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

The positioning dates from 3500 to 2500 BC and options three earth circles, every 4 metres excessive and 200 metres throughout. The earthworks had 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’re now underneath 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 elements 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 stated in an announcement.

“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 might be faraway from Historic England’s threat register. They’ve been on the register since 2009, over considerations the websites had been being eroded by livestock and rabbits.  

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

The positioning’s opening to the general public will carry its story to new audiences, in keeping 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 stated in an announcement.