Neolithic complex dubbed ‘Stonehenge of the North’ opens to UK public

Two sections of the Thornborough Henges close to Ripon, UK, have been donated to the general public physique Historic England in an effort to protect the millennia-old monuments

By Madeleine Cuff

Thornborough Henges, a Neolithic complicated close to Ripon in North Yorkshire, UK, often known as the “Stonehenge of the North”, has been donated to public possession and is now open to guests.  

The website dates from 3500 to 2500 BC and options three earth circles, every 4 metres excessive and 200 metres throughout. The earthworks have been most likely used as ceremonial gathering locations and buying and selling centres by early Britons, archaeologists imagine. 

Two of the three henges have been donated to the general public physique Historic England by constructing agency Tarmac. They are actually below the care of the charity English Heritage and are free for the general public to go to. Lightwater Holdings, a neighborhood firm, has additionally donated components of the broader monument. 

The henges are “a link to our ancient ancestors, through thousands of years, inspiring a sense of wonder and mystery”, Duncan Wilson at Historic England mentioned in a press release.

“We are thrilled to have acquired this highly significant site for the nation, ensuring that these magnificent monuments are safe and will be preserved for generations to come.” 

The switch of possession means the 2 earthworks will likely be faraway from Historic England’s danger register. They have been on the register since 2009, over issues the websites have been being eroded by livestock and rabbits.  

Today, all three henges are seen as giant, round banks, however 1000’s of years in the past, they might have stood above wetlands. They might have been coated in a sulphate mineral often known as gypsum, creating white landmarks seen for miles.  

The website’s opening to the general public will carry its story to new audiences, in accordance with Kate Mavor at English Heritage. “Thornborough Henges is one of the most important ancient sites in Britain and yet almost completely unknown. We are looking forward to sharing its significance, its stories and its secrets with the public,” she mentioned in a press release.