Blog Post

Stonehenge Hoax – Summer Solstice

Introduction

Stone me – are the druids looking the wrong way!

(Book Extract, The Stonehenge Hoax – Summer Solstice)

The Problem

When we think about Stonehenge, our mind relates to the mass gatherings of people that meet at the stones to celebrate the Summer and Winter Solstice, as if the monument was built for this single purpose.  But the structure was not made for this purpose, as shown by The Avenue and The ‘Heel Stone’( where the sun appears from behind it on mid-summers day), for it is not in the centre of the Avenue (as some imagine) and consequently, it has been tilted at an angle to meet the sun at a later date.(Stonehenge Hoax – Summer Solstice)

The Solution

The Avenue follows a path to the river Avon, but the river reached the East of the site in Neolithic times, and therefore, in theory, the Avenue could have been built anywhere.

Why did they build it in that particular direction? 

The original entrance for Phase I of Stonehenge was in the North-West towards the midwinter moonset, perceived as the place of the dead and afterlife, where they built a mooring station (the old car park) to take the Bluestones from Craig-Rhos-Y-Felin.

But after 4,000 years, the monument changed its purpose.  Four thousand years is a colossal amount of time – the same period before now, we were in the Bronze Age, living in mud huts and dancing to druid music.  In the landscape, we see this change with the disuse of Long Barrows for the collection of excarnated bones in favour of Round Barrows and the cremation of bodies.

If so, perhaps they decided to use the ancient monument from ‘curing the sick’ to ‘celebrating life’ and rebirth through the Sun.  This may explain why the Avenue was oriented towards the summer sunrise and, this being the case, give us a clue to the date of Phase II (the Sarsen Stones uprights and lintels) were laid. 

We are familiar with the masses that welcome the midsummer sunrise over Stonehenge – people wait in expectation, and then (if you’re lucky) the Sun creeps over the Heel Stone to greet the midsummer’s day; everyone’s happy goes home drunk or stoned.  BUT, when you look at the Heel Stone, it is on the extreme right-hand side of the Avenue, bent over at a silly angle.  Our ancestors did not build it that way – the monument was nearly completely rebuilt at the end of the last century, and stones were moved and restored, which has happened throughout Stonehenge’s long history.(Stonehenge Hoax – Summer Solstice)

Solar Alignment

The most sensible solstice alignment is straight down the middle of the Avenue.  However, archaeologists have only partially investigated this apparent alignment, and, as a result, the question of the construction date of Phase II has never been fully resolved.

The Sun does not always rise and set in the same place throughout the year or history as you may expect.  The earth ‘wobbles’ on its axis in a process known as ‘procession’ – I will not go into detail here, but all you need to understand is that the Sun and moon rise and set in different positions on the horizon on solstice day over a 43,000 year period.

Solstice Sunrise Changes over Time - Stonehenge Summer Solstice
Solstice Sunrise Changes over Time – (Stonehenge Hoax – Summer Solstice)

This means that the summer and winter Solstice moves in relation to the horizon a fraction every year.  This movement is TINY; it’s .0002 of a degree every year, but over a long time, say 10,000 years, it’s a full two degrees.  It may not sound much, but when you consider that the moon is half a degree in diameter, then two degrees is the same as four moons (or suns) in a row on the horizon.

Dating of The Avenue and Stage II of Stonehenge

We can also ‘reverse engineer’ this figure to give us a date for the construction of the Avenue.  The problem with the accuracy of this measurement is that the point of sunrise is somewhat subjective – as trees obscure the horizon at Stonehenge, so the tip of the first sunlight can never be fully seen.  What current observers accept is the position of the ‘Heel Stone’ which obscures the sunrise until a point that it appears to rise above the stones upper part (the peak point).

The Avenue showing the summer solstice sunrise at the time of construction
The Avenue showing the summer solstice sunrise at the time of construction – (Stonehenge Hoax – Summer Solstice)

If we accept that this is the correct point for today’s Summer solstice sunrise and plot this point on Google Earth – we obtain a reading of 50.81 degrees.  If we now take a reading down the Avenue’s centre with the same software, we get a reading of 49.57 degrees.  This is a difference of 1.24 degrees since the Avenue was first constructed.  If the Sun moves 0.0002 degrees per annum each year, then we will have an approximate date (when the Sun is at the centre of the Avenue).  This gives us a construction date of 6200 years ago or 4180 BCE.

Stonehenge Summer Solstice
Sun Rise down the Aveneue and over the Heel Stone – (Stonehenge Hoax – Summer Solstice)

This is thousands of years earlier than the archaeologists have told the public, so it is not mentioned in their literature.  However, one antler bone was found under a Sarsen stone, which does not support the current dating.  Now this one can’t be explained away like the other anomalies found on the site, as a 12-ton stone was on top of it for thousands of years, guaranteeing that it could not have been placed there later or floated/moved there from another part of the site.

