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Stonehenge’s Location -The Stonehenge Hoax

Conundrum 9 – Stonehenge’s Location

Location, Location, Location tells the story of Stonehenge – Stonehenge’s Location

The Problem

Archaeologists fail to mention in their many publications and documentaries the mystery of the Location of Stonehenge in the landscape. One would imagine that such a massive undertaking and monument would be placed in the most prominent position in the landscape, such as on top of a hill.  The elevated position would help promote its magnificence and allow its astronomical function as it would be clear of trees and foliage, which currently it experiences during such times as the Solstice celebrations.

The Solution

Looking at the most important prehistoric site in Britain, Stonehenge, we are asked by archaeologists to consider that it is an astronomical calendar showing the rising and setting of the Sun, Moon, etc.  This assumption may be partially correct, but why would you place the site in an area where trees would obscure your view – if you wish to study the sunrise and sunset with any great accuracy, would you not locate your site at the highest point available?

So why was Stonehenge built where it is, rather than at the top of the hill just 500 metres away that is 30 metres higher – especially considering that the builders took the trouble to get stones from 200 miles away in Wales, for what possible reason would they stop short of obtaining the best setting?

As there is no observational advantage to placing the site in this location, we must conclude that access to the area was paramount.  If we look at a standard Ordnance Survey (OS) map of Stonehenge, it outlines the landscape and topology of the surrounding area by showing the contours of the hillsides.  But it does not give you a clear idea of how Stonehenge sits in the landscape; for that, we need to look at a profile of the area. (Stonehenge’s Location -The Stonehenge Hoax)

Profile of Stonehenge's Location (east to west) and the Palaeochannel that it sits beside
Profile of Stonehenge (east to west) and the Palaeochannel that it sits beside – Stonehenge’s Location

Amazingly these profiles of Stonehenge show that it was built on the shoreline of a vast river complex.  We can see this evidence on any elevation map, where we find that Stonehenge is sited halfway up a ‘Dry River Valley’ (Palaeochannel) known as ‘Stonehenge Bottom’. 

Stonehenge with the River Avon as it would have looked in 8000 BCE  - Stonehenge's Location Stonehenge's Location -The Stonehenge Hoax
Stonehenge with the River Avon as it would have looked in 8000 BCE – Stonehenge’s Location

My Post-Glacial Flooding Hypothesis and case study on the river Avon indicate that the groundwater tables during the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods were as high as river terrace T9 (Egberts et al., 2019), 100m high.  This would mean that the river Avon would have filled the dry river valley with groundwater 30m above the existing groundwater table – when this happens, the profile changes dramatically.

Avon River Terraces - Stonehenge's Location Stonehenge's Location -The Stonehenge Hoax
Avon River Terraces – Stonehenge’s Location

And so suddenly, the impossible becomes possible, the implausible becomes credible, and myth becomes fact, for these profiles can only indicate one conclusion – Stonehenge was built on the side of a hill surrounded by water!

Profiles of Stonehenge in the Landscape North to South and NW to SE - Stonehenge's Location
Profiles of Stonehenge in the Landscape North to South and NW to SE – Stonehenge’s Location

These remarkable features are not just found on a single side of the monument; we can go around the whole circle to see these watery features.  I believe these profiles tell the entire story of Stonehenge.  A picture is said to paint a thousand words; these pictures show that our most famous ancient monument was once a magnificent feature in the landscape on the edge of a peninsula, surrounded by water.  Now that we have shown that water existed at the Stonehenge site during Mesolithic and Neolithic times, we can re-sequence the events and building phases.

LiDAR Map of Stonehenge Bottom showing Dry River Valley - Stonehenge's Location
LiDAR Map of Stonehenge Bottom showing Dry River Valley – Stonehenge’s Location
How Stonehenge would have looked in the Mesolithic period - Stonehenge's Location
How Stonehenge would have looked in the Mesolithic period – Stonehenge’s Location

The Enigmatic Location of Stonehenge

Positioned atop a chalk plateau, Stonehenge’s location is not merely a matter of chance. The monument is situated near a dry river valley known as Stonehenge Bottom. In the Mesolithic era, this valley was not dry but featured an active tributary fed by natural springs flowing south to the River Avon.

Prehistoric Britain This proximity to water sources likely influenced the builders’ choice of location, providing both practical resources and possible ceremonial significance.

Stonehenge Bottom: A Historical Junction

Stonehenge Bottom, also referred to as Stonehenge Fork, is a deeply incised valley that predates the monument itself. Historically, it served as a significant road junction, which some suggest may have influenced the builders’ decision to construct Stonehenge at this particular site.

Sabre Roads The ancient pathways converging at this point underscore its longstanding importance in the landscape.

Archaeological Oversights

The complex interplay of natural and man-made features around Stonehenge has occasionally led to archaeological oversights. The presence of Stonehenge Bottom, with its historical significance and changing environmental conditions, may have obscured certain archaeological features, leading to misinterpretations or missed discoveries. The valley’s transformation from a wet environment in the Mesolithic to its current dry state adds layers of complexity to archaeological investigations.

