Perhaps I should have started 2021 with Cornwall photos but, for some reason, I had a feeling that my first blog of the year should be photos of Stonehenge - so I followed my feelings! The photos are all pre the coronavirus and were snapped by me.
Life goes on, despite the problems of 2020. To think, though, that Stonehenge has probably been around for 5000 years. There's hope for us all.
The official line, regarding Stonehenge is that it is, "a survival from a prehistoric culture now lost to us. The monument evolved between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC and is aligned with the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset - but it's exact purpose remains a mystery".
All well and good, but so many questions. Looking at my photo above it indicates that the stones may well have been erected by people familiar with making items of wood.
The single stone has a rounded part at the top. This would originally have supported a lintel which would have had an appropriate hole, into which the rounded part would have fitted - a form of rustic carpentry joint.
Nearby Stonehenge there is also the lesser known Woodhenge, probably built around 2000BC. This is made up of six concentric oval rings. The wood inserts have now rotted away and replaced by concrete posts.
I like the photo below as it gives more of a feel as to how Stonehenge would have once looked.
The final photo is of the the 'Heel Stone' which is about 40 yards outside of the main circle of stones. This is featured in the Druids celebrations at Midsummer.
Standing in the centre of the circle, at this time, watchers can see the sun rise in line with the Heel Stone. At sight of the first rays Druids declare, "Arise, Oh Sun! Let the darkness of night fade before the beams of thy glorious light!"
Though the Druids seem to have adopted Stonehenge they weren't in existence at the time the stones were erected. So they didn't build Stonehenge, as is often believed.
I love Stonehenge, a special place if you allow your imagination to run wild. I've been lucky enough to have wandered through the stones and touched them, and have felt their energy.
With that thought I wish everyone a Happy 2021 and beyond.
I’ve always loved Stonehenge and its story. My first visit was about 1971 and researchers had mounted large sheets of plastic on the stones and were tracing the markings. I could hardly believe that people were allowed to handle them, to picnic in the circle, to lounge about like they were doing. Of course that quickly changed over the next few years. Your pictures are excellent. Happy New Year, Mike. Be safe.
ReplyDeleteHello Ann, Stonehenge is organised now with a coach to the stones, earphones for a running commentary etc. It's not possible to touch or get too near the stones nowadays. They are also planning a road to go under Stonehenge through a tunnel.
DeleteHope you have a Happy New Year Ann.
It looks like the Covid virus will be with us for quite a while. 1 in 50 have the virus now in the UK. Vaccinations have begun, so fingers crossed.