Stonehenge Phase 1 – 8300 BCE Documentary

In this video, Robert John Langdon presents mathematical, hydrological, and archaeological evidence that Stonehenge Phase 1—built around 8300 BCE—was Britain’s first true monument. Far older than the conventional 3000 BCE timeline, this reinterpretation reveals a water-filled sanctuary and healing centre, not a dry ceremonial circle. Using LiDAR, ditch profiles, and groundwater modelling, the evidence shows Stonehenge began as a moated medical site in the Mesolithic.

🧮 Key discoveries include: The Aubrey Holes, once thought to be for timber posts, align with water access and wooden palisades. The ditch and moat were dug to the water table, filling naturally and creating bathing pools. Bluestones dissolved minerals into the moat, acting like prehistoric “bath salts” for antiseptic healing. Mortuary slabs within a palisaded enclosure show the site doubled as a treatment centre and mortuary. Radiocarbon reliance on antler picks misdates the site to its abandonment, not its creation.

🔑 Main Arguments: • Stonehenge Phase 1 was a hydrological monument, designed around water, not astronomy. • It functioned as a medical sanctuary, where bluestone-infused waters were used for healing. • The earliest construction aligns with Britain’s high post-glacial water table, not later Neolithic dryland farming.

📏 Methodology Highlights: LiDAR analysis of river valleys and ditch alignments Hydrological modelling of groundwater recession since the Ice Age Archaeological reinterpretation of excavation reports (Aubrey Holes, Station Stones, ditch profiles) Mathematical alignment with Stonehenge’s measured geometry and ditch depth

🚨 This changes everything: Stonehenge did not begin as a late Neolithic temple. It was originally Britain’s first healing monument, built by a Mesolithic boat-using civilisation.

📚 Based on empirical LiDAR, ditch stratigraphy, and hydrological data cross-referenced with archaeological excavation reports.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES Blog post: “Stonehenge Phase 1 – Britain’s First Monument” 👉 https://prehistoric-britain.co.uk/sto… Book: The Stonehenge Enigma 👉 https://prehistoric-britain.co.uk/the… 📍 Related Blogs The Stonehenge Code – Mathematical Proof of Early Dating 👉 https://prehistoric-britain.co.uk/the… Post-Glacial Flooding Hypothesis – Rethinking the Past 👉 https://prehistoric-britain.co.uk/ret… Stonehenge, Doggerland & the Atlantis Connection 👉 https://prehistoric-britain.co.uk/sto… Antler Pick Hoax – Misdating Britain’s Monuments 👉 https://prehistoric-britain.co.uk/twi…

Contents/Chapters – with Timestamps

00:00 Stonehenge Phase One — Britain’s First Monument
00:05 Introduction — The Forgotten Phase
01:12 How We Know Stonehenge Phase One Dates to 8300 BCE
03:08 Layout and Function — The Real Purpose of the Site
05:26 The Bluestones — Transport, Composition and Use
07:10 The Water — How It Worked and Why It Mattered
08:25 Evidence of Bluestone Reuse and Replacement
09:43 The Healing Spring at Carn Menyn
13:10 The Palisade and the Silent Towers
14:30 Decline and Transition to Phase Two
15:39 Conclusion — A Monument Built on Function, Not Fantasy

Key Findings

Here are 8 key findings drawn directly from the transcript:

  • Stonehenge Phase One is argued to date to around 8300 BCE, based on radiocarbon dates from Stonehenge postholes and comparable dates from Preseli quarry activity.
  • The earliest Stonehenge is presented as a practical health and mortuary site, not primarily as a temple or ceremonial monument. Its layout is interpreted as combining water, excarnation and controlled access.
  • The ditch is interpreted as a water-filled moat or therapeutic bathing system, supplied by the local chalk aquifer rather than as a purely symbolic earthwork.
  • Bluestones are argued to have been deliberately chipped and placed into the water, allowing salts and trace minerals to leach into the moat and create a mineral-rich treatment environment.
  • The large number of bluestone fragments is interpreted as evidence of repeated use and replacement, rather than simple accidental breakage or collapse.
  • The Preseli spring at Carn Menyn is proposed as a physical model for Stonehenge’s mineral-water system, suggesting that the same stone was transported to reproduce the properties of the Welsh spring.
  • The Y and Z holes are interpreted as evidence for a timber palisade enclosing excarnation platforms, creating a controlled area where scavenger birds could remove flesh before bones were transferred elsewhere.
  • The transition to Phase Two is linked to falling water levels, with the decline of the aquifer-fed system prompting a shift away from the original practical function toward the later monumental Stonehenge.

Transcript

Introduction — The Forgotten Phase

Most people imagine Stonehenge as the great sarsen trilithons. In fact, those belong to Phase Two, constructed around 4300 BCE. The real story begins much earlier.

Phase One, built around 8300 BCE, was entirely different in form and function.

This earliest version of Stonehenge was a working health and mortuary site. It featured a chalk-cut moat that held water, 58 imported Preseli bluestones, and a timber palisade enclosing raised stone platforms for excarnation.

Birds were allowed to clean the dead, a practice still seen today in India’s Towers of Silence. The Y and Z holes marked the outer limits of the palisade. The Q and R holes defined where excarnation slabs once stood.

The entire setup was pragmatic, not ritualistic.

How We Know Stonehenge Phase One Was Built Around 8300 BCE

The date for Stonehenge Phase One is not speculative. It is supported by radiocarbon dating from multiple sites.

Charcoal samples from postholes discovered during the Stonehenge car park excavation have been dated to around 8300 BCE.

This corresponds closely with two quarry sites in the Preseli Hills of Wales, where evidence of human activity, including hearths associated with stone extraction, has also produced C14 dates from the same period.

These sites are not random campfires but appear to be linked directly to quarrying activity associated with the bluestones.

This level of coordination between quarrying and monument construction suggests an advanced society operating across hundreds of miles, capable of planning and logistics long before the Neolithic.

The matched radiocarbon dates from the quarry and monument provide strong empirical support for the theory that bluestones were transported and erected at Stonehenge in the ninth millennium BCE.

Hydrological modelling further reinforces the idea that this was the period when the chalk aquifer could have provided a permanent water source at the monument. But it is the radiocarbon evidence, independently dated at both source and site, that fixes Stonehenge Phase One to approximately 8300 BCE.

This would make it the earliest scientifically verified monumental construction in the British Isles.

Layout and Function — The Real Purpose of the Site

The layout of Phase One was deliberate and practical.

At the centre were the Q and R holes, which supported dolmen-style excarnation slabs: single flat stones balanced precisely on pointed supports to deter rodents.

These slabs were used to expose bodies to the elements and scavenger birds — an efficient and sanitary method of processing the dead.

The palisade surrounding the structure, marked by the Y and Z holes, enclosed this inner space to protect the area while allowing avian access.

The design shows a clear understanding of decomposition cycles and scavenger behaviour.

The north-west orientation of the Q and R hole alignment corresponds to the Moon’s setting position, reinforcing the functional connection between death and timing.

The number of bluestones — 58 — was not arbitrary. It corresponds with a lunar cycle used to track the Moon’s 18.6-year nodal variation and eclipse cycle.

This knowledge was likely vital for excarnation timing, navigation and tidal awareness — critical information for a riverine trading society.

The Bluestones

The bluestones themselves were never intended simply to remain intact.

As noted by Darvill and Wainwright, the bluestones were chipped from almost immediately. More than 3,675 fragments have been discovered — a remarkable total given that only around half of the site has been excavated.

These fragments were deliberately introduced into the chalk moat.

With their mineral and rock-salt content, the bluestone chips enriched the water, enhancing its potential medicinal properties.

This suggests that Stonehenge Phase One was not a ceremonial temple, but a sophisticated facility for managing death, disease and recovery.

Transport, Composition and Use

The Preseli bluestones used at Stonehenge were transported from south-west Wales, likely using river and canal networks rather than being dragged overland.

The discovery of an ancient prehistoric catamaran boatyard in Wales suggests that heavy loads could have been transported using double-hulled craft.

Britain’s river levels were significantly higher at the time, which could have enabled direct water transport towards the site without requiring the type of overland journey normally imagined.

But what matters more than their origin is their composition.

The Preseli stones contain salts, copper and trace minerals that can leach into water when submerged or broken.

More than 3,675 bluestone fragments have been found in the moat area.

This suggests that the stones may have been intentionally broken up to release minerals into the water, creating a form of early mineral spa.

This interpretation is further supported by Darvill and Wainwright, who observed that the stones were being chipped from the time of their erection and proposed that Stonehenge may have served as a healing centre.

This evidence strengthens the argument that Stonehenge functioned primarily as a public-health structure, particularly concerned with sepsis and infection — major causes of death in prehistoric society.

The Water — How It Worked and Why It Mattered

The chalk-cut ditch surrounding the central enclosure was not ornamental.

It was a functional water feature drawing from a naturally high water table during the Mesolithic.

The aquifer-fed ditch would have maintained mineral-rich water around the site, turning the enclosed area into a therapeutic environment.

Bluestone chippings, deliberately broken and deposited in this moat, would have slowly released salts and trace elements into the water.

Salt has antiseptic properties and is still used in wound care today. Soaking injuries in such water could therefore have helped clean wounds and possibly reduce infections in a world without antibiotics.

The antlers found in the ditch have traditionally been interpreted as construction tools.

An alternative explanation is that they were dredging tools used to maintain the flow and clarity of the water system.

They were found in later layers, suggesting periodic cleaning and maintenance of the moat rather than necessarily being tools used in its original excavation.

Evidence of Reuse and Replacement

Conventional narratives tend to portray the stones as being erected once and then remaining in place.

However, C14 dating and excavation records suggest a more complicated history.

The bluestones appear to have been replaced multiple times over a prolonged period, rather than simply being transported once and left standing.

Dating of stone-socket fills indicates repeated insertion events, in some cases separated by centuries.

This supports the idea that the site was actively maintained rather than simply abandoned or commemorated.

Within this model, replacement intervals may have been connected to mineral depletion. Once sufficient salts and trace minerals had leached from existing stones, they could have been broken up and replaced.

This could explain the extraordinarily large number of fragments despite the limited amount of the monument that has been excavated.

With only around 50 per cent of the site dug, more than 3,600 fragments have already been recovered, meaning the total surviving quantity could potentially be considerably greater.

Under this interpretation, these were not simply random breakages or damage caused by collapse. The stones were systematically chipped and the material deposited into the water.

The Healing Spring at Carn Menyn

A major criticism of the healing-stones hypothesis has been the supposed lack of empirical evidence.

But research at Carn Menyn in the Preseli Mountains — one of the proposed source areas for Stonehenge bluestones — reveals a now-dry sacred springhead that may help explain the stones’ original significance.

Gordon Freeman’s fieldwork identified a collapsed cromlech and associated cairn built directly over a once-flowing freshwater spring known locally as Pen y Tarddiant Sanctaidd — the Holy Springhead.

This spring fed a stone-lined stream channel called Rhestr Gerrig, or “Stone Row”, which wound through the landscape towards a marshy area known as Fat Hazelnut Bog.

Although this water source has since dried up, its historical importance appears considerable.

The spring was significant enough to have a formal monument constructed over it, and the fact that a cromlech capped the spring suggests a long tradition of ritualised — and potentially therapeutic — use.

But this may be more than symbolism.

The springhead sits within the geological formation associated with spotted dolerite bluestone.

If the spring water passed through mineral-bearing rock, it could have absorbed salts and trace mineral ions.

The potential effects of mineral water on wounds could have been observed by prehistoric people without any knowledge of modern biochemistry.

This provides a practical reason why the same stone could have been deliberately selected and transported more than 200 kilometres to the chalk aquifer basin at Stonehenge: to reproduce the properties associated with the Preseli water source.