The Stonehenge Tunnel and High Water Table Challenges

Modern infrastructure projects near Stonehenge have faced significant challenges due to the area’s unique geology and hydrology. The proposed A303 road tunnel aimed to divert traffic away from the monument to restore its tranquil setting. However, the project encountered complications arising from the high water table and the presence of naturally occurring fissures in the surrounding landscape. These conditions necessitated extensive drainage and settlement facilities to manage water flow without causing environmental harm.

World Highways The unpredictable water table, combined with the soft chalk substrate, posed risks such as potential sinkholes, further complicating construction efforts.

GePlus

Reevaluating Stonehenge’s Significance

The intricate relationship between Stonehenge’s location, its surrounding landscape features like Stonehenge Bottom, and the area’s geological conditions highlights the monument’s enduring complexity. These factors not only influenced the site’s original selection but also continue to impact both archaeological understanding and modern-day preservation efforts. As research progresses, a deeper appreciation of how natural landscapes and human activities intertwine at Stonehenge will undoubtedly emerge, offering richer insights into this ancient marvel.

Unearth the Astonishing Secrets of Stonehenge (The Stonehenge Hoax)

Introduction

Video

Synopsys

Stonehenge, a timeless enigma etched in stone and earth, has stood as a formidable puzzle challenging the intellects of archaeologists and historians alike. Despite the myriad attempts, including books, TV programs, and academic conferences, the secrets of these ancient stones and their encircling ditches have proven elusive. Against this backdrop, we scrutinise the existing thirteen hypotheses, each presenting its narrative but collectively lacking a coherent thread.

In adopting the deductive reasoning akin to Sherlock Holmes, we endeavour to weave these disparate threads into a unified tapestry that not only unravels the mystery of Stonehenge but also shakes the foundations of established academic narratives. This intellectual journey may induce some discomfort as we challenge conventional perceptions and invite a reevaluation of our understanding of the past. Apologies are extended in advance for any cognitive dissonance, but the pursuit of truth and reason mandates an unfiltered presentation of the facts.

So, fasten your seatbelts for an expedition into the archaeological unknown.

As we navigate this intellectual rollercoaster, be prepared for a revelation that might reshape our understanding of Stonehenge and question the foundations of our historical narratives. The dawn of a new archaeological era awaits promising insights that could leave even the most curious minds astonished. As we delve into this intellectual rabbit hole, be ready for a revelation that could make Alice astonished.

Robert John Langdon (2023) – (The Stonehenge Hoax)

The Journey

Langdon’s journey was marked by meticulous mapping and years of research, culminating in a hypothesis that would reshape our understanding of prehistoric Britain. He proposed that much of the British Isles had once been submerged in the aftermath of the last ice age, with these ancient sites strategically positioned along the ancient shorelines. His groundbreaking maps offered a fresh perspective, suggesting that Avebury had functioned as a bustling trading hub for our ancient ancestors. This audacious theory challenged the prevailing notion that prehistoric societies were isolated and disconnected, instead highlighting their sophistication in trade and commerce.

In the realm of historical discovery, the audacious thinkers, the mavericks who dare to question established narratives, propel our understanding forward. Robert John Langdon is undeniably one of these thinkers. With a deep passion for history and an unyielding commitment to his research, he has unearthed a hidden chapter in the story of Avebury that transcends the boundaries of time and offers fresh insights into our shared human history.

As Langdon’s trilogy, ‘The Stonehenge Enigma,’ continues to explore these groundbreaking theories, it beckons us to embark on a journey of discovery, to challenge our assumptions, and to embrace the possibility that the past is far more complex and interconnected than we ever imagined. With its ancient stones and enigmatic avenues, Avebury continues to whisper its secrets to those who dare to listen, inviting us to see history through a new lens—one illuminated by the audacious vision of Robert John Langdon.

(The Stonehenge Hoax – Periglacial Stripes)

The Book

The Stonehenge Hoax
The Great Stonehenge Hoax

Further Reading

For information about British Prehistory, visit www.prehistoric-britain.co.uk for the most extensive archaeology blogs and investigations collection, including modern LiDAR reports.  This site also includes extracts and articles from the Robert John Langdon Trilogy about Britain in the Prehistoric period, including titles such as The Stonehenge Enigma, Dawn of the Lost Civilisation and the ultimate proof of Post Glacial Flooding and the landscape we see today.Stonehenge’s Location -The Stonehenge Hoax

Robert John Langdon has also created a YouTube web channel with over 100 investigations and video documentaries to support his classic trilogy (Prehistoric Britain). He has also released a collection of strange coincidences that he calls ‘13 Things that Don’t Make Sense in History’ and his recent discovery of a lost Stone Avenue at Avebury in Wiltshire called ‘Silbury Avenue – the Lost Stone Avenue’.

Langdon has also produced a series of ‘shorts’, which are extracts from his main body of books:

The Ancient Mariners

Stonehenge Built 8300 BCE

Old Sarum

Prehistoric Rivers

Dykes ditches and Earthworks

Echoes of Atlantis

Homo Superior

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