History and Research: Stonehenge

A general view of Stonehenge © 1987 English Heritage Photo Library J870231

Stonehenge is perhaps the most famous prehistoric monument in the world. Begun as a simple earthwork enclosure, it was built in several stages, with the unique lintelled stone circle being erected in the Neolithic period in around 2,500 BC. Stonehenge remained important into the early Bronze Age (2,200–1,500 BC), when many burial mounds were built nearby. Today, Stonehenge, together with Avebury and other associated sites, form the heart of a World Heritage Site with a unique and dense concentration of outstanding prehistoric monuments.  

History

Stonehenge started as an early form of henge monument, built around 5,000 years ago, where prehistoric people buried their cremated dead. Later, the enormous sarsens and smaller bluestones were set up in the centre. This section outlines the complex prehistory of Stonehenge, and explores the later history of the changing monument.

History of Stonehenge

Significance

Stonehenge is significant in many ways - it is a unique monument, an icon, an inspiration and part of an important prehistoric landscape. It is a rich source for finding out more about prehistory and holds a pivotal place in the development of archaeology.

Significance of Stonehenge

Research

An overview of the major studies into Stonehenge, from the ideas of antiquarians to the recent excavations and modern techniques that are helping us understand the monument. What questions still remain to be answered?

Research on Stonehenge


 

About the authors

Susan Greaney BA MSc (Oxon) is an archaeologist working in the English Heritage Properties Research team. Rachel Foster BA is an archaeologist and the research assistant for the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site.


 

About Portico

Portico is the area of the English Heritage website dedicated to exploring the history and significance of the 400 or so sites in the care of English Heritage.

More on Portico

 

Buy the guidebook

The Stonehenge guidebook is one of a suite of authoritative and beautifully illustrated guides that help to bring our properties to life with their photographs, plans and reconstruction drawings.

Stonehenge guidebook