Under this interpretation, the deliberate chipping of bluestones and depositing of their fragments into the moat was not ceremonial destruction.

It was chemical replication.

The stones infused the water with trace minerals, producing a mineralised bathing system intended to reproduce the healing waters associated with the original spring in Wales.

Taken together, the presence of a prehistoric sacred spring, the mineral composition of bluestone and the evidence for deliberately broken bluestone at Stonehenge allow archaeology, geology and hydrology to be considered together as a functional explanation for what has traditionally been labelled a ritual monument.

Stonehenge Phase One was therefore not simply a temple.

It may have been Britain’s first public-health sanctuary, with the spring at Carn Menyn providing its biochemical blueprint.

The Palisade and the Silent Towers

One of the most overlooked features of Stonehenge Phase One is the timber palisade surrounding the inner platforms.

This structure was not necessarily defensive. It could have served a functional and hygienic purpose, containing excarnation within the central area while restricting access.

This enclosure is defined by the Y and Z holes, which are consistent and evenly spaced.

Within this interpretation, they formed the foundation for uprights surrounding a series of protected raised platforms.

Birds — particularly carrion feeders such as jackdaws, ravens and crows — were allowed access to clean the bodies.

The cleaned bones were then taken to nearby Long Barrows for interment.

This practice resembles the principle employed by India’s Towers of Silence, where sky-burial traditions involve exposure of the dead to carrion birds.

It reflects a process of natural decomposition and purification.

Stonehenge’s arrangement therefore provided a sanitary and repeatable method of processing the dead, remarkable for its time.

Decline and Transition to Phase Two

Over time, the water table dropped as the aquifer drained and post-glacial rebound altered the landscape.

The once-functioning moat began drying up and the mineral bath became less effective.

This environmental change marks the end of Phase One and the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Stonehenge.

The bluestones were gradually replaced by larger sarsen stones, marking a transition from a practical medical site to something more monumental.

These sarsens were installed around 4300 BCE, beginning what most people today incorrectly consider to be the start of Stonehenge.

This change is reflected in the construction of the Avenue, a wide route leading away from the original riverfront location towards a new shoreline farther to the north-east.

This redirection reflects both astronomical alignments and the practical reality of hydrological change.

Conclusion — A Monument Built on Function, Not Fantasy

The first phase of Stonehenge was not a mystical temple, a ceremonial gathering place or simply a stone calendar.

It was a public-health structure grounded in the harsh realities of Mesolithic life: infection, injury and death.

Its foundation was not spiritual conjecture but practical science, built on a prehistoric shoreline, maintained by a saturated aquifer and enriched by mineral-laden bluestone chips introduced into the water.

It was a place of triage, treatment and transformation.

Thanks to a new mathematical dating model — grounded in radiocarbon evidence from quarry hearths, site postholes and hydrological mapping — Phase One can be placed at around 8300 BCE.

This would place Stonehenge among the oldest monumental structures in Europe and dismantle the conventional late-Neolithic timeline proposed for its beginnings.

It was not a late-Neolithic curiosity, but a pioneering Mesolithic achievement.

And this was a rational, functional innovation, unlike the speculative calendars and solar temples traditionally proposed.

Archaeologists have consistently struggled to interpret key features of the site.

The postholes forming the central crescent pattern align with where excarnation slabs could have stood. Their unusual shape and placement remain largely unacknowledged in conventional interpretations.

Even the surrounding palisade, indicated in this model by the Y and Z holes, has received little consideration as a protective and hygienic structure.

Traditionally described simply as a ceremonial ditch, the ditch may instead have been a ring of water-filled pits designed to accommodate seating platforms below water level for therapeutic bathing.

This unusual design is central to understanding what Stonehenge might originally have been.

The fog is lifting with advances in LiDAR, mineral analysis, hydrology and radiocarbon calibration.

Stonehenge Phase One should now be considered as a potential candidate for Britain’s first scientific structure — a masterpiece of Mesolithic engineering, biology and community medicine, misunderstood for thousands of years by a profession still reluctant to let go of fantasy.

Author’s Biography

Robert John Langdon, a polymathic luminary, emerges as a writer, historian, and eminent specialist in LiDAR Landscape Archaeology.

His intellectual voyage has been interwoven with stints as an astute scrutineer in government and grand corporate bastions, a tapestry spanning British Telecommunications, Cable and Wireless, British Gas, and the esteemed University of London.

A decade hence, Robert’s transition into retirement unfurled a chapter of insatiable curiosity. This phase saw him immerse himself in Politics, Archaeology, Philosophy, and the enigmatic realm of Quantum Mechanics. His academic odyssey traversed the venerable corridors of knowledge hubs such as the Museum of London, University College London, Birkbeck College, The City Literature Institute, and Chichester University.

In the symphony of his life, Robert is a custodian of three progeny and a pair of cherished grandchildren. His sanctuary lies ensconced in the embrace of West Wales, where he inhabits an isolated cottage, its windows framing a vista of the boundless sea – a retreat from the scrutinising gaze of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, an amiable clandestinity in the lap of nature.

Exploring Prehistoric Britain: A Journey Through Time

My blog delves into the fascinating mysteries of prehistoric Britain, challenging conventional narratives and offering fresh perspectives grounded in cutting-edge research, particularly LiDAR technology. I invite you to explore some key areas of my research. For example, the Wansdyke, often cited as a defensive structure, is re-examined in light of new evidence. I’ve presented my findings in my blog post Wansdyke: A British Frontier Wall – ‘Debunked’, and a Wansdyke LiDAR Flyover video further visualises my conclusions.

My work also often challenges established archaeological dogma. I argue that many sites, such as Hambledon Hill, commonly identified as Iron Age hillforts, are not what they seem. My posts Lidar Investigation Hambledon Hill – NOT an ‘Iron Age Fort’ and Unmasking the “Iron Age Hillfort” Myth explore these ideas in detail and offer an alternative view. Similarly, sites like Cissbury Ring and White Sheet Camp receive re-evaluations based on LiDAR analysis in my posts “Lidar Investigation Cissbury Ring through time” and “Lidar Investigation White Sheet Camp, revealing fascinating insights into their true purpose. I have also examined South Cadbury Castle, often linked to the mythical Camelot56.

My research also extends to ancient water management, including the role of canals and other linear earthworks. I have discussed the true origins of Car Dyke in multiple posts, including Car Dyke – ABC News Podcast and Lidar Investigation Car Dyke – North Section, which suggest a Mesolithic origin 2357. I also explore the misidentification of Roman aqueducts, as seen in my posts on the Great Chesters (Roman) Aqueduct. My research has also been greatly informed by my post-glacial flooding hypothesis, which has helped explain landscape transformations over time. I have discussed this hypothesis in several posts, including AI now supports my Post-Glacial Flooding Hypothesis and Exploring Britain’s Flooded Past: A Personal Journey

Finally, my blog also investigates prehistoric burial practices, as seen in Prehistoric Burial Practices of Britain and explores the mystery of Pillow Mounds, often mistaken for medieval rabbit warrens, but with a potential link to Bronze Age cremation in my posts: Pillow Mounds: A Bronze Age Legacy of Cremation? and The Mystery of Pillow Mounds: Are They Really Medieval Rabbit Warrens?. My research also includes astronomical insights into ancient sites, for example, in Rediscovering the Winter Solstice: The Original Winter Festival. I also review new information about the construction of Stonehenge in The Stonehenge Enigma.

Other Blogs

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The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery

Introduction

Exploring the origins and transport of the stones used to construct Stonehenge remains a fascinating subject, rife with theories and controversies. The viral interest generated by my blog post this week, which highlighted a map showing three known sites of the stones’ origins, barely scratches the surface of this complex logistical puzzle. Indeed, there are stones from even greater distances, raising myriad questions about how these megaliths were transported to their final resting place at Stonehenge. This essay aims to delve into these logistics, providing a comprehensive overview grounded in the latest research and theories. (The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery)

The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery
The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery

The Bluestones

Recent advancements in micro-spectrum analysis have significantly contributed to our understanding of the origins of bluestones. However, this is not an exact science, as the movement of rocks due to glacial activity and post-ice age water flows complicates their traceability. Some academics have proposed that the bluestones found at Stonehenge were not quarried and transported from Wales but deposited nearby by glacial action. This theory, however, conflicts with geological evidence indicating that the last ice age glaciers did not reach as far as Stonehenge, stopping instead at the Bristol Channel. This discrepancy casts doubt on the glacier transport theory, suggesting the need to consider earlier ice ages, such as the Anglian, which occurred over 500,000 years ago. Yet the immense timescale involved means that any stones moved by such glaciers would be deeply buried beneath millennia of soil, making their discovery improbable.

The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery
The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery

Furthermore, the lack of bluestone erratics in the vicinity of Stonehenge further challenges the idea of glacial transport. The site at Craig Rhos-Y-Felin, identified as a source of the bluestones, shows clear evidence of human quarrying activity, contradicting the theory that these stones were randomly picked up from glacial deposits. The discovery of human hearths and quarrying tools at Craig Rhos-Y-Felin, along with a partially quarried bluestone, strongly suggests that these stones were intentionally selected and transported for use at Stonehenge.

Craig Rhos-y-felin to Stonehenge
The overland path from Craig Rhos-y-felin to Stonehenge is insane. It goes from 75m OD to 541 OD and crosses 95 valleys – the idea that you can either roll, drag or ox-cart such a route without a road is bonkers!!

The Sarsen Stones

The origin and transportation of the sarsen stones present a different set of challenges. These stones are found scattered across the Salisbury Plain and further afield, in areas never reached by the ice sheets that covered Britain during the last ice age. The popular theory that the sarsen stones came from West Woods near Avebury suggests that they could have been dragged to their current location. However, recent observations indicate that many of these stones are in paleochannel riverbeds rather than rock outcrops. This suggests that they were transported by ice-age floodwaters rather than being quarried from nearby outcrops.

West Woods to Stonehenge
Even the shortest route known to transport these stones is difficult to follow, as the 12 valleys and 14 peaks shown on this map testify.

Theories of Transportation

The theory that the stones could have been moved over frozen rivers during the ice age is intriguing but fraught with logistical issues. The absence of a significant human population capable of organising such an endeavour, coupled with the challenges of moving heavy stones over potentially thin ice, makes this theory less plausible. Additionally, the radiocarbon dating of Stonehenge would be significantly off if the stones had been transported at the end of the ice age.

The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery
The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery

LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to densely sample the earth’s surface, creating highly accurate topographic maps. It has revolutionised archaeological surveys by uncovering features difficult or impossible to see from the ground or through traditional surveying methods. Regarding Stonehenge and the transportation of the stones used in its construction, LiDAR technology offers invaluable insights into the landscape and potential transport routes used by ancient peoples.

Ditching to Stonehenge
The trilithon stones, weighing around 50 tonnes, reportedly come from Sussex. Such weights were successfully transported down the Nile on boats.

LiDAR Evidence and Stonehenge

LiDAR has been instrumental in mapping the landscape around Stonehenge, revealing details that have remained hidden for millennia under vegetation or soil. This technology has the potential to identify old riverbeds, trackways, and other features that could suggest routes for transporting the massive sarsen stones and bluestones used in the monument’s construction. However, despite its capabilities, LiDAR has not yet provided definitive evidence of prehistoric roads or paths leading directly from the quarries to Stonehenge.

The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery
The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery

Key Findings from LiDAR Surveys

No Prehistoric Roads from Quarries: LiDAR surveys have not found any evidence of engineered roads or paths originating from the bluestone quarries in Wales or from locations where sarsen stones are found. This absence challenges theories that rely on overland transport of the stones using rollers, sledges, or ox-carts over vast distances and rugged terrain.

