Neolithic complex named UK’s ‘Stonehenge of the North’ opens to 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 advanced close to Ripon in North Yorkshire, UK, referred to as the “Stonehenge of the North”, has been donated to public possession and is now open to guests.  

The web site dates from 3500 to 2500BC and options three 200-metre large, four-metre excessive earth circles. The earthworks had been in all probability used as ceremonial gathering locations and buying and selling centres by early Britons, archaeologists consider. 

Two of the three henges have been donated to the general public physique Historic England by constructing agency Tarmac. They at the moment are 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. 

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

“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,” he mentioned in a press release. 

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

Today all three henges are seen as giant round banks, however hundreds of years in the past they’d have stood above wetlands. They might have been lined in a sulfate mineral referred to as gypsum, creating white landmarks seen for miles.  

Kate Mavor at English Heritage mentioned the positioning’s opening to the general public would deliver its story to new audiences. “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.