Prehistoric Stone Circle's 'Sanctuary' May Predate Stonehenge by 700 Years

[Judi Lynn]

Prehistoric Stone Circle's 'Sanctuary' May Predate Stonehenge by 700 Years
Published May 13, 2024 at 2:48 PM EDT

By Aristos Georgiou
Science and Health Reporter

Aprehistoric Stone circle in England may have been erected some 700 years before the origin of the iconic Stonehenge monument, an archaeologist has proposed.

The Castlerigg stone circle, located in the northwestern county of Cumbria within the Lake District National Park, has long been a draw for tourists and was taken into guardianship in 1883—becoming one of the first prehistoric monuments in the country to receive state protection.

The monument is thought to be one of the oldest stone circles on the islands of Great Britain and Ireland, of which there are hundreds of known examples. England comprises most of the island of Great Britain, which it shares with the countries of Scotland and Wales.

Previous estimates based on circumstantial evidence have placed the construction of the Castlerigg stone circle at around 3000 B.C. or slightly earlier. But no solid dating work has been conducted at the site.



The Castlerigg stone circle in Cumbria, England

The stone circle at Castlerigg in Cumbria, Northwest England. The prehistoric monument is thought to be one of the oldest stone circles in Britain.

More:
https://www.newsweek.com/prehistoric-stone-circle-sanctuary-predate-stonehenge-700-years-1900038