Ancient Waterways and Paleochannels: One significant contribution of LiDAR is the identification of ancient waterways and paleochannels. These features are crucial for understanding the prehistoric landscape, suggesting that rivers and watercourses may have played a significant role in transporting the stones. The larger rivers identified by LiDAR, which were navigable in the past, support the theory that water transport was a feasible and preferred method for moving the stones.

Atkinson's Method
Atkinson proved with just four small schoolboys that a 4-tonne stone can easily be moved by boat down to the River Avon

Landscape Features: LiDAR has revealed the complexity of the landscape through which any transportation route would have had to navigate, including valleys, dense forests, and waterlogged areas. This detailed mapping underscores the logistical challenges faced by ancient builders, further calling into question the practicality of relying solely on land-based transport methods.

The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery
We have now found empirical evidence of boat yards in which catamaran design is made to carry large weights in Wales, dating back to the Bronze Age and beyond

Implications of LiDAR Evidence

The evidence from LiDAR surveys, particularly the absence of prehistoric roads and the emphasis on natural watercourses, suggests a reevaluation of how the stones were transported to Stonehenge. The lack of direct routes from quarries to the site and the identification of navigable ancient rivers and paleochannels lend weight to theories prioritising water transport. This perspective aligns with the understanding that ancient peoples were highly adept at utilising their natural environment to achieve monumental feats of construction.

Alter Stone to Stonehenge
The Altar Stone is now suspected of coming from as far as Scotland, as its Geo signature is not available down south (I would guess Doggerland for obvious reasons), but even if it just came from the Yorkshire Dales, the idea of l, and transportation is pure nonsense

Short Transportation systems from the boat harbours to the Monument

Mechanical Advantage of Poles (from the book – Dawn of the Lost Civilisation)

The principle of leverage, applied through poles, provides a mechanical advantage when handling heavy weights. Professor John Cunningham, an art professor at Skidmore College, has introduced a novel concept, creating a new class of simple machines based on flexible rods. Unlike traditional machines, Cunningham’s design not only multiplies force but also distributes it and stores mechanical energy.

The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery
The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery

Consider a scenario with a 20,000-pound stone. If you attempt to support it on two rigid beams, each will bear half the weight (10,000 pounds), posing a risk of fracture. Now, imagine spreading the load across 20 solid, parallel beams, each supporting only a fraction of the total weight, making the burden manageable. Cunningham’s innovation takes this idea further by replacing solid beams with flexible poles.

Stone Transportation and Dumb Censorship
The Bluestones were carried, not dragged, to Stonehenge

In the flexible pole structure, each pole can be raised independently without affecting the others. By lifting one end of a pole, a small amount of extra energy is imparted to that pole, and the energy is distributed across the structure. The weight rises by a fraction of the raised end, divided by the number of pole ends. If one end is lifted by a foot, the weight on each of the other pole ends diminishes by a corresponding fraction. Using this method, heavy loads can be lifted with significantly fewer people, as each person is only moving a fraction of the weight at a time.

This innovative approach enables efficient handling of substantial weights, offering a unique perspective on the use of mechanical advantage in lifting and distributing loads. (Stone transportation and censorship)

The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery
The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery

Cunningham has distilled the concept to a formula:
D = S x 1/N

Where D is the distance, the load is raised, s is the distance any one pole is blocked up, and N is the total number of pole ends in the system. Given n is the number of pole ends lifted simultaneously, the mechanical advantage for any symmetrical pole configuration will be N/n.

The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery
The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery


So, the fact that a pole bends like a bow, storing energy, makes it easier to carry. So easy in fact, that it acts as a lever and gives you a mechanical advantage. This principle would be well known as it is the same principle as how a bow works as it is a store of potential energy, you can’t throw an arrow 100 metres, but the bowing of the wood channelled through a small area (the string) give you the potential energy.

Walk like an Egyptian

The experiment showed that 48 students ( four x 12 poles) could lift 2.3 tonnes, which was the weight of one of the pyramid’s building stones. The larger the stone, the more poles and men you need, but it was quite easy even for wimpish students. In prehistoric Days with Cro-Magnon works you would need only 24 people to move a Pyramid stone or a Bluestone at Stonehenge without the rest blocks the video has included in their H & S safety assessment….LOL!!

A-Frames and Cranes

The advancement of technology and the movement of massive stones, such as the Sarsen stones at Stonehenge, Avebury, and Carnac, demand a closer examination of the engineering and logistical challenges faced by the ancient civilisation of Homo Superior, also known as Cro-Magnons. The Sarsen stones, weighing up to 60 tonnes, were not merely transported but meticulously erected, presenting a feat that even modern attempts struggle to replicate.


In our exploration of ancient technology, we encounter the question of how to transport and handle colossal loads. The Sarsen stones serve as an illustrative example due to their significant size, and it is perplexing that historians and archaeologists often overlook the intricacies of moving and placing these stones. This oversight persists even though, even with today’s technology, replicating the achievements of Homo Superior at Stonehenge remains a daunting challenge.

The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery
The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery


The crane, a machine designed to lift and move heavy materials, is pivotal in the transport and construction industries. Equipped with a hoist, wire ropes or chains, and sheaves, a crane utilises mechanical advantages to lift and lower materials beyond the capacity of human effort. Historically, the invention of the crane is attributed to the Ancient Greeks in the late 6th century BC, as evidenced by cuttings for lifting tongs and Lewis irons on stone blocks of Greek temples dating to around 515 BC.

However, when scrutinising Stonehenge, we encounter a fascinating divergence. In contrast, archaeological evidence points to the use of lifting devices, particularly with cuttings indicating the application of cranes, the peculiarities of Stonehenge’s construction challenge conventional narratives. Notably, the placement of lintels on Sarsen uprights and the presence of holes like Y & Z, potentially serving as foundations for A-frame crane legs, hint at a more sophisticated lifting apparatus.

The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery
The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery

The reluctance of some scholars to acknowledge advanced lifting devices in the historical context of Homo Superior may stem from the challenge they pose to established historical frameworks. Nevertheless, the investigation into the engineering marvels of Stonehenge encourages us to reassess the capabilities of this ancient civilisation, prompting a deeper understanding of their technological prowess and organisational acumen.

The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery
The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery

The transition from ramps to the more sophisticated winch-and-pulley hoist marked a significant shift in ancient construction technology. The emergence of the compound pulley system, attributed to Aristotle in the Mechanical Problems, coincided with a notable decrease in the weights of stones handled on Greek building sites. This transformative period saw the prevalence of smaller stones, weighing less than 15–20 metric tonnes, in contrast to the archaic era’s trend of using larger blocks.

The adoption of the crane, facilitated by the compound pulley system, introduced a more efficient and practical method of vertical motion. Grecian temples of the classical age, exemplified by the Parthenon, favoured using several smaller stones rather than fewer larger ones. Monolithic columns, a prominent feature in earlier constructions, were gradually replaced by multiple-column drums.

The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery
The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery

The reasons behind this technological evolution are not entirely clear. It raises intriguing questions about whether the shift from larger to smaller stones was due to the loss of past techniques, improved quarrying methods that enabled faster cutting of shorter blocks, or other factors influencing construction practices. The shift in societal dynamics, with smaller, professional construction teams being favoured over larger bodies of unskilled labour, is proposed as a potential contributing factor. The crane, with its efficiency in handling smaller stones, became preferable in the more volatile social and political conditions of ancient Greece.

While the exact circumstances of this transition remain uncertain, the historical record indicates that the compound pulley system and the crane became integral to Greek construction sites. The literary evidence from Aristotle’s Mechanical Problems and the resurgence of larger block sizes at Greek temples suggests a correlation between the adoption of the compound pulley and advancements in construction techniques. The earliest construction cranes, likely powered by humans or beasts of burden like donkeys, marked a transformative period in ancient construction methods.

(Stone transportation and censorship)
The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery

The evolution of cranes played a crucial role in the construction of tall buildings, enabling the lifting of heavier loads. In the High Middle Ages, harbour cranes emerged to facilitate ship loading and unloading, often integrated into stone towers for enhanced strength and stability. The earliest cranes were crafted from wood, but with the advent of the Industrial Revolution, materials like cast iron and steel became predominant.

At Stonehenge, the construction methods are a subject of speculation, with suggestions that timber A-frames were employed to raise the stones. Teams of individuals may have hauled the stones upright using ropes, and the topmost stones (lintels) could have been incrementally raised on timber platforms and slid or pushed into place. Carpentry-type joints on the stones indicate a high level of woodworking skill among the builders.

The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery
The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery

The idea of A-frames finds support in demonstrations by individuals such as Wally Wallington, a retired construction worker, who showcased techniques based on lever principles for rotating, lifting, and positioning heavy monoliths. An A-frame, essentially a basic crane without a pulley or winch, operates on similar principles to facilitate vertical movement. Adding a swivel base could transform it into a fully functional crane, a concept compatible with the mortise-and-tenon joints observed at Stonehenge.

(Stone transportation and censorship)
The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery

Estimates of the manpower required for Stonehenge’s construction suggest a substantial effort, with millions of hours of work. The various phases of Stonehenge’s construction, from the initial to the third phase, may have required extensive human labour, amounting to up to 20 million hours spent working the stones. The primitive tools available at the time necessitated considerable effort, highlighting the strong will and advanced social organisation required to build and maintain such a monumental site. Stonehenge stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of its ancient builders. (Stone transportation and censorship)

The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery
The Stonehenge Transportation Mystery

PodCast

Author’s Biography

Robert John Langdon, a polymathic luminary, emerges as a writer, historian, and eminent specialist in LiDAR Landscape Archaeology.

His intellectual voyage has been interwoven with stints as an astute scrutineer in government and grand corporate bastions, a tapestry spanning British Telecommunications, Cable and Wireless, British Gas, and the esteemed University of London.

A decade hence, Robert’s transition into retirement unfurled a chapter of insatiable curiosity. This phase saw him immerse himself in Politics, Archaeology, Philosophy, and the enigmatic realm of Quantum Mechanics. His academic odyssey traversed the venerable corridors of knowledge hubs such as the Museum of London, University College London, Birkbeck College, The City Literature Institute, and Chichester University.

In the symphony of his life, Robert is a custodian of three progeny and a pair of cherished grandchildren. His sanctuary lies ensconced in the embrace of West Wales, where he inhabits an isolated cottage, its windows framing a vista of the boundless sea – a retreat from the scrutinising gaze of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, an amiable clandestinity in the lap of nature.

Exploring Prehistoric Britain: A Journey Through Time

My blog delves into the fascinating mysteries of prehistoric Britain, challenging conventional narratives and offering fresh perspectives grounded in cutting-edge research, particularly LiDAR technology. I invite you to explore some key areas of my research. For example, the Wansdyke, often cited as a defensive structure, is re-examined in light of new evidence. I’ve presented my findings in my blog post Wansdyke: A British Frontier Wall – ‘Debunked’, and a Wansdyke LiDAR Flyover video further visualises my conclusions.

My work also often challenges established archaeological dogma. I argue that many sites, such as Hambledon Hill, commonly identified as Iron Age hillforts, are not what they seem. My posts Lidar Investigation Hambledon Hill – NOT an ‘Iron Age Fort’ and Unmasking the “Iron Age Hillfort” Myth explore these ideas in detail and offer an alternative view. Similarly, sites like Cissbury Ring and White Sheet Camp receive re-evaluations based on LiDAR analysis in my posts “Lidar Investigation Cissbury Ring through time” and “Lidar Investigation White Sheet Camp, revealing fascinating insights into their true purpose. I have also examined South Cadbury Castle, often linked to the mythical Camelot56.

