Autumn Equinox, Castlerigg, Cumbria, England, Historical, Longleat, Neolithic, Spring Equinox, Stone Circles, Summer Solstice, Wiltshire, Winter Solstice

Want a TIME CLOCK….well here is one we made earlier

When I say ‘we’ I mean our ancestors….and earlier means some 5000 years ago. I refer to the many Stone Circles scattered across the planet, even here in the British Isles we have over  1500 known circles and no doubt more will be uncovered in the years to come. 

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Castlerigg Stone Circle, Cumbria

In the evening light, over shadowed by the mountain range of Helvellyn, Castlerigg has stood on this spot since 3200BC  perhaps even earlier and has about it a mystical mood.  Are these circles of religious significance or ceremonial meeting places…why are they where they are, and what of the people that created them. There are many theories and much research and many archaeological digs have tried to discover the truth and separate it from fictional myths that surround these sites.

But the common thread that links the majority of these Circles is that they do appear to tell the time!  Time. that is measured as the Summer or Winter Solstice and the Spring and Autumn Equinox and activated by the suns position (or shadow) at those times of the year.  Important when ones life depended upon planting of crops and harvesting of produce.  There is evidence that these Circles were also used for other communal events and occasions but that is where stories of sacrifice, myth and legend collide at times with the imagination and fact….. and fact is in short supply.

One thing is for sure, these Stone Circles have stood the test of time, gracing our landscape and feeding our imagination. I reckon that they may well still be there in another 5000 years.

But what of the future.  Well this may well be an answer……….

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Heavens Gate, Longleat, Wiltshire

On a plain overlooking Longleat, at the aptly named Heavens Gate, is this Stone Circle.  Created by the Marquis of Bath it his stylish interpretation of a Stone Circle.  It is a very modern take but still retains the feelings that the ancient Neolithic Circles arouse.  Stand in the middle of this circle and you feel at one with the universe just as you do at Castlerigg. 

I feel sure Castlerigg will be still there in another 5000 years, but will the Heavens Gate Circle withstand the passing of time equally as well ….the purist may disapprove of such a copy, an imitation of sacred sites, but I for one approve and do hope it is still standing in the year 7012.

For those not familiar with the U.K. let me explain that Longleat is in the County of Wiltshire and is one of the Countries oldest Stately Homes, the seat of the Marquis of Bath.  Heavens Gate overlooks the Estate and the magnificent Longleat House, a great location.

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22nd March

15 thoughts on “Want a TIME CLOCK….well here is one we made earlier”

  2. Brilliant David, castlerigg didnt look like that when we were there last…a bit more cloud and rain and a lot less sun 🙂

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  3. Last summer I was in Devizes, Wiltshire… I visited just crop circles… But next time I want to visit these stone circles too. These are amazing and you made a wonderful point… They stand there still… What means and why… I know there are so many theories about them. But nothing is clear… When I watch them they make me excited, I can’t explain this why but I feel the touches of unknown stories… But I love archeology too… Everything has a story behind their realities. Thank you, it was so enjoyable post to read and to think once again about them. And also your photographs too. Have a nice day dear David, with my love, nia

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    1. The main ones become tourist attractions yet still have an air of mystery about them but hunt out the lesser known ones in an area (the local Library is a good source) and then you do find places with a spirit unique to themselves.

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  6. I love stone circles. I visited the one at Avebury in Wiltshire, and found it a powerful experience. Great photos and words, David!

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      1. Yes, these ancient places have atmosphere. It’s been a while since I was at Avebury too… also must go again!

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