KIRBY HILL

New archaeological research has reignited the debate over the origins of Stonehenge's iconic altar stone, with groundbreaking evidence suggesting that the ancient megalith was quarried in Scotland and a respected archaeologist writing that it was likely to have been transported along a sacred route which passed through the heart of North Yorkshire. A land route would connect Stonehenge to the Thornborough Henge complex near Ripon and the proposed site of motorway services at Kirby Hill, near Boroughbridge. The new discovery offers a tantalising glimpse into the spiritual and logistical achievements of our Neolithic ancestors and their sacred routes through the county.

 

A Scottish Beginning

 

The origins of Stonehenge have long been shrouded in mystery, with particular attention focused on the source of its massive stones. The unique altar stone, a central feature of the monument, has been the subject of intense scrutiny. A recent study published in Nature on 14th August has provided startling new insights, identifying north east Scotland as the source of this very special stone.

 

Geological analysis has shown that the stone’s unique composition closely matches that of rock formations in specific parts of the north-east of Scotland, including Orkney, where there are notable stone circles and megaliths. This discovery challenges previous assumptions that the altar stone, like many others at Stonehenge, was sourced from Wales. Instead, it suggests that our Neolithic ancestors embarked on an epic journey, transporting this monumental stone over 750 miles to its final resting place on Salisbury Plain.

 

The Sacred Route

 

The route taken by the altar stone is not just a matter of logistics, but one of profound social and spiritual significance. One of the most intriguing aspects of the new evidence is the potential for the stone's passage through North Yorkshire and specifically the Thornborough Henges. Often referred to as the 'Stonehenge of the North', the henges are a complex of three aligned circular earthworks dating back to around 3500 BC. They were likely a centre of ritual activity, serving as a key waypoint on the journey south. The alignment of the Thornborough Henges with other ancient sites has long suggested they were part of a larger network of Neolithic ceremonial landscapes.

 

Mike Pitts, former editor of British Archaeology (the quarterly publication of the Council for British Archaeology) and author of the book “How to Build Stonehenge” explains: “Land transport allows for the engagement of local communities all along the route. The journey could have been paused indefinitely at any time – the stone might have been erected and taken down, as it passed through villages and other monuments, not least, perhaps, the three henges at Thornborough in Yorkshire, whose opposing entrances are all aligned on a likely path. Stonehenge was not just a great ceremonial or religious monument, but also a social construction: it was designed to impress and to bring distant communities together, so that transport and building were key parts of its purpose and identity.”

 

The new evidence that the altar stone may have passed through this area underscores its importance and that of the older Thornborough henge complex in the prehistoric world and suggests that the henges may have been deliberately positioned along a route of immense spiritual and social significance.

 

A Modern-Day Controversy

 

This discovery has sparked renewed interest and concern over modern developments in the area, particularly the proposed Welcome Break motorway services at Kirby Hill, North Yorkshire. The proposed site, which sits close to alignments of several Yorkshire henges (including the Thornborough Henges) and the Devil’s Arrows near Boroughbridge, has been a point of contention for local residents, historians, and archaeologists alike. This area has the densest henge monument concentration in the British Isles.

 

Many fear that the construction of the service area would irreparably damage the surrounding landscape, potentially disturbing archaeological evidence of national importance and desecrating what may have been a sacred Neolithic pathway.

Campaigners argue that the presence of such a historically significant route should prompt a reconsideration of development plans. "We are custodians of this land, and it is our duty to protect it for future generations," says Geoff Harris, Secretary of the Thornborough Archaeology Group. "The discovery that the Stonehenge altar stone likely passed through this area only adds weight to the argument that this is a  Neolithic landscape of national importance."

 

Bridging the Ancient and Modern Worlds

 

The new evidence connecting Stonehenge to North Yorkshire highlights the rich and complex history embedded in the British landscape. It serves as a reminder that our modern infrastructure sits atop layers of ancient human endeavour, each with its own stories and significance. As the debate over the proposed Kirby Hill motorway service area continues, it is clear that the discoveries of the past must inform the decisions of the present. The local community is demanding a very thorough archaeological investigation of the site, to inform a wider understanding of the significance of this sacred Neolithic landscape. AOC Archaeology conducted an initial trial-trenching exercise on behalf of Welcome Break in summer 2023, but has so far not released its findings to the public. It is understood that radiocarbon dating of some potentially very ancient finds is currently under way.

 

This latest chapter in the story of Stonehenge underscores the monument’s enduring mystery and the ingenuity and connectedness of the people who built it. As we uncover more about the journeys these ancient stones undertook, we gain a deeper understanding of the profound spiritual and cultural connections that once spanned the length and breadth of our island.

 

In the end, the story of the Stonehenge altar stone is not just about a single stone but about the journey of a people - across landscapes, through time, and into the heart of Britain’s ancient past. As modernity threatens to encroach on these ancient sites, the question remains: will we honour the paths our ancestors laid down, or will they be lost to the drum beat of 21st century capitalism?