STONE BOTHERING

Nestled amidst the rolling hills and charming villages of Cornwall lies the intriguing Bowl Rock. This massive, granite boulder is more than just a natural wonder; it's imbued with the whimsical tales of giants that once roamed the land. A Giant's Bowling Ball? Standing proudly at the foot of Trencrom Hill, Bowl Rock's smooth, rounded form is almost too perfect to be entirely natural. Local folklore whispers of a time when giants dwelled on Trencrom. These giants, with their insatiable appetite for competition, apparently enjoyed a rather boisterous game of bowls. Bowl Rock, according to legend, is one of their well-used bowling balls, left behind after a particularly enthusiastic round. A plaque near the rock, maintained by the National Trust, reinforces this fantastical story. It playfully acknowledges the local legend, adding a touch of charm to the historical significance of the site. More Than Just a Myth While the giant's bowling game might be a delightful legend,...

The Cotswolds, a region famed for its golden-hued villages and rolling green hills, also holds a deeper secret – a network of ancient tombs scattered across the landscape. These are the Long Barrows, silent sentinels whispering stories of a civilization long gone. Dating back to the Early Neolithic period (4000-3500 BC), these elongated earthen mounds are some of the oldest surviving structures in Britain. Constructed from thousands of tons of earth and stone, they stand as testaments to the ingenuity and purpose of these early communities. A Walk Through Time Unlike their Egyptian counterparts, Cotswold Long Barrows aren't pyramids. They're elongated mounds, often featuring internal chambers accessed by passageways. Stepping inside one, even if just peering in, is a humbling experience. The air is thick with history, and the darkness evokes a sense of reverence for the rituals that may have taken place here. A Rich Tapestry of Tombs The Cotswolds boast the highest concentratio...

Portheras Barrow is a Neolithic burial mound located in Cornwall, England. It is one of the largest and best-preserved barrows in the county, and it is thought to date back to around 3000 BC. The barrow is made up of a mound of earth and stone, and it originally had a stone chamber at its center. The chamber has since been destroyed, but some of its stones can still be seen. Portheras Barrow was first excavated in 1891, by the antiquarian William C. Lukis. Lukis found a number of artifacts in the barrow, including pottery, flint tools, and human bones. He also found the remains of the stone chamber. Portheras Barrow is located on Portheras Common, near the village of St. Just. The common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and it is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare plants and animals. Portheras Barrow is a significant archaeological site, as it provides us with valuable insights into the lives of the Neolithic people who built it. The barr...

Chapel Carn Brea is a hill in Cornwall, England, with a rich archaeological history. The hill is home to a number of prehistoric monuments, including a Bronze Age barrow, a medieval chapel, and a World War II observation post. The Bronze Age barrow is the most prominent archaeological feature on Chapel Carn Brea. It is a large mound of earth and stone that was built over 4,000 years ago. The barrow was likely used as a burial place for important members of the community. In the 13th century, a medieval chapel was built on top of the Bronze Age barrow. The chapel was dedicated to St Michael of Brea, and it was tended by a succession of hermits. The chapel fell into disrepair in the 18th century and was eventually demolished in 1816. During World War II, Chapel Carn Brea was used as an observation post. A shelter was dug into the east side of the hill, and a lookout tower was built on the summit. The observation post was used to monitor for enemy aircraft and ships. Today, Chapel Carn Br...

Gloucestershire is a historic county in England, that comprises part of the Cotswolds Hills, part of the valley of the River Severn and the Forest of Dean. The county contains many ancient sites and here we list 5 places that are worth a visit. BELLAS KNAP LONG BARROW Belas Knap Long Barrow is a Neolithic chambered tomb, trapezoidal in plan and it consists of a false entrance and four burial chambers. It's believed that it was constructed around 3000 BC by the Neolithic people as a place to bury their dead. The barrow was excavated twice revealing the remains of human skeletons together with animal bones and fragments of pottery. The excavators also reported finding a circle of flat stones beneath the centre of the mound. Unfortunately, these stones were later removed. MINCHINHAMPTON LONGSTONE The Longstone of Minchinhampton also known as the Holey Stone is a single standing stone with natural holes in it. It's believed that the monolith is about 4,000 years old. Local legend s...

When you think of Wiltshire, the iconic Stonehenge often steals the spotlight, drawing millions of visitors eager to marvel at its prehistoric grandeur. However, this enchanting county is home to a treasure trove of lesser-known ancient sites that are equally steeped in history and mystery. From long barrows to stone circles, these hidden gems offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of our prehistoric past. Let’s embark on a journey to discover some of Wiltshire’s fascinating lesser-known sites. LANHILL LONG BARROW Tucked away near the village of Lanhill, this long barrow dates back to the Neolithic period. Measuring approximately 60 meters long, it features a large earthen mound that likely served as a burial site for early communities. The tranquility of the surrounding countryside adds to the site's allure, making it an ideal spot for contemplation and reflection. While the site may not attract the crowds of its more famous counterparts, its understated beauty and historical sign...

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...

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,...

Somerset, a picturesque county in the southwest of England, is steeped in history and shrouded in ancient mystery. Among its rolling hills and verdant landscapes lie some of the most intriguing ancient sites in the country. From sacred hills to enigmatic stone circles, these landmarks offer a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of our ancestors. In this blog post, we’ll explore four remarkable ancient sites in Somerset GLASTONBURY TOR Dominating the skyline, Glastonbury Tor is perhaps the most iconic site in Somerset. This conical hill, topped by the ruins of St. Michael's Tower, rises to a height of 158 meters and has long been associated with legends and folklore. Its history stretches back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting that it was used as a ceremonial site by Neolithic and Bronze Age communities.  Visitors to Glastonbury Tor are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the mystical Isle of Avalon, often linked to Arthurian ...

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Wiltshire, England, lies a silent sentinel – Adam's Grave. This Neolithic long barrow, dating back to the first half of the 4th millennium BC , has stood witness to millennia of change, whispering tales of a bygone era. More than just a mound of earth, it's a portal to understanding the lives and rituals of our ancestors. A Monument Steeped in History: Towering 7 meters tall and stretching 70 meters long,  Adam's Grave dominates the landscape.  Its  trapezoidal shape and surrounding ditches  mark it as a classic example of a Severn-Cotswold tomb. Excavations in the 19th century unearthed  partial human remains and an arrowhead ,  offering glimpses into the burial practices of the Neolithic people. The site's name,  though seemingly biblical,  likely arose much later.  Some believe it stems from the  nearby hill's resemblance to a breast ,  while others link it to the Anglo-Saxon god ...

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Oxfordshire, England, lies Wayland's Smithy, an enigmatic relic of the Neolithic era. This ancient burial mound, dating back to around 3600 BC, is not only a captivating historical site but also a source of enduring folklore and mythology. Wayland's Smithy is an impressive sight, even after millennia of weathering. The long barrow, approximately 90 feet long and 20 feet wide, is constructed from earth and sarsen stones, a type of sandstone found in the area. Within the mound lies a central chamber, once used for the interment of the dead. Archaeological excavations have unearthed a wealth of artefacts from the site, including pottery, tools, and human remains. These findings provide valuable insights into the lives of the people who built Wayland's Smithy and the rituals they practiced. The name Wayland's Smithy has been linked to the Germanic smith-god Wayland or Weland. This legendary figure, also known as Volund in Norse mythology,...