Stone 27 - Stonehenge Summer Solstice
Stone 27 – Antler bone found in Stone 27 filling dated 4191 BCE – (Stonehenge Hoax – Summer Solstice)

It was found in the ‘packing’ for Sarsen Stone 27 (OxA-4902).  This gives us a carbon dating of 4342 – 4039 (IntCal20) or 4191 BCE +/- 152, which is remarkably similar to the Avenue dating method.  The experts suggest that the antler was placed there by ‘accident’ and was found in the vicinity of the stone hole when the hole was first constructed – sadly, this is very improbable as the antler would have been some 1700 years old (if current theory dates are correct) and would have rotted and decomposed any if found on or near the surface.

Therefore, I am happy to conclude that Stonehenge phase two started around 4185 BCE.

Winter alignment - Stonehenge Summer Solstice
Winter alignment – (Stonehenge Hoax – Summer Solstice)

Audio PodCast

Unearth the Astonishing Secrets of Stonehenge (The Stonehenge Hoax)

Book 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 Book

The Stonehenge Hoax
The Great Stonehenge Hoax

Exploring Prehistoric Britain: A Journey Through Time

My blog delves into the fascinating mysteries of prehistoric Britain, challenging conventional narratives and offering fresh perspectives based on cutting-edge research, particularly using LiDAR technology. I invite you to explore some key areas of my research. For example, the Wansdyke, often cited as a defensive structure, is re-examined in light of new evidence. I’ve presented my findings in my blog post Wansdyke: A British Frontier Wall – ‘Debunked’, and a Wansdyke LiDAR Flyover video further visualizes my conclusions.

My work also often challenges established archaeological dogma. I argue that many sites, such as Hambledon Hill, commonly identified as Iron Age hillforts are not what they seem. My posts Lidar Investigation Hambledon Hill – NOT an ‘Iron Age Fort’ and Unmasking the “Iron Age Hillfort” Myth explore these ideas in detail and offer an alternative view. Similarly, sites like Cissbury Ring and White Sheet Camp, also receive a re-evaluation based on LiDAR analysis in my posts Lidar Investigation Cissbury Ring through time and Lidar Investigation White Sheet Camp, revealing fascinating insights into their true purpose. I have also examined South Cadbury Castle, often linked to the mythical Camelot56.

My research also extends to the topic of ancient water management, including the role of canals and other linear earthworks. I have discussed the true origins of Car Dyke in multiple posts including Car Dyke – ABC News PodCast and Lidar Investigation Car Dyke – North Section, suggesting a Mesolithic origin2357. I also explore the misidentification of Roman aqueducts, as seen in my posts on the Great Chesters (Roman) Aqueduct. My research has also been greatly informed by my post-glacial flooding hypothesis which has helped to inform the landscape transformations over time. I have discussed this hypothesis in several posts including AI now supports my Post-Glacial Flooding Hypothesis and Exploring Britain’s Flooded Past: A Personal Journey

Finally, my blog also investigates prehistoric burial practices, as seen in Prehistoric Burial Practices of Britain and explores the mystery of Pillow Mounds, often mistaken for medieval rabbit warrens, but with a potential link to Bronze Age cremation in my posts: Pillow Mounds: A Bronze Age Legacy of Cremation? and The Mystery of Pillow Mounds: Are They Really Medieval Rabbit Warrens?. My research also includes the astronomical insights of ancient sites, for example, in Rediscovering the Winter Solstice: The Original Winter Festival. I also review new information about the construction of Stonehenge in The Stonehenge Enigma.

(Stonehenge Hoax – Summer Solstice)

Further Reading

For those interested in British Prehistory, visit www.prehistoric-britain.co.uk, a comprehensive resource featuring an extensive collection of archaeology articles, modern LiDAR investigations, and groundbreaking research. The site also includes insights and extracts from the acclaimed Robert John Langdon Trilogy, a series of books exploring Britain during the Prehistoric period. Titles in the trilogy include The Stonehenge Enigma, Dawn of the Lost Civilisation, and The Post Glacial Flooding Hypothesis, offering compelling evidence about ancient landscapes shaped by post-glacial flooding.

To further explore these topics, Robert John Langdon has developed a dedicated YouTube channel featuring over 100 video documentaries and investigations that complement the trilogy. Notable discoveries and studies showcased on the channel include 13 Things that Don’t Make Sense in History and the revelation of Silbury Avenue – The Lost Stone Avenue, a rediscovered prehistoric feature at Avebury, Wiltshire.

In addition to his main works, Langdon has released a series of shorter, accessible publications, ideal for readers delving into specific topics. These include:

For active discussions and updates on the trilogy’s findings and recent LiDAR investigations, join our vibrant community on Facebook. Engage with like-minded enthusiasts by leaving a message or contributing to debates in our Facebook Group.

Whether through the books, the website, or interactive videos, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of Britain’s fascinating prehistoric past. We encourage you to explore these resources and uncover the mysteries of ancient landscapes through the lens of modern archaeology.

For more information, including chapter extracts and related publications, visit the Robert John Langdon Author Page. Dive into works such as The Stonehenge Enigma or Dawn of the Lost Civilisation, and explore cutting-edge theories that challenge traditional historical narratives.

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(Stonehenge Hoax – Summer Solstice)