Stonehenge is one of the world’s oldest archaeological sites and was built not long after the Great Pyramids of Giza, predating the Roman Empire.
Located around 93 miles (150 km) west of London, thousands of people from around the world travel here to witness the wonder of Stonehenge.
Nobody is sure about the real reason why Stonehenge exists, but many people have tried to speculate over the years.
Read on to find more rock-solid facts about Stonehenge!
Stonehenge is thousands of years old.
This unique prehistoric monument has been standing for millennia and was constructed in multiple phases.
The famous Stone Circle was built around 2,500 B.C., although activity at Stonehenge has been recorded as far back as 8,000 B.C.
Even during this early era of Stonehenge, it’s believed that pine posts were installed into the ground for ritualistic purposes.
In recognition of its extensive and famous history, Stonehenge was labeled a World Heritage Site in 1986.
Stonehenge is over seven times bigger than New York’s Central Park.
The full Stonehenge World Heritage Site is huge, covering Stonehenge, Avebury, and Associated Sites.
At around 280 million square feet (26 million square meters) in size, the site is made up of a vast landscape and green fields.
New York City’s Central Park, on the other hand, is a measly 39 million square feet (3.6 million square meters) in comparison.
Despite being Stonehenge’s most famous feature, the Stone Circle itself measures just 300 feet (91 meters) in diameter.
The Romans frequently visited Stonehenge.
Many items from the Roman Empire were discovered in Stonehenge, leading to the conclusion that the Romans must have frequently visited Stonehenge from 43 A.D.
It is possible that Stonehenge was a place of significance to the Roman-British people at that time.
Architect Inigo Jones, who surveyed and studied Stonehenge in the 17th century, incorrectly attributed its construction to the Romans.
Nobody really knows why Stonehenge was built.
Despite centuries of research and many discoveries at Stonehenge, the real story of why the monument was constructed remains unknown.
Unsurprisingly, we’ve come up with all sorts of theories over the years.
In December 2024, British media widely reported that scientists had discovered Stonehenge’s true purpose.
They claimed the central altar stone had been transported from Scotland to help unite the people of the United Kingdom.
Other theories debunked by experts include American astronomer Gerald Hawkins’ 1963 suggestion that Stonehenge was a ‘computer’ built to predict solar and lunar eclipses.
British archaeologists have also speculated that Stonehenge was used as a place of healing.
Stonehenge was privately owned until 1918.
The Antrobus family owned Stonehenge for years until they sold it at an auction in 1915 to Cecil and Mary Chubb.
Just a few years later, Cecil and Mary donated Stonehenge to the United Kingdom. At a ceremony on October 26, 1918, Stonehenge was officially transferred to the nation.
The King and the Prime Minister expressed great appreciation for this unique gift, which is now in the care of the national charity English Heritage.
Druids have claimed Stonehenge as their temple.
The number of Druids has increased in over the years, and they have a strong affinity with Stonehenge.
Some modern Druids groups, such as the Ancient Order of Druids, formed in 1781, have claimed Stonehenge as their place of worship.
However, despite their claims of ownership, there is a surprising lack of evidence that Stonehenge’s origins were linked to the Druids.
More than a million people visit Stonehenge every year.
It is home to the most famous stone circle in the world, so it’s no surprise that this landmark attracts millions of visitors from all walks of life.
This includes druids and pagans who gather to mark the Summer and Winter Solstices.
They join tourists and local families to watch the sun rising above the stones during these special times of the year.
In 2014, then-President Barack Obama made an impromptu visit. Singer Miley Cyrus also posted images from her visit in 2019, describing it as a ‘spiritual experience.’
There are eleven different types of stones.
If you visit Stonehenge, you will see various shapes and sizes of stones. Over the years, each one has developed its own history and characteristics.
The Heel Stone, for example, weighs almost 80,000 pounds (36,000 kg) and stands in isolation alongside the Stone Circle.
The Station Stones are another variety, and now only two stand where once there were four.
It’s believed that famed architect Sir Christopher Wren carved his surname into Stone 52. Or maybe someone just really liked wrens!
There is evidence of a significant feast held at Stonehenge in 3900 B.C.
After chemical analysis of the remains of farmed beef and hunted venison from the feast, it was discovered that the participants of this historic feast were a mix of early farmers and hunter-gatherers.
Through their analysis, they determined that the two groups prepared meat differently and that the groups had come from different places.
It was one of the first moments in British history when groups from different backgrounds came together in harmony despite their different viewpoints, customs, and even languages.
The traditional hunter-gatherer way of life had officially come to an end.
You can get married at Stonehenge.
Every year, couples tie the knot at this prehistoric landmark. You can stand within the famous Stone Circle while saying your vows, and capture stunning photographs against the backdrop of the vast landscape.
In 2014, it was reported that Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher were thinking about Stonehenge as the venue for their wedding.
They did not follow through with it, but according to a source at the time, it was the first place they thought about for a wedding in England.
There are only 30 spaces available at a Stonehenge wedding. When you include the couple, a celebrant, and a photographer, that leaves just 26 spaces for other guests.
Getting married here can be a truly intimate and special experience!
Famous artists like John Constable have painted Stonehenge.
Depictions of Stonehenge can be found in poems, paintings, and other parts of everyday culture.
English artist John Constable created a painting called Stonehenge, which was exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 1836.
After visiting England, American poet Katharine Lee Bates wrote a poem, At Stonehenge.
The British Navy even named a submarine HMS Stonehenge in 1943, paying homage to the ancient monument.
People were buried at Stonehenge thousands of years ago.
There is evidence of burials at Stonehenge between 3,000 and 2,500 B.C. It is thought that around 150 people were buried there, and at least 64 cremations took place.
This would make Stonehenge one of the largest cemeteries of that era.
Women of high social status were also buried near Stonehenge, making it quite unique for the time—most other burial sites from that era were pretty male-dominated!
One woman was even buried with precious items, which indicates the local community held her in very high esteem.
A small cup, which was found buried with her, can be seen by visitors at the Stonehenge Visitor Center.
The first aerial view of Stonehenge was captured in 1906.
Lieutenant Philip Henry Sharpe took the first aerial photograph of Stonehenge.
He was part of the British military’s Royal Engineers’ Balloon Section and took the photo from a hot-air balloon over a century ago.
Significantly, it was also the first aerial photo of any archaeological site in Britain.
The name Stonehenge first appeared in the 12th century.
The name Stanenges appeared for the first time in a study by archaeologist Henry of Huntington in 1130 A.D. It is considered an earlier version of Stonehenge, which means ‘hanging stones.’
In 1336 A.D., Geoffrey of Monmouth published his book, History of the Kings of Britain. This was the first time Stonehenge appeared with its modern spelling as we know it today.
But it took a few hundred years more before the spelling of Stonehenge was firmly established, and it wasn’t until the 1600s that it became commonplace.
Stonehenge was the home of a large festival for ten years.
From 1974 to 1984, thousands of people gathered every June for the Stonehenge Free Festival.
There was no fee to attend the festival. People came together to make and enjoy rock music while climbing and sitting on the famous monument.
The festival was one reason why, in 1977, fencing was put up around the Stone Circle, and access to Stonehenge became more limited.
Stonehenge is considered a national British treasure and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
This world-famous landmark is full of mystery and unknown tales from thousands of years ago. Artists, poets, and music lovers worldwide continue to be fascinated by its story.
Weddings, religious ceremonies, and beautiful sunrises are just a few of the momentous occasions celebrated in and around the striking Stone Circle.
If you have the chance to visit, you could be part of its deep, long-standing history!
