used for ritual and ceremonial purposes. Legend has it that the holed stone can cure children suffering from rickets if they are passed through the hole nine times. The stone was also believed to increase women's fertility. TRETHEVY QUOIT Trethevy Quoit is an impressive portal dolmen (cromlech) consisting of five stan...

If you are on the lookout for places to bother stones, Wiltshire is certainly one of the best destinations in Great Britain. Wiltshire is a historic county in England known for the stunning prehistoric landscape and the ancient sites. It's a place to wander around and explore England's past. STONEHENGE Stonehenge is an obvious choice for this list. This impressive monument is part of the most dense complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England. Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of massive standing stones and horizontal stone lintels capping the outer circle. Two different types of stone (bluestones and sarsens) were used to build it. Archaeologists believe it was constructed from 3000 BC to 2000 BC. AVEBURY HENGE AND STONE CIRCLES Avebury is a Neolithic henge monument containing three stone circles. It's believed that the complex was constructed between 2850 BC and 2200 BC. The henge survives as a huge circular bank and ditch. Within the h...

Wales is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and fascinating archaeological sites. Among these, the dolmens stand out as remarkable testaments to the ingenuity and spiritual beliefs of our ancestors. These megalithic structures, often associated with burial practices, offer a glimpse into the lives of prehistoric communities. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most notable dolmens in Wales. TINKINSWOOD BURIAL CHAMBER Located near the village of St. Nicholas, Tinkinswood is one of the most impressive dolmens in Wales. This structure dates back to around 3500 BC and features a large capstone weighing approximately 40 tons, supported by several upright stones. The site is particularly significant due to its size and the fact that it is thought to have been used for burial purposes. Tinkinswood’s chamber, which is over 5 meters long, suggests that it may have held multiple burials. Archaeological excavations have uncovered various artifacts, including pottery and t...

Oxfordshire, with its rolling hills and rich tapestry of history, is not just home to the prestigious university but also to a wealth of ancient sites that whisper stories from millennia past. From enigmatic stone circles to burial mounds, these sites offer a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of our ancestors. Join me as we explore some of the most intriguing ancient landmarks in this picturesque county. ROLLRIGHT STONES One of Oxfordshire's most famous ancient sites, the Rollright Stones are a collection of megalithic monuments located near the village of Long Compton. This site consists of three distinct groups: the King's Men stone circle, the Whispering Knights burial chamber, and the King Stone. The King's Men, a circle of 77 standing stones, is believed to date back to the Neolithic period. Legends abound regarding the stones; local folklore suggests that they are the petrified remains of a king and his men turned to stone by a witch. The atmosphere here is mystical,...

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Herefordshire, England, lies a monument shrouded in legend and history - Arthur's Stone. This impressive Neolithic chambered tomb, dating back to a staggering 3, 700-2, 700 BC, whispers tales of ancient rituals and whispers of the mythical King Arthur. More than just massive stones, Arthur's Stone is a portal to a bygone era. As you approach, the sheer size of the capstone, weighing an estimated 25 tons, inspires awe. Imagine the immense effort it took our Neolithic ancestors to move and position these behemoths without the aid of modern machinery. The sight sparks curiosity: who built this tomb? What ceremonies were held within its chamber? What stories do these stones hold? While the answers remain locked in time, legends offer their own interpretations. The most famous links Arthur's Stone to the legendary King Arthur himself. Local folklore claims it was here that Arthur slayed a giant, leaving indentations of his e...

Standing tall amidst the rolling Cotswold hills of England, the Rollright Stones whisper tales of a bygone era. This mesmerizing complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments beckons explorers and history buffs alike, offering a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of ancient peoples. A Journey Through Time: The Rollright Stones are not one, but three distinct monuments, each with its own unique story. The King's Men , a stone circle dating back to the late Neolithic period, comprises 77 megaliths arranged in a roughly circular pattern. Whispers abound about their purpose, ranging from astronomical observatories to ceremonial grounds. Just a short walk away lies the Whispering Knights , a dolmen (burial chamber) shrouded in even more mystery. Its name stems from a local legend: if you stand within the chamber and whisper, your words will be echoed back – a magical experience not to be missed! Completing the trio is the King Stone , a lone monolith standing sentinel ove...