My research also extends to ancient water management, including the role of canals and other linear earthworks. I have discussed the true origins of Car Dyke in multiple posts, including Car Dyke – ABC News Podcast and Lidar Investigation Car Dyke – North Section, which suggest a Mesolithic origin 2357. I also explore the misidentification of Roman aqueducts, as seen in my posts on the Great Chesters (Roman) Aqueduct. My research has also been greatly informed by my post-glacial flooding hypothesis, which has helped explain landscape transformations over time. I have discussed this hypothesis in several posts, including AI now supports my Post-Glacial Flooding Hypothesis and Exploring Britain’s Flooded Past: A Personal Journey

Finally, my blog also investigates prehistoric burial practices, as seen in Prehistoric Burial Practices of Britain and explores the mystery of Pillow Mounds, often mistaken for medieval rabbit warrens, but with a potential link to Bronze Age cremation in my posts: Pillow Mounds: A Bronze Age Legacy of Cremation? and The Mystery of Pillow Mounds: Are They Really Medieval Rabbit Warrens?. My research also includes astronomical insights into ancient sites, for example, in Rediscovering the Winter Solstice: The Original Winter Festival. I also review new information about the construction of Stonehenge in The Stonehenge Enigma.

Further Reading

For those interested in British Prehistory, visit www.prehistoric-britain.co.uk, a comprehensive resource featuring an extensive collection of archaeology articles, modern LiDAR investigations, and groundbreaking research. The site also includes insights and excerpts from the acclaimed Robert John Langdon Trilogy, a series of books that explore Britain during the Prehistoric period. Titles in the trilogy include The Stonehenge Enigma, Dawn of the Lost Civilisation, and The Post-Glacial Flooding Hypothesis, which offer compelling evidence of ancient landscapes shaped by post-glacial flooding.

To further explore these topics, Robert John Langdon has developed a dedicated YouTube channel featuring over 100 video documentaries and investigations that complement the trilogy. Notable discoveries and studies showcased on the channel include 13 Things that Don’t Make Sense in History and the revelation of Silbury Avenue – The Lost Stone Avenue, a rediscovered prehistoric feature at Avebury, Wiltshire.

In addition to his main works, Langdon has released a series of shorter, accessible publications, ideal for readers delving into specific topics. These include:

For active discussions and updates on the trilogy’s findings and recent LiDAR investigations, join our vibrant community on Facebook. Engage with like-minded enthusiasts by leaving a message or contributing to debates in our Facebook Group.

Whether through the books, the website, or interactive videos, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of Britain’s fascinating prehistoric past. We encourage you to explore these resources and uncover the mysteries of ancient landscapes through the lens of modern archaeology.

For more information, including chapter extracts and related publications, visit the Robert John Langdon Author Page. Dive into works such as The Stonehenge Enigma or Dawn of the Lost Civilisation, and explore cutting-edge theories that challenge traditional historical narratives.

Other Blogs

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Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection

Introduction

The third book in my trilogy aims to weave together the discoveries made across Britain, with a particular focus on Stonehenge, to shed light on a civilisation that archaeologists have termed the ‘megalithic builders.’ This civilisation is markedly distinct from those that came after, showcasing an extraordinary level of capability and engineering skill in moving vast stones and constructing earthworks that have endured for nearly ten thousand years. These achievements are even more striking when compared to the structures left by the Romans, who occupied these lands for hundreds of years yet left behind fewer enduring monuments. (Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)

Video

The megalithic builders’ legacy, characterised by iconic structures such as Stonehenge, reveals a sophisticated understanding of both engineering and astronomy. Their ability to align massive stones with celestial events suggests a deep connection to their environment and a complex societal organisation capable of undertaking such monumental projects. This civilisation’s accomplishments in stone construction and earthwork highlight their technical prowess and cultural and spiritual values, as many of these sites are believed to have served practical purposes.

(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)
Long Barrows of Europe – centred over The North Sea (Doggerland) – (Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)

In writing this third book, I aimed to connect the dots between various megalithic sites across Britain and explore the knowledge, skills, and motivations of the people who built them. By examining the evidence left by the megalithic builders, from the stones they transported and erected to the earthworks they shaped, we can gain insights into a civilisation that continues to fascinate and inspire despite its distance in time.

(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)
(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)

This exploration is an academic exercise and a journey into the heart of a civilisation whose creations still stand as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. The megalithic builders may have vanished into the mists of time, but their legacy endures, inviting us to marvel at their achievements and to contemplate our own place in the continuum of human history.

(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)

The Megalthic Builders

The megalithic builders, a fascinating civilisation from our prehistoric past, operated on a scale and with a level of cooperation that transcends modern conceptions of boundaries and nation-states. Their domain spanned northern Europe, a testament to their widespread influence and shared cultural or technological practices. Unlike the segmented and often isolated cultures that followed, these ancient builders engaged in monumental constructions that served both the living and the dead, creating long barrows and dolmens as eternal resting places and linear earthwork canals and stone trading circles for the living.

(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)
(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)

One of the most intriguing aspects of their civilisation is the central role played by an area now submerged beneath the North Sea, known as Doggerland. This now-lost land, which started to succumb to rising sea levels approximately 9,000 years ago, was once a vital part of a massive Mesolithic landscape. Doggerland connected the British Isles to mainland Europe, serving as a crossroads for people, ideas, and goods. The remnants of this landscape, including the Dogger Bank, provide a tantalising glimpse into a world where megalithic builders thrived, interacting with their environment and with one another in sophisticated ways.

Temple to the dead and mid-winter solstice
Stonehenge is a moon temple made for the dead – (Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)

The disappearance of Doggerland due to post-glacial sea level rise did not merely result in the loss of land; it marked the end of a significant chapter in human history. This transformation from a vast, interconnected landscape to a series of islands fundamentally altered the trajectory of European civilisation. The megalithic builders’ legacy, however, remains etched in the stone and earthworks that dot the landscape of northern Europe, enduring monuments to their engineering prowess and cosmopolitan outlook.

(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)

Their achievements compel us to reconsider our understanding of prehistoric societies, challenging us to appreciate the complexity and depth of human ingenuity long before the advent of written history. The megalithic builders remind us that the desire to connect, communicate, and commemorate is a fundamental aspect of the human condition, transcending time, space, and the ever-changing contours of the earth.

The Stonehenge Connection

We can see from their greatest achievement, Stonehenge, a ‘message in a bottle’ that the megalithic builders left us some 5,000 years ago.  Although subsequent civilisations reused and altered aspects of the Stonehenge Monument, some of the most influential stones and structures still survive in situ, owing to the megalithic ability to manoeuvre vast weights, which effectively hindered lesser cultures in their attempts to radically alter the site’s significance.

(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)
(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)

The origins of the Altar Stone at Stonehenge, described by Professor Hawkins as a “fine-grained pale green sandstone” notable for its mica flakes and glitter”, have long been a subject of speculation among experts. The prevailing theories had pointed towards Wales or Devon as the stone’s source. However, recent findings challenge this perspective, suggesting the stone could have originated much farther afield, potentially as far north as Scotland. This revelation aligns with my hypothesis, presented in my book over a decade ago, proposing an even more dramatic provenance for the Altar Stone—not just from the north, but from the northeast, specifically from the submerged landscapes of Doggerland.

Alter Stone recumbent stone - one of just two
The Altar is one of only two recumbents

Doggerland, the now-submerged landmass that once connected the British Isles to mainland Europe, represents a significant part of Mesolithic Europe’s landscape. The suggestion that the Altar Stone might have originated in this ancient, lost territory adds a fascinating layer to our understanding of Stonehenge’s construction. It implies that the builders of Stonehenge not only could transport massive stones over vast distances but also that their network of trade or cultural exchange spanned a far greater area than previously thought, encompassing regions that are now beneath the sea.

(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)

The connection between Doggerland and Stonehenge, particularly through the Altar Stone, hints at a deeply intertwined prehistoric landscape that extends beyond current geographical boundaries. The intriguing alignment from the Altar Stone towards the last vestiges of Doggerland, known as the Isle of Dogger, intersects with another enigmatic feature of Stonehenge: the Slaughter Stone. This stone, distinctively recumbent and partially buried by the surrounding ditch, has long puzzled archaeologists. Its unique position within the Stonehenge complex and the name attributed to it by the Druids suggest a significant ceremonial or symbolic role.

Altar Stone and slaughter stone points to doggerland
Altar Stone and Slaughter Stone align with Doggerland

The deliberate placement of the Slaughter Stone, when considered in relation to the direction towards the remnants of Doggerland, could indicate a symbolic gesture by the builders of Stonehenge, perhaps to commemorate or maintain a connection with their ancestral lands now submerged beneath the North Sea. This alignment and the specific use of stones from distant locations underscore the profound sense of purpose and meaning the Stonehenge builders invested in the site’s construction.

Slaughter stone - burried in shallow ditch of water
The chalk under the Slaugher stone was cut away for a purpose

These potential connections to Doggerland not only expand our understanding of Stonehenge’s geographical and cultural significance but also invite us to consider the broader networks of communication, travel, and exchange that existed in prehistoric Europe. The use of stones from such distant sources and the possible alignments with lost lands hint at an intricate web of relationships and a deep historical consciousness among the people who constructed Stonehenge.

(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)

As we continue to unravel the mysteries of Stonehenge and its stones, the importance of considering wider landscapes and connections becomes clear. The potential links to Doggerland offer a tantalising glimpse into the minds of the megalithic builders, revealing a world where memory, landscape, and the movement of materials were intimately connected. These insights challenge us to look beyond the immediate vicinity of prehistoric monuments and to consider the vast, now-hidden landscapes that were once integral to the lives and beliefs of ancient peoples.

Slaughter Stone - a relief map of doggerland
The Slaughrer stone is in fact a relief map (found after a HE scan) and not natural – the ground has been removed so to create an island surrounded by water

This hypothesis challenges the conventional archaeological narrative and suggests a level of sophistication and reach in prehistoric societies that is only now being understood. It underscores the importance of reconsidering and expanding our investigation into the origins and connections of the materials and people involved in creating monumental structures like Stonehenge. As we continue to uncover more about these ancient builders, their methods, and their world, it becomes increasingly clear that their achievements were far more complex and interconnected than once imagined, bridging lands now separated by waters but once part of a vast, interconnected landscape.

The Atlantis Connection

The completion of the quest to pinpoint the homeland of the megalithic builders marks a significant milestone in our understanding of this remarkable civilisation. The evidence of their extraordinary engineering achievements, from constructing monumental stone structures like Stonehenge to creating extensive earthworks such as Silbury Hill, underscores the sophistication and capabilities of these ancient architects and engineers. Without the modern machinery and technology we rely on today, their achievements in construction speak to a profound understanding of their environment and a remarkable ability to manipulate natural materials to their will.

(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)

Given the scale of their constructions and the distances over which materials, such as the stones used in megaliths, were transported, it becomes clear that these builders possessed sophisticated transportation methods. The absence of roads for moving such massive stones over vast distances suggests that ships and boats were essential to their way of life. Waterways would have served as the arteries of trade, travel, and communication, connecting distant communities and facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices across Europe.

Wales oldest Boat Yard
We have found prehistoric Catamarans made to carry stones – Wales oldest Boat Yard

This reliance on maritime technology indicates that the megalithic builders were skilled engineers, architects, and adept sailors and navigators. Using boats would have allowed them to traverse prehistoric Europe’s coastal and riverine landscapes, enabling the widespread distribution of their megalithic culture. Such capabilities would have been crucial for orchestrating the large-scale cooperative efforts to construct the monumental stone structures that define their legacy.

(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)
(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)

The comparison with the maritime achievements of the Greeks and Romans, celebrated for their advancements in shipbuilding and navigation, underscores the significance of the megalithic builders’ accomplishments. Their ability to harness the power of water for transportation and communication is a testament to their ingenuity and a critical factor in their success as a civilisation.

