Castlerigg Stone Circle
Set against a backdrop of the Helvellyn and High Seat mountains, Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of the oldest stone circles in Britain. Thought to have been constructed in around 3000 BC, Castlerigg has Neolithic features.
Differing from Iron Age stone circles, Neolithic stone circles are often larger in size and flattened in a circular shape. Castlerigg is about 30 metres in diameter, and formerly had 42 stones. Only 38 stones remain, each varying in height from 1 metre to 2.3 metres.
The entrance to the circle is located on the north side and is flanked by two large upright stones. There is also a rectangle of standing stones with the circle, which is an unusual feature.
The function of these very early stone circles is not known but it’s thought that Castlerigg was an important meeting place for Neolithic communities.
Immerse yourself in England’s Neolithic history at Castlerigg Stone Circle…
Image Credits: Jorge Franganillo – CC BY 2.0