Stonehenge and Merlin's Magic Circles

Stonehenge and Merlin's Magic Circles

People have long since speculated on Stonehenge's ceremonial past, but Professor Tim Darvill has uncovered an even more extraordinary history.

Professor Tim Darvill presents his lecture 'Merlin's Magic Circles: Stonehenge and the use of the Preseli Bluestones'

People have long since speculated on Stonehenge’s ceremonial past, but Professor Tim Darvill has uncovered an even more extraordinary history that inspired prehistoric people to travel across Europe in a pilgrimage to the monument.

Professor Darvill will explain the fascinating story in a public lecture on Wednesday 20 October. He says: “I am presenting the results from exciting new research into the history of the site and the meaning of the materials used in its construction.”

Stonehenge’s history dates back to 3000BC when 80 pillars of Bluestone rock were transported 250km from the Preseli Hills in southwest Wales, to Salisbury Plain.

In his lecture, Professor Darvill will draw on new archaeological evidence from both sites, accompanied by 13th Century folklore, to uncover why these stones inspired the Neolithic people to travel hundreds of miles across Europe to see them.

Professor Darvill explains: “Stonehenge is the centre-piece of an extensive religious or ceremonial centre whose stones mark it out from other contemporary sites. It was probably known throughout Europe, and I argue here that the bluestones in particular were so important because of their perceived magic powers. People were attracted to the area from continental Europe, and what started out as a local focus became a celebrated place for prehistoric pilgrimage.”

Professor Darvill’s lecture, ‘Merlin’s Magic Circles: Stonehenge and the use of the Preseli Bluestones’ takes place on Wednesday 20 October in the Shelley lecture theatre, Poole House, Talbot Campus. People are welcome from 5:30pm for tea and coffee and the lecture begins at 6:00pm.

To register, please email: Wendy.Furgusson@Gifford.UK.com