(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)

The megalithic builders’ reliance on maritime technology for movement and communication across Europe highlights a sophisticated understanding of their environment and an unparalleled ability to manipulate it to their advantage. This aspect of their civilisation offers valuable insights into the complexity of prehistoric societies and challenges us to expand our appreciation of their technological and cultural achievements.

Plato

The tale of Atlantis, as recounted by Plato, stands as one of the most captivating stories from antiquity, blurring the line between historical account and mythological narrative. Over time, the story of this advanced civilisation that supposedly sank into the sea around 9,000 years ago has been transformed by modern interpretations and entertainment into something more akin to science fiction. This transformation has, unfortunately, obscured the significance of Plato’s account, relegating it to the realm of mere fantasy in the eyes of many.

Plato

Plato, a philosopher of unparalleled influence in Western thought, presented the story of Atlantis not as a myth but as a recounting of historical fact told to him by Solon, who had learned it from Egyptian priests. According to the narrative, Atlantis was a civilisation of great power and technological prowess, with ships that traversed the globe and a highly advanced society.

(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)

The comparison between the story of Atlantis and the archaeological evidence of Doggerland and the megalithic builders is striking. Like the Atlanteans, the people of Doggerland, who lived around 10,000 years ago, exhibited advanced capabilities, particularly in maritime technology. They built monumental structures and possessed the knowledge to navigate and sail to distant lands. This evidence challenges the prevailing academic view of prehistoric societies as simplistic hunter-gatherer tribes and aligns with Plato’s description of Atlantis as a great and advanced civilisation.

Stonehenge Debunked

Moreover, the presence of notable figures such as Solon, a key figure in the development of democracy in ancient Greece, and Socrates, celebrated for his wisdom, in the dialogues discussing Atlantis, lends credibility to the account. Their involvement suggests that the story was taken seriously by some of the most respected thinkers of the time, who did not dismiss it as mere fiction.

Some academics’ reluctance to accept the possibility of advanced prehistoric civilisations is perhaps understandable, given the scarcity of direct archaeological evidence and the challenge of separating historical fact from myth. However, the megalithic stones and the submerged landscapes of Doggerland offer tangible links to a past that may have been far more complex and interconnected than previously acknowledged.

The possible connection between Doggerland, the story of Atlantis told by Plato, and the initial stages of Stonehenge’s construction around 8300 BCE suggests that these ancient events might be related or share a common origin. Dating the beginning of Stonehenge to such an early era aligns with the timeline of Plato’s Atlantean civilisation, suggesting a potential connection or shared features between the Stonehenge builders and the advanced society described in the Atlantis legend.

(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)
(Stonehenge, Doggerland and Atlantis connection)

This theory challenges commonly accepted beliefs about the achievements and timelines of prehistoric humans. It suggests that Stonehenge, a monument that has fascinated scholars and visitors for centuries, might have originated during the same period as the legendary civilisation of Atlantis. This discovery prompts a reassessment of human activities during the Mesolithic period.

It is possible to imagine a prehistoric world where societies were not only technologically advanced but also well-connected across vast distances, given the architectural complexity and navigational skills demonstrated in the stories of these civilisations. The hypothesis that the megalithic builders, who were capable of maritime travel and of constructing monumental structures like Stonehenge, might have shared a cultural or historical link with the Atlanteans adds depth to the narrative of human history during the Mesolithic era.

This viewpoint emphasises a more inclusive and transparent approach to archaeology, emphasising the significance of sustained inquiry and the readiness to question conventional historical accounts. With the emergence of new findings challenging long-standing assumptions, the links among Doggerland, Atlantis, and Stonehenge exemplify the intricate and multifaceted nature of early human civilisation’s accomplishments.

Plato’s description of an Atlantis city fits the design of Causewayed Enclosures

PodCast

Author’s Biography

Robert John Langdon, a polymathic luminary, emerges as a writer, historian, and eminent specialist in LiDAR Landscape Archaeology.

His intellectual voyage has been interwoven with stints as an astute scrutineer in government and grand corporate bastions, a tapestry spanning British Telecommunications, Cable and Wireless, British Gas, and the esteemed University of London.

A decade hence, Robert’s transition into retirement unfurled a chapter of insatiable curiosity. This phase saw him immerse himself in Politics, Archaeology, Philosophy, and the enigmatic realm of Quantum Mechanics. His academic odyssey traversed the venerable corridors of knowledge hubs such as the Museum of London, University College London, Birkbeck College, The City Literature Institute, and Chichester University.

In the symphony of his life, Robert is a custodian of three progeny and a pair of cherished grandchildren. His sanctuary lies ensconced in the embrace of West Wales, where he inhabits an isolated cottage, its windows framing a vista of the boundless sea – a retreat from the scrutinising gaze of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, an amiable clandestinity in the lap of nature.

Exploring Prehistoric Britain: A Journey Through Time

My blog delves into the fascinating mysteries of prehistoric Britain, challenging conventional narratives and offering fresh perspectives grounded in cutting-edge research, particularly LiDAR technology. I invite you to explore some key areas of my research. For example, the Wansdyke, often cited as a defensive structure, is re-examined in light of new evidence. I’ve presented my findings in my blog post Wansdyke: A British Frontier Wall – ‘Debunked’, and a Wansdyke LiDAR Flyover video further visualises my conclusions.

My work also often challenges established archaeological dogma. I argue that many sites, such as Hambledon Hill, commonly identified as Iron Age hillforts, are not what they seem. My posts Lidar Investigation Hambledon Hill – NOT an ‘Iron Age Fort’ and Unmasking the “Iron Age Hillfort” Myth explore these ideas in detail and offer an alternative view. Similarly, sites like Cissbury Ring and White Sheet Camp receive re-evaluations based on LiDAR analysis in my posts “Lidar Investigation Cissbury Ring through time” and “Lidar Investigation White Sheet Camp, revealing fascinating insights into their true purpose. I have also examined South Cadbury Castle, often linked to the mythical Camelot56.

My research also extends to ancient water management, including the role of canals and other linear earthworks. I have discussed the true origins of Car Dyke in multiple posts, including Car Dyke – ABC News Podcast and Lidar Investigation Car Dyke – North Section, which suggest a Mesolithic origin 2357. I also explore the misidentification of Roman aqueducts, as seen in my posts on the Great Chesters (Roman) Aqueduct. My research has also been greatly informed by my post-glacial flooding hypothesis, which has helped explain landscape transformations over time. I have discussed this hypothesis in several posts, including AI now supports my Post-Glacial Flooding Hypothesis and Exploring Britain’s Flooded Past: A Personal Journey

Finally, my blog also investigates prehistoric burial practices, as seen in Prehistoric Burial Practices of Britain and explores the mystery of Pillow Mounds, often mistaken for medieval rabbit warrens, but with a potential link to Bronze Age cremation in my posts: Pillow Mounds: A Bronze Age Legacy of Cremation? and The Mystery of Pillow Mounds: Are They Really Medieval Rabbit Warrens?. My research also includes astronomical insights into ancient sites, for example, in Rediscovering the Winter Solstice: The Original Winter Festival. I also review new information about the construction of Stonehenge in The Stonehenge Enigma.

Further Reading

For those interested in British Prehistory, visit www.prehistoric-britain.co.uk, a comprehensive resource featuring an extensive collection of archaeology articles, modern LiDAR investigations, and groundbreaking research. The site also includes insights and excerpts from the acclaimed Robert John Langdon Trilogy, a series of books that explore Britain during the Prehistoric period. Titles in the trilogy include The Stonehenge Enigma, Dawn of the Lost Civilisation, and The Post-Glacial Flooding Hypothesis, which offer compelling evidence of ancient landscapes shaped by post-glacial flooding.

To further explore these topics, Robert John Langdon has developed a dedicated YouTube channel featuring over 100 video documentaries and investigations that complement the trilogy. Notable discoveries and studies showcased on the channel include 13 Things that Don’t Make Sense in History and the revelation of Silbury Avenue – The Lost Stone Avenue, a rediscovered prehistoric feature at Avebury, Wiltshire.

In addition to his main works, Langdon has released a series of shorter, accessible publications, ideal for readers delving into specific topics. These include:

For active discussions and updates on the trilogy’s findings and recent LiDAR investigations, join our vibrant community on Facebook. Engage with like-minded enthusiasts by leaving a message or contributing to debates in our Facebook Group.

Whether through the books, the website, or interactive videos, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of Britain’s fascinating prehistoric past. We encourage you to explore these resources and uncover the mysteries of ancient landscapes through the lens of modern archaeology.

For more information, including chapter extracts and related publications, visit the Robert John Langdon Author Page. Dive into works such as The Stonehenge Enigma or Dawn of the Lost Civilisation, and explore cutting-edge theories that challenge traditional historical narratives.

Other Blogs

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The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World

A Monument to the Dead — Not the Sun

One of the most recognisable images in archaeology is that of a perfect circular Stonehenge — a continuous ring of upright stones capped with lintels. (The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

You’ve seen it everywhere:

  • Textbooks
  • Reconstructions
  • Documentaries

It has become the accepted version of the monument.

There is just one problem.

Stonehenge was never built that way.

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

The Myth of the Perfect Circle

The circular Stonehenge exists more in illustration than in reality.

When we examine the monument itself, the physical evidence tells a very different story:

  • Several stones required to complete the circle are missing
  • Others are too small to support lintels
  • Some are incorrectly positioned for a continuous ring
  • Stone holes reveal uprights that do not conform to a circular design

This creates a fundamental contradiction.

If Stonehenge was intended to be a perfect solar temple, then:

  1. It was never completed
  2. Or it was deliberately dismantled

Both explanations are unsatisfactory.

There is a far simpler solution.

It was never meant to be a complete circle.

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

Structural Proof: Stone 11 Breaks the Model

This conclusion is not just interpretive — it is structural.

One stone alone exposes the flaw in the circular theory.

Stone 11.

This stone is:

  • Smaller than its neighbours
  • Structurally inadequate
  • Incapable of supporting a lintel

This is critical.

A continuous lintel ring requires every upright to meet a basic engineering condition:

It must support load.

Stone 11 cannot.

This is not a minor anomaly. It is a mechanical failure within the supposed design.

There are only two possible explanations:

  • The builders made a fundamental structural mistake
  • The circle was never intended to be continuous

Given the precision elsewhere in the monument, the first option is highly unlikely.

Which leaves only one conclusion:

Stone 11 is not an error — it is evidence.

It proves that the monument was never designed as a complete ring.

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

A Different Shape Emerges

When we examine all surviving stones and stone holes together, a new pattern appears.

Not a circle.

A crescent.

The Sarsen arrangement — particularly the inner trilithon horseshoe — reinforces this, forming a crescent within a crescent.

This is deliberate.

And its orientation matters.

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

Death, Not the Sun

Across ancient cultures:

  • The sun represents life and continuity
  • The circle reflects that — endless and complete

But death is different.

Death is transition.

And that transition is often symbolised by the crescent moon — a passage between darkness and renewal.

Stonehenge aligns with this symbolism precisely.

The structure faces the Winter Solstice sunset:

  • The lowest point of the sun
  • The moment of greatest darkness
  • The turning point before light returns

This is not a monument to life.

It is a monument to transition.

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

The Missing Stones Tell the Story

The pattern of missing stones strengthens this interpretation.

If stones had been removed later, we would expect:

  • Random distribution
  • Removal from accessible locations

But instead:

  • The majority of missing stones occur in the south-western quadrant
  • This is the least accessible area

This is not random.

It is intentional.

The monument was designed to be open in this direction — forming a crescent aligned with the Winter Solstice sunset.

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

The Altar Stone and the Slaughter Stone

At the centre of the monument lies the Altar Stone:

  • Fine-grained sandstone
  • Rich in mica
  • Distinct from all other stones

It is also placed flat.

This is unusual — but not unique.

