America's Connection to Britain's Giant, Stonehenge in Salisbury

Calling across the pond from Britain to America lies within Wiltshire, Salisbury, a Mystical Giant – Stonehenge. The UK is exactly 6,848 kilometres from the United States, yet our connections to Stonehenge may be closer than you think! A popular destination for a day trip from London, here are some interesting connections before booking your trip in the future.

 

Stonehenge: The who & What? 

Standing tall in a well-groomed field with roaming sheep, not quite as tall as the One World Trade Center – Are the prehistoric stones coming in at 13ft with a tremendous weight of nearly 25 tons. Its origin is a guess at best! An archaeological myth although it’s best understood the structure was built between 3000 and 2000 BCE by the supposed Neolithic community. From the building method to Astronomical alignments and acoustic properties, there’s much to discover that unearths the possibilities of Stonehenge, Find out the 7 Weirdest things about Stonehenge here.

Wide shot view of Stonehenge in Salisbury
Wide shot view of Stonehenge in Salisbury

Understanding Stonehenge, with the help of distant cousins

“Cracking the code” of Stonehenge’s past wasn’t solely a British affair but rather a collaborative effort with cousins across the pond. The wisdom and expertise of others were crucial. Introducing American archaeologists, Aubrey Burl & Christopher Chippindale.

 

Burk: Stonehenge Alignment Discovery

Aubrey Burl was influential in documenting and interpreting Stonehenge. Through his careful and intricate fieldwork, Aubrey was able to uncover unseen patterns and corrections with the stones and surrounding features. With his love for aerial photography, Aubrey captured images that led to his findings which until that point, were unknown. One of his findings was the alignments between Stonehenge and the surrounding stones. This shifted the focus of the monument with an added perspective of the site as a ceremonial complex of some inspiration.

 

Chippindale: More than Rituals

From California, Christopher helped bring a fresh perspective by challenging traditional interpretations that were only rooted in Stonehenge being ritualistic or astronomical. Christopher highlighted evidence of social activities such as feasting, burials and other activities. This shed light upon the site being a place of social cohesion.

Stonehenge
Stonehenge © The English Heritage Trust

Local Salisbury hero to Worldwide Star

From the prehistoric, local star of Salisbury, to the grand stage of the movie Hall of Fame. Guest appearances include popular movies such as the “Transformers: The Last Knight”, and the “Outlander”. It’s fair to say, Stonehenge has worldwide celebrity status and is a star to American directors. Managed to grab a selfie with the stones yet? Be bold, the stones won’t utter a word, their stones or are they just stones? Learn more about the movies the monument has been represented in here.

 

Stonehenge’s Echoes from The Past

Stonehenge isn’t the only pre-historic site that sits on earth. The Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyo in New Mexico utilised large stone blocks, making for shared challenges, ingenuity, practices, and commonality in myths. A not-so-pre-historic site is “America’s Stonehenge”, made with Georgia Guidestones and erected in 1979 consisting of six granite slabs. Though a site of controversy and speculation due to its inscribed messages, its form somewhat represents familiarity with the same design as Stonehenge. Despite its controversies, its nickname, definitely demonstrates the one and true Stonehenge is one of its kind.

From America to London, See an English Wonder

It might seem that British tea and scones have more in common with America than perhaps Stonehenge. However, one thing that stands true, is that the little connection that Stonehenge has with America demonstrates its worldwide influence! Stonehenge is a must-see when visiting England. Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends and family, it’s worth making a pit stop at Stonehenge before visiting another place of interest. Consider our Stonehenge and Bath Day trip from London. All aboard, find what sparks your imagination with our tour to Stonehenge!

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