Near the entrance lies the Slaughter Stone, also recumbent.

Excavations in the 1920s showed:

  • The chalk beneath it was deliberately levelled
  • It was always intended to lie flat

Even more importantly:

  • It sits in a shallow depression
  • Connected to the ditch system
  • Likely water-filled under higher groundwater conditions

This would have made the stone appear as a small island in water.

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

A Monument Built in Water

This aligns directly with the hydrological model of early Holocene Britain.

Evidence shows that:

  • Water tables were significantly higher
  • River systems were larger
  • Floodplains dominated the landscape

Stonehenge was not a dry site.

It existed within a water-controlled environment

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

The Altar Stone: A Geological Clue

The Altar Stone introduces another layer of evidence.

It is widely accepted that:

  • It originates from outside the local region
  • It travelled over long distances

Traditional explanations suggest land transport.

But there is a problem.

Across hundreds of kilometres:

  • No prehistoric roads
  • No engineered trackways
  • No infrastructure for overland movement

What we do find is:

  • Extensive river systems
  • Floodplains
  • Palaeochannels

The conclusion is straightforward:

The stones were transported by water.

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

The Doggerland Origin Hypothesis

There is an additional, often overlooked possibility.

The geological composition of the Altar Stone matches:

  • Bedrock found in northern Britain
  • And bedrock mapped beneath the North Sea

This is critical.

Because during the early Holocene:

  • The North Sea was not fully submerged
  • It was a vast landmass

Doggerland.

If the Altar Stone originated from this region, then:

  • It was not just transported across distance
  • It was brought from a landscape that no longer exists
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

A Lost Source Beneath the Sea

Geological evidence shows that Doggerland:

  • Contained exposed bedrock
  • Shared lithological characteristics with the Altar Stone
  • Was progressively flooded between ~9000 and 8000 years ago

This reframes the stone completely.

It is no longer just imported material.

It becomes:

a fragment of a lost homeland.

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

A Deliberate Sightline

The Altar Stone and Slaughter Stone form a direct alignment:

  • From the centre
  • Through the entrance
  • Along the Avenue
  • Toward the ancient river system

When extended beyond the monument, this line points toward:

Doggerland.

This is not coincidence.

Ancient monuments frequently connect:

  • Structure
  • Landscape
  • Memory

Stonehenge does all three.

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

A Monument Built from Memory

When combined:

  • Crescent design
  • Solstice alignment
  • Directional sightline
  • Geological connection

The interpretation becomes clear.

Stonehenge is not simply pointing toward a lost world.

It may contain material from it.

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

The Hidden Interior: Stonehenge as a Painted Space

There is another overlooked feature.

The inner faces of the Sarsen stones are flattened.

This required:

  • Significant labour
  • Controlled shaping
  • Time investment across multiple stones

This was not done casually.

It was done for a reason.

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

The Effort Behind the Surfaces

Flattening stone with prehistoric tools would have taken:

  • Weeks per stone
  • Possibly months across the structure

Prehistoric societies do not waste effort.

Every action has purpose.

These surfaces were prepared for something important.

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

A Cultural Memory Lost

Before the Ice Age, the ancestors of these builders created:

  • Complex cave art
  • Symbolic imagery
  • Advanced visual culture

After this period, the art seems to disappear.

But it didn’t.

The medium changed

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

The Missing Medium

We know:

  • Pigments were used
  • Bodies were painted
  • Symbolism was central

But open-air artwork does not survive:

  • Rain erodes it
  • Sunlight fades it
  • Time destroys it

Over 10,000 years, it vanishes.

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

Stonehenge as an Art Space

Now reconsider the monument:

  • Flattened inner stone surfaces
  • Enclosed space
  • Controlled environment

These are perfect conditions for:

painting

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

A Prehistoric Gallery

Instead of bare stone, imagine:

  • Painted surfaces
  • Symbolic imagery
  • Cultural storytelling
  • Ancestral representation

Stonehenge becomes:

a sacred visual environment


From Cold Stone to Living Culture

What we see today:

  • Weathered stone
  • Empty surfaces
  • Structural remains

What once existed:

  • Colour
  • Meaning
  • Cultural expression

Not a ruin.

But a gallery of memory and identity.

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

A Memorial to a Lost World

When all evidence is combined:

  • The crescent form reflects death
  • The solstice alignment marks transition
  • The sightline points toward Doggerland
  • The Altar Stone may originate from that drowned land
  • The interior may have been painted with cultural memory

The meaning becomes clear.

Stonehenge is not a solar temple.

It is a memorial.

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

Final Conclusion

Stonehenge was not built to mark the movement of the sun.

It was built to remember.

To record a moment in human history when:

  • A landscape was lost
  • A homeland disappeared
  • A civilisation adapted

The stones do not just stand.

They point.

They align.

They remember.

And once you remove the myth of the circle, the monument finally makes sense.

Stonehenge was never a circle.
It was a message.

(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)
(The Stonehenge Crescent: A Monument to a Lost World)

PodCast

Author’s Biography

Robert John Langdon, a polymathic luminary, emerges as a writer, historian, and eminent specialist in LiDAR Landscape Archaeology.

His intellectual voyage has been interwoven with stints as an astute scrutineer in government and grand corporate bastions, a tapestry spanning British Telecommunications, Cable and Wireless, British Gas, and the esteemed University of London.

A decade hence, Robert’s transition into retirement unfurled a chapter of insatiable curiosity. This phase saw him immerse himself in Politics, Archaeology, Philosophy, and the enigmatic realm of Quantum Mechanics. His academic odyssey traversed the venerable corridors of knowledge hubs such as the Museum of London, University College London, Birkbeck College, The City Literature Institute, and Chichester University.

In the symphony of his life, Robert is a custodian of three progeny and a pair of cherished grandchildren. His sanctuary lies ensconced in the embrace of West Wales, where he inhabits an isolated cottage, its windows framing a vista of the boundless sea – a retreat from the scrutinising gaze of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, an amiable clandestinity in the lap of nature.

Exploring Prehistoric Britain: A Journey Through Time

My blog delves into the fascinating mysteries of prehistoric Britain, challenging conventional narratives and offering fresh perspectives grounded in cutting-edge research, particularly LiDAR technology. I invite you to explore some key areas of my research. For example, the Wansdyke, often cited as a defensive structure, is re-examined in light of new evidence. I’ve presented my findings in my blog post Wansdyke: A British Frontier Wall – ‘Debunked’, and a Wansdyke LiDAR Flyover video further visualises my conclusions.

My work also often challenges established archaeological dogma. I argue that many sites, such as Hambledon Hill, commonly identified as Iron Age hillforts, are not what they seem. My posts Lidar Investigation Hambledon Hill – NOT an ‘Iron Age Fort’ and Unmasking the “Iron Age Hillfort” Myth explore these ideas in detail and offer an alternative view. Similarly, sites like Cissbury Ring and White Sheet Camp receive re-evaluations based on LiDAR analysis in my posts “Lidar Investigation Cissbury Ring through time” and “Lidar Investigation White Sheet Camp, revealing fascinating insights into their true purpose. I have also examined South Cadbury Castle, often linked to the mythical Camelot56.

My research also extends to ancient water management, including the role of canals and other linear earthworks. I have discussed the true origins of Car Dyke in multiple posts, including Car Dyke – ABC News Podcast and Lidar Investigation Car Dyke – North Section, which suggest a Mesolithic origin 2357. I also explore the misidentification of Roman aqueducts, as seen in my posts on the Great Chesters (Roman) Aqueduct. My research has also been greatly informed by my post-glacial flooding hypothesis, which has helped explain landscape transformations over time. I have discussed this hypothesis in several posts, including AI now supports my Post-Glacial Flooding Hypothesis and Exploring Britain’s Flooded Past: A Personal Journey

Finally, my blog also investigates prehistoric burial practices, as seen in Prehistoric Burial Practices of Britain and explores the mystery of Pillow Mounds, often mistaken for medieval rabbit warrens, but with a potential link to Bronze Age cremation in my posts: Pillow Mounds: A Bronze Age Legacy of Cremation? and The Mystery of Pillow Mounds: Are They Really Medieval Rabbit Warrens?. My research also includes astronomical insights into ancient sites, for example, in Rediscovering the Winter Solstice: The Original Winter Festival. I also review new information about the construction of Stonehenge in The Stonehenge Enigma.

Further Reading

For those interested in British Prehistory, visit www.prehistoric-britain.co.uk, a comprehensive resource featuring an extensive collection of archaeology articles, modern LiDAR investigations, and groundbreaking research. The site also includes insights and excerpts from the acclaimed Robert John Langdon Trilogy, a series of books that explore Britain during the Prehistoric period. Titles in the trilogy include The Stonehenge Enigma, Dawn of the Lost Civilisation, and The Post-Glacial Flooding Hypothesis, which offer compelling evidence of ancient landscapes shaped by post-glacial flooding.

To further explore these topics, Robert John Langdon has developed a dedicated YouTube channel featuring over 100 video documentaries and investigations that complement the trilogy. Notable discoveries and studies showcased on the channel include 13 Things that Don’t Make Sense in History and the revelation of Silbury Avenue – The Lost Stone Avenue, a rediscovered prehistoric feature at Avebury, Wiltshire.

In addition to his main works, Langdon has released a series of shorter, accessible publications, ideal for readers delving into specific topics. These include:

For active discussions and updates on the trilogy’s findings and recent LiDAR investigations, join our vibrant community on Facebook. Engage with like-minded enthusiasts by leaving a message or contributing to debates in our Facebook Group.

Whether through the books, the website, or interactive videos, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of Britain’s fascinating prehistoric past. We encourage you to explore these resources and uncover the mysteries of ancient landscapes through the lens of modern archaeology.

For more information, including chapter extracts and related publications, visit the Robert John Langdon Author Page. Dive into works such as The Stonehenge Enigma or Dawn of the Lost Civilisation, and explore cutting-edge theories that challenge traditional historical narratives.

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The Bluestone Enigma

Introduction

The Bluestone quarry sites give us compelling evidence of the Mesolithic construction dates of Stonehenge (The Bluestone Enigma)

The papers published by researchers from the University of London, Southampton, and Manchester, including Mike Parker-Pearson and his team, regarding the discovery of the quarries at Craig Rhos-y-Felin and the bluestone megaliths at Carn Goedog have been a significant contribution to our understanding of Stonehenge’s origins. This research brought to light the fascinating theory that Stonehenge was originally built in Wales and later transported to Salisbury Plain around 500 years later.

This groundbreaking discovery not only captured the attention of archaeologists worldwide but also challenged previous assumptions about the methods and motivations behind Stonehenge’s construction. The idea that these bluestones were quarried and shaped in Wales before making their journey to Salisbury Plain adds a new dimension to our understanding of prehistoric peoples’ capabilities and social organisation.

This revelation suggests a remarkable level of dedication and coordination among ancient communities. The logistical feat of transporting these massive stones over such a distance, and the decision to do so centuries after their initial quarrying, hints at the profound significance these stones—and the monument they came to form—held for the people of the time.

As someone deeply interested in the mysteries of ancient civilisations, I find the implications of this research thrilling. It deepens our appreciation for the ingenuity and spiritual dedication of our ancestors and opens up new avenues for exploring the cultural and religious ties that connected different regions of prehistoric Britain.

The Bluestone Enigma
Prescilli Mountains in Wales – The Bluestone Enigma

Craig Rhos-Y-Felin

The publication of the report “Craig Rhos-y-Felin: a Welsh bluestone megalith quarry for Stonehenge” in the December 2016 edition of Antiquity Magazine unveiled intriguing findings about the origins of the bluestones used in Stonehenge. This study, which identified a 4m long monolith at Craig Rhos-y-Felin as microscopically identical to the bluestones at Stonehenge, has sparked significant debate and speculation within the archaeological community and beyond.

Despite the excitement generated by these findings, the report’s focus on two radiocarbon dates that align with the authors’ hypothesis on Stonehenge’s construction date has raised questions about the completeness of the narrative presented to the public. The discrepancy between these dates and the hoped-for evidence led to the speculative suggestion that Stonehenge was originally constructed in Wales and later relocated to Salisbury Plain. This narrative, while intriguing, illustrates the complexities and challenges of interpreting archaeological data, as well as the temptation to fit new evidence into pre-existing hypotheses.

However, a more detailed analysis of the report reveals a wealth of Mesolithic carbon dates obtained from human-made hearths, suggesting a much earlier period of human activity at the site than the two Neolithic dates highlighted. These Mesolithic dates, which significantly predate the construction of Stonehenge as currently understood, were largely overlooked in the public dissemination of the research findings.

The Bluestone Enigma
Quarry Site at Craig Rhos-Y-Felin – The Bluestone Enigma

This oversight raises essential questions about the narrative surrounding Stonehenge’s origins and the methodologies used in archaeological dating. The presence of Mesolithic hearths at Craig Rhos-y-Felin suggests that the site was of importance to human communities thousands of years before the Neolithic period. This evidence challenges the conventional timeline of Stonehenge’s construction and suggests a longer, more complex history of human interaction with the landscape and the bluestones.

Furthermore, the report inadvertently highlights the ongoing debate within archaeology about how best to interpret and present findings to the public. The focus on headline-grabbing narratives, such as the relocation of Stonehenge from Wales, can sometimes overshadow equally significant but less sensational discoveries, such as the evidence of Mesolithic activity at the quarry site.

An Inconvenient TRUTH (Craig Rhos Y Felin)
Mesolithic Post Holes at the Old Car Park at Stonehenge – The Bluestone Enigma

The excavation in 1966 and subsequent discoveries surrounding Stonehenge offer a fascinating and somewhat contentious glimpse into the complex task of accurately dating ancient sites. The initial observations by Lance and Faith Vatcher highlighted the Neolithic character of three holes excavated near Stonehenge, with no datable pottery found. Yet, the characteristics of the holes suggested a Neolithic origin. This assumption was later questioned when a PhD student discovered that the charcoal deposits from these holes, surprisingly composed mostly of pine, could not be Neolithic as initially thought. Pine was believed to be ‘extinct’ in the area by the time of Stonehenge’s supposed construction, according to pollen analysis.

This revelation was startling, especially to the officials of the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission, later known as English Heritage. The carbon dating of these pine samples placed them squarely in the Mesolithic era, specifically between 8860 to 6590 BCE, challenging the previously accepted timeline for Stonehenge’s construction. Furthermore, the report mentions pine samples from Woodhenge, which, if also Mesolithic, would radically alter our understanding of that site’s age.

Stonehenge Car Park

Mesolithic Post Holes in Old Car Park – The Bluehenge Enigma

Instead of seizing this opportunity to delve deeper into these findings, a narrative was constructed that dismissed these posts as totem poles from wandering hunter-gatherers, unrelated to Stonehenge. This decision to sideline potentially groundbreaking evidence highlights a reluctance within some parts of the archaeological community to reconsider established narratives, even in the face of new evidence.

The discovery in 1988-89 by Wessex Archaeology of another Mesolithic post hole, along with a piece of rhyolite dated to 7737 – 7454 BCE, further complicates the timeline for Stonehenge and the surrounding area. This finding should have prompted a reevaluation of the site’s dating. However, attempts to fit this new evidence into the existing narrative of Stonehenge’s construction timeline illustrate the challenges and controversies inherent in archaeological interpretation.

These instances underscore the necessity for openness, curiosity, and a willingness to revise our understanding of history in light of new evidence. They remind us that the story of human history is complex and continually evolving, and our interpretations must adapt as we uncover more about our past.

The Bluestone Enigma
Stone Hole WA9580 shows a piece of Bluestone 5,000 years before they arrived. – The Bluestone Enigma

Discoveries at Stonehenge, including charcoal (OxA-18655) found in the Hole socket of Stone 10, dating to 7330 – 7060 BCE, match the dates of the Mesolithic post holes, with significant implications for our understanding of the site’s history. This evidence, dating to the Mesolithic post holes, suggests that the activities at Stonehenge and its surroundings span much earlier than previously believed. However, the apparent suppression of this news from widespread media coverage raises questions about the narrative presented to the public and in educational materials.

The excavation at Blick Mead, less than a mile from Stonehenge, by the Open University, which uncovered evidence of Mesolithic-period habitation and feasting, further challenges the entrenched views held by some about prehistoric life around Stonehenge. These findings suggest a continuous and significant presence of people in this area during the Mesolithic period, contradicting the simplistic ‘totem pole’ myth still perpetuated in some narratives by English Heritage (EH) through their exhibitions and guidebooks.

Moreover, the recent transformation of the Stonehenge site, including the closure of the B-road past the stones and the relocation of the visitors’ car park to a new, multi-million-pound visitor centre, represents a significant shift in how the site is accessed and experienced by the public. The removal of the old tarmac and the reversion of the land to grass aim to restore a more authentic prehistoric ambience to Stonehenge. This effort to make the site appear more as it did at the time of its construction is commendable, but also highlights the ongoing tension between modern interpretations of the site and the emerging evidence of its ancient past.

These developments at Stonehenge and Blick Mead exemplify the dynamic nature of archaeological research and the complexities involved in interpreting and presenting the past. As new evidence continues to emerge, the narrative of prehistoric Britain needs to evolve accordingly, ensuring a more accurate and nuanced understanding of these ancient landscapes and their significance to human history.

The Bluestone Enigma
In 2008, Stone 10 – Tim Darvill and Geoffrey Wainwright found charcoal dating back to 7330 to 7060 – The Bluestone Enigma

You would indeed think that removing the tarmac from the old visitor car park at Stonehenge, especially given the significant previous findings beneath it, would prompt a comprehensive excavation to unearth more evidence of the site’s Mesolithic history. Such an excavation could potentially transform our understanding of Stonehenge and its origins, providing invaluable insights into its early history and the people who frequented the site during the Mesolithic period.

Tim Daw’s role as a warden at Stonehenge, combined with his proactive approach to documenting changes and features of the site through photography, exemplifies the kind of engaged observation that can lead to important discoveries. His finding of patch marks by the central upright stones, indicating the possible positions of missing stones from the Inner Circle, is a testament to the contributions individuals can make to the ongoing investigation of Stonehenge. Daw’s work underscores the value of continuous and attentive observation of archaeological sites, even by those not formally conducting research.

The Bluestone Enigma
Tim Daw’s evidence of yet another Pit in the Old Car Park not investigated! – The Bluehenge Enigma

The discovery of such features and the potential for further findings beneath the former car park area highlights the need for a thorough and systematic archaeological examination whenever opportunities arise. These efforts not only enrich our knowledge of Stonehenge’s past but also contribute to the broader understanding of prehistoric human activity in the region. As we continue to peel back the layers of Stonehenge’s history, each finding adds a piece to the puzzle of this enigmatic monument’s story, emphasising the importance of preserving and exploring our archaeological heritage.

The Bluestone Enigma
The Post Holes would have been on the shoreline of the River Avon in Mesolithic period – The Bluestone Enigma

Tim Daw’s experiences and observations as a warden at Stonehenge, particularly his discovery of additional post holes beneath the old visitor’s car park, highlight the ongoing potential for new findings that can challenge and enrich our understanding of Stonehenge’s history. Despite being warned against publishing his conclusions due to unauthorised blog activity, Daw chose to resign and continue his work, revealing, through ‘unofficial’ pictures, the existence of even more post holes under the car park, aligned with those discovered in 1966.

Bluestone Quarries

These findings, including the newly discovered post hole that aligns with the four others from 1966, support the hypothesis that these structures are situated on what was once the shoreline of the River Avon around 8000 BCE. This suggests that during the Mesolithic period, the stones quarried in Wales could have been transported by boat directly to Stonehenge, navigating along enlarged rivers rather than taking the longer sea route proposed by some archaeologists.

Further complicating the narrative are my analyses of the bluestone structures from other Preseli sites like Carn Goedog and Craig Talfynyydd, which are connected by streams and rivers to the River Nevern. Unfortunately, archaeologists have interpreted this network of waterways primarily through a religious lens rather than considering its practical functionality as a transportation network.

The persistence of the ‘ox-cart’ route theory, which posits a land route along the modern A40, overlooks the logistical challenges posed by the period’s dense woods, swamps, and forests. Such conditions would have made the construction and use of a road system highly impractical, if not impossible.

My critique extends to the inconsistencies and logical inaccuracies in the archaeological narrative, particularly regarding the site layout and geological evidence at Craig Rhos-y-Felin. The assumption that floodwaters in the area were solely the result of ice melt, quickly draining into the sea post-Ice Age, ignores the broader implications of such flooding for the landscape and its inhabitants.

The Bluestone Enigma
Craig Rhos-Y-Felin is on the edge of a gigantic river of the past – The Bluestone Enigma.

We confirm in the report that an old river ran around this quarry as long ago as 5620 – 5460 BCE and possibly as late as 1030 – 910 BCE.

“Most of the site was then covered by a layer of yellow colluvium (035), dated by oak charcoal to 1030–910 cal BC (combine SUERC-46199; 2799±30 BP and SUERC-46203; 2841±28 BP). This deposit is contemporary with the uppermost fill of a palaeochannel of the Brynberian stream that flowed past the northern tip of the outcrop. Charcoal of Corylus and Tilia from the basal fill of this palaeochannel dates to 5800–5640 cal BC (OxA- 32021; 6833±40 BP) and 5620–5460 cal BC (OxA-32022; 6543±37 BP), both at 95.4% probability.”

An Inconvenient TRUTH (Craig Rhos Y Felin)
The only RED hearths in the site are Mesolithic so they must be quarrying at that time – The Bluestone Enigma


The report’s insights suggest that during the Mesolithic Period, an enlarged stream that fed into the River Nevern reached the quarry outcrop rocks. Notably, it was positioned just a few meters away, even as late as 1000 BCE. This geographical configuration suggests that boats were likely the primary means of transporting the large, newly quarried stones to their final destination at Stonehenge, mirroring stone transport methods in other ancient civilisations, such as Egypt.

The site layout at the quarry provides crucial clues about the timing of the stone quarrying. Notably, a single monolith is positioned near the river on the site’s east side, ready for transportation. Nearby, to the south of this monolith, are human-made hearths, precisely where one would expect them to be. However, the challenge arises in dating these hearths as Mesolithic, with three distinct periods identified: 8550 – 8330 BCE; 8220 – 7790 BCE; and 7490 – 7190 BCE. Despite this, the report asserts that there is no evidence of Mesolithic quarrying or working of rhyolite at this site.

This claim overlooks the practical use of tools across different periods. If Mesolithic and Neolithic communities utilised similar tools, distinguishing tool marks from these different periods might be more challenging than the report suggests. Moreover, the presence of these communities at the quarry for over a millennium raises questions about their activities if not quarrying the stones.

The connection between the quarry site and Stonehenge is strengthened by over twenty Carbon-14 dates that align with my hypothesis, in contrast to the mere two samples currently highlighted by experts, which are dated 300 – 500 years older than existing estimates. By analysing these overlapping dates against the latest carbon-dating curve (IntCal20), we can refine the construction date of Stonehenge’s Phase I (the placement of bluestones in the Aubrey holes). By calculating the mean of these probable dates, we aim to obtain a more accurate estimate of when this monumental task was undertaken, potentially rewriting the timeline of one of the world’s most enigmatic prehistoric monuments.

Carbon Dating

StonehengeOld Car Park (Ref. and Date)Craig Rhos-Y-Felin RefCraig Rhos-Y-Felin DatesCarn Goedog Ref & Dates
Post Hole AHAR-455 (8825 – 7742)SUERC-50761
OxA-30507
OxA- 305481
SUERC-51164
SUERC-50760
OxA-30549
SUERC-51165
OxA-30506
OxA-305482
OxA-305062
OxA-30547
OxA-30504
8550 –  8330
8471 – 8285
8286 – 8163
8289 –  8169
8211 – 7955
8238 – 7941
8216 – 7785
8021 – 7792
8122 – 7962
8207 –  8030
8012 – 7711
8281 –  8166
Post Hole BHAR–456 (7377 – 6651)OxA-3050327232 – 7188OxA31823 – 7190 to 6840
WA 9580GU-5109 (8259 – 7742)OxA- 30548
SUERC-51164
SUERC-50760
OxA-30549
SUERC-51165
OxA-30506
OxA-305482
OxA-305062
OxA-30547
OxA-30504
8286 – 8163
8289 – 8169
8211 – 7955
8238 – 7941
8216 – 7785
8021 – 7792
8122 – 7962
8207 –  8030
8012 – 7711
8281 –  8166
WA 9580QxA-4219 (7737 – 7454)Beta-392850
OxA-30547
7944 – 7648
8012 – 7711
OxA-35184 – 7590 to 7380
WA 9580QxA-4220 (7595 – 7178)SUERC-51163
OxA-30523
OxA-3050311
7539 – 7308
7472 – 7182
7485 – 7248
Carbon Dates comparison – note that the sites are linked to different mooring posts, indicating activity dates

Table 1– Matching Carbon Dates

The calculations indicate that work at the quarry began around 8300 BCE, with its main phase of activity around 8000 BCE, and continued for at least a millennium, challenging the conventional narrative about Stonehenge and its Bluestones. This timeline suggests a far more ancient and enduring connection between the quarry site and Stonehenge than previously acknowledged.

Carn Goedog

Initially, Carn Menyn in the Preseli Hills was believed to be the source of Stonehenge’s spotted dolerite, but later analysis pinpointed Carn Goedog as a closer chemical match. Recent geochemical studies have divided the Stonehenge spotted dolerite into two main groups, with one group closely matching the Carn Goedog outcrop. The origin of the second group remains uncertain, potentially deriving from Carn Goedog or nearby outcrops.

Further geological investigations at Stonehenge have identified additional sources for its bluestones. Unspotted dolerite matches with outcrops at Cerrigmarchogion and Craig Talfynydd on the Preseli ridge. Another bluestone variety, “rhyolite with fabric,” traces back to Craig Rhos-y-Felin, while a source of Lower Palaeozoic sandstone has been identified north of the Preseli hills. The origin of volcanic tuffs found at Stonehenge also likely lies in the Preseli area.

Preseli Mountains and Quarry Sites are ALL by rivers – The Bluestone Enigma

Surface indications of post-medieval Quarrying, particularly on its south side, have evidenced Carn Goedog’s accessibility. This historical quarrying, distinguishable by cylindrical drill holes on some quarried blocks at the outcrop’s base, was performed using the ‘plug-and-feather’ technique with metal wedges. The discovery of a worn trade token beneath one of these blocks helps date this activity to around 1800.

In 2014, test trenching along the southern edge of Carn Goedog revealed layers of human activity spanning various periods, from the recent centuries in trench 3 to deeper prehistorical layers in trench 2. Trench 1, strategically positioned at the outcrop’s base and just beyond the eastern limit of the early modern quarry debris, was particularly significant. It was seen as offering a unique opportunity to uncover evidence of prehistoric quarrying that hadn’t been disturbed by later activities.

This layered historical context at Carn Goedog is crucial for understanding the complex human interactions with the site over millennia. The evidence for prehistoric quarrying, undisturbed by later post-medieval activity, provides invaluable insights into the methods and technologies used by ancient peoples to extract and transport the stones that contributed to the construction of monumental structures like Stonehenge.

The Bluestone Enigma
Plan of Excavation 106 is the hearth – The Bluestone Enigma.

Trench 1 was enlarged in 2015 and 2016 to reveal features that may relate to prehistoric quarrying activity. At the southern foot of the outcrop, excavation revealed an artificial platform of flat slabs—many of them split—laid (with the split faces upwards) in a tongue-shaped formation 10m north–south by at least 8m east–west (Figure 6).

Those slabs lying against the face of the outcrop had been pressed into the underlying sediments, presumably by the weight of pillars lowered onto the platform. The platform terminates from the outcrop with a vertical drop of 0.9m to the ground surface beyond. This platform is stratigraphically earlier than a series of deposits that included early modern quarrying debris and hearths of the Roman and medieval periods. One hearth (Figure 6: 105) set within a gap in the platform where a slab had been removed produced charcoal dating to 7190–6840 cal BC (8091±38 BP) and 2890–2630 cal BC (4164±30 BP) (Table 1).

Bluestone Enigma
Bluestone Enigma


The findings across the quarry sites, including Carn Goedog and Craig Rhos-y-Felin, point to a nuanced understanding of how the bluestones were utilised and replenished at Stonehenge. The hearths discovered at these sites, particularly those dating to the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, suggest ongoing human activity and potentially organised efforts to quarry and transport bluestones over extended periods. This insight challenges the conventional explanation that the transportation of Bluestones to Stonehenge was a singular event.

The Stonehenge Layer

The evidence of modern quarrying at both the northern and southern ends of these sites and the dates from central hearths align with observations made at Craig Rhos-y-felin. Our research, as outlined in published books, supports the theory that ancestors chipped bluestones at Stonehenge for healing, utilising the water in the ditch to bathe their sickness away, as evidenced by the ‘Stonehenge Layer’ discovered by Dervill and Wainwright in 2008. This practice would naturally lead to the depletion of bluestones over time, necessitating periodic replenishment from the quarries.

The conventional narrative, which posits that the bluestones were transported to Stonehenge in a one-off event, needs to account for the scientific data emerging from these quarry sites and the Stonehenge site. The evidence suggests a more complex interaction with these stones, involving repeated quarrying and transportation activities that likely spanned centuries. This ongoing relationship with the bluestones reflects a deeper functional connection to them, underscoring the importance of revisiting and revising our understanding of Stonehenge’s construction and the role of the bluestones within this prehistoric monument.

English Heritage’s significant investment in the Stonehenge Visitors Centre, including the creation of exhibitions that present established theories about the monument’s origins and functions, raises questions about the implications of discoveries that contradict these narratives. If foundational assumptions about Stonehenge are proven incorrect, it could have financial repercussions, particularly if the narrative presented to the public through expensive exhibitions becomes outdated or inaccurate. This situation underscores the complex relationship between archaeological research, public interpretation, and financial investments in heritage sites.

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Author’s Biography

Robert John Langdon, a polymathic luminary, emerges as a writer, historian, and eminent specialist in LiDAR Landscape Archaeology.

His intellectual voyage has been interwoven with stints as an astute scrutineer in government and grand corporate bastions, a tapestry spanning British Telecommunications, Cable and Wireless, British Gas, and the esteemed University of London.

A decade hence, Robert’s transition into retirement unfurled a chapter of insatiable curiosity. This phase saw him immerse himself in Politics, Archaeology, Philosophy, and the enigmatic realm of Quantum Mechanics. His academic odyssey traversed the venerable corridors of knowledge hubs such as the Museum of London, University College London, Birkbeck College, The City Literature Institute, and Chichester University.

In the symphony of his life, Robert is a custodian of three progeny and a pair of cherished grandchildren. His sanctuary lies ensconced in the embrace of West Wales, where he inhabits an isolated cottage, its windows framing a vista of the boundless sea – a retreat from the scrutinising gaze of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, an amiable clandestinity in the lap of nature.

Exploring Prehistoric Britain: A Journey Through Time

My blog delves into the fascinating mysteries of prehistoric Britain, challenging conventional narratives and offering fresh perspectives grounded in cutting-edge research, particularly LiDAR technology. I invite you to explore some key areas of my research. For example, the Wansdyke, often cited as a defensive structure, is re-examined in light of new evidence. I’ve presented my findings in my blog post Wansdyke: A British Frontier Wall – ‘Debunked’, and a Wansdyke LiDAR Flyover video further visualises my conclusions.

My work also often challenges established archaeological dogma. I argue that many sites, such as Hambledon Hill, commonly identified as Iron Age hillforts, are not what they seem. My posts Lidar Investigation Hambledon Hill – NOT an ‘Iron Age Fort’ and Unmasking the “Iron Age Hillfort” Myth explore these ideas in detail and offer an alternative view. Similarly, sites like Cissbury Ring and White Sheet Camp receive re-evaluations based on LiDAR analysis in my posts “Lidar Investigation Cissbury Ring through time” and “Lidar Investigation White Sheet Camp, revealing fascinating insights into their true purpose. I have also examined South Cadbury Castle, often linked to the mythical Camelot56.

My research also extends to ancient water management, including the role of canals and other linear earthworks. I have discussed the true origins of Car Dyke in multiple posts, including Car Dyke – ABC News Podcast and Lidar Investigation Car Dyke – North Section, which suggest a Mesolithic origin 2357. I also explore the misidentification of Roman aqueducts, as seen in my posts on the Great Chesters (Roman) Aqueduct. My research has also been greatly informed by my post-glacial flooding hypothesis, which has helped explain landscape transformations over time. I have discussed this hypothesis in several posts, including AI now supports my Post-Glacial Flooding Hypothesis and Exploring Britain’s Flooded Past: A Personal Journey

Finally, my blog also investigates prehistoric burial practices, as seen in Prehistoric Burial Practices of Britain and explores the mystery of Pillow Mounds, often mistaken for medieval rabbit warrens, but with a potential link to Bronze Age cremation in my posts: Pillow Mounds: A Bronze Age Legacy of Cremation? and The Mystery of Pillow Mounds: Are They Really Medieval Rabbit Warrens?. My research also includes astronomical insights into ancient sites, for example, in Rediscovering the Winter Solstice: The Original Winter Festival. I also review new information about the construction of Stonehenge in The Stonehenge Enigma.

Further Reading

For those interested in British Prehistory, visit www.prehistoric-britain.co.uk, a comprehensive resource featuring an extensive collection of archaeology articles, modern LiDAR investigations, and groundbreaking research. The site also includes insights and excerpts from the acclaimed Robert John Langdon Trilogy, a series of books that explore Britain during the Prehistoric period. Titles in the trilogy include The Stonehenge Enigma, Dawn of the Lost Civilisation, and The Post-Glacial Flooding Hypothesis, which offer compelling evidence of ancient landscapes shaped by post-glacial flooding.

To further explore these topics, Robert John Langdon has developed a dedicated YouTube channel featuring over 100 video documentaries and investigations that complement the trilogy. Notable discoveries and studies showcased on the channel include 13 Things that Don’t Make Sense in History and the revelation of Silbury Avenue – The Lost Stone Avenue, a rediscovered prehistoric feature at Avebury, Wiltshire.

In addition to his main works, Langdon has released a series of shorter, accessible publications, ideal for readers delving into specific topics. These include:

For active discussions and updates on the trilogy’s findings and recent LiDAR investigations, join our vibrant community on Facebook. Engage with like-minded enthusiasts by leaving a message or contributing to debates in our Facebook Group.

Whether through the books, the website, or interactive videos, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of Britain’s fascinating prehistoric past. We encourage you to explore these resources and uncover the mysteries of ancient landscapes through the lens of modern archaeology.

For more information, including chapter extracts and related publications, visit the Robert John Langdon Author Page. Dive into works such as The Stonehenge Enigma or Dawn of the Lost Civilisation, and explore cutting-edge theories that challenge traditional historical narratives.

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