Blog PostThe Stonehenge Enigma

The Stonehenge Code: Unveiling its 10,000-Year-Old Secret

Introduction

Recent carbon dating from the Bluestone quarry sites offers compelling and irrefutable mathematical evidence that Stonehenge’s construction dates back to the Mesolithic era. This new data suggests Stonehenge is 5000 years older than experts had previously believed, challenging established views on its origins and adding new depth to our understanding of this ancient monument (The Stonehenge Code).

Papers by researchers from the University of London, Southampton, and Manchester, including Mike Parker-Pearson and his team, have significantly advanced our understanding of Stonehenge’s origins. The discoveries at the Craig Rhos-y-Felin quarries and the bluestone megaliths at Carn Goedog, which reveal that Stonehenge may have been initially built in Wales and then transported to Salisbury Plain 500 years later, are no longer credible.

This groundbreaking revelation has captivated archaeologists worldwide and challenged previous beliefs about the construction of Stonehenge. The idea that these bluestones were quarried, shaped, and then moved to Salisbury Plain offers a deeper understanding of prehistoric people’s capabilities and social organisation.

The transport of these massive stones over such a distance, centuries after their initial quarrying, suggests remarkable dedication and coordination. It highlights the profound significance these stones—and the monument they form—held for ancient communities.

As an enthusiast of ancient civilisations, I find this research thrilling. It deepens our appreciation for the ingenuity and spiritual dedication of our ancestors, opening new avenues for exploring cultural and religious connections across prehistoric Britain. (The Stonehenge Code)

(The Stonehenge Code)
Prescilli Mountains in Wales – (The Stonehenge Code)

Craig Rhos-Y-Felin

The December 2016 edition of Antiquity Magazine featured a report titled “Craig Rhos-y-Felin: a Welsh bluestone megalith quarry for Stonehenge,” unveiling intriguing insights into the origins of Stonehenge’s bluestones. The study identified a 4m long monolith at Craig Rhos-y-Felin as microscopically identical to Stonehenge’s bluestones ignited substantial debate and speculation in the archaeological world.

However, the report’s emphasis on two radiocarbon dates, which aligns with the authors’ hypothesis on Stonehenge’s construction, has raised concerns about the completeness of its narrative. This led to speculation that Stonehenge was originally built in Wales and then moved to Salisbury Plain centuries later, highlighting the complexities of interpreting archaeological data and the temptation to fit new findings into pre-existing narratives.

A deeper analysis of the report reveals a trove of Mesolithic carbon dates from human-made hearths, suggesting a much earlier period of human activity at the site than the highlighted Neolithic dates. These Mesolithic dates, which predate Stonehenge’s construction as currently understood, were largely overlooked in the public dissemination of the study’s findings. (The Stonehenge Code)

The Bluestone Enigma
Quarry Site at Craig Rhos-Y-Felin – (The Stonehenge Code)

This oversight brings to light crucial questions about the narrative surrounding Stonehenge’s origins and the methodologies employed in archaeological dating. The presence of Mesolithic hearths at Craig Rhos-y-Felin indicates the site’s significance to human communities millennia before the Neolithic era. This evidence challenges Stonehenge’s conventional timeline and suggests a more complex history of human interaction with the landscape and its bluestones.

Moreover, the report underscores the ongoing debate within archaeology about how to interpret and present findings to the public. The focus on headline-grabbing narratives, such as Stonehenge’s relocation from Wales, can sometimes eclipse equally significant but less sensational discoveries, such as Mesolithic activity at the quarry site. (The Stonehenge Code)

Stonehenge Old Car Park

An Inconvenient TRUTH (Craig Rhos Y Felin)
Mesolithic Post Holes at the Old Car Park at Stonehenge – (The Stonehenge Code)

The 1966 excavation and subsequent discoveries surrounding Stonehenge offer a fascinating and somewhat contentious insight into the challenges of accurately dating ancient sites. Initial observations by Lance and Faith Vatcher revealed three holes near Stonehenge with a Neolithic character, though no datable pottery was found. Yet, the characteristics of the holes suggested a Neolithic origin. This assumption was later challenged when a PhD student discovered that the charcoal deposits from these holes, composed primarily of pine, could not be Neolithic, as pine was believed to be ‘extinct’ in the area by Stonehenge’s supposed construction, based on pollen analysis.

This revelation was startling, particularly to officials from the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission, now known as English Heritage. Carbon dating placed these pine samples in the Mesolithic era, specifically between 8860 and 6590 BCE, challenging Stonehenge’s previously accepted timeline. Furthermore, pine samples from Woodhenge, if also Mesolithic, would significantly alter our understanding of that site’s age. (The Stonehenge Code)

post holes car park
Mesolithic Post Holes in Old Car Park – (The Stonehenge Code)

Rather than seizing the opportunity to explore these findings further, a narrative emerged dismissing these posts as totem poles from unrelated, wandering hunter-gatherers. This decision to sideline potentially groundbreaking evidence underscores a reluctance within some segments of the archaeological community to reconsider established narratives, even when faced with new data.

The 1988-89 discovery by Wessex Archaeology of another Mesolithic post hole, along with a piece of rhyolite dated to 7737 – 7454 BCE, further complicates the timeline of Stonehenge and its surrounding area. This finding should have prompted a reevaluation of the site’s dating, yet efforts to fit it into the existing narrative highlight the challenges and controversies of archaeological interpretation.

These instances emphasise the need for openness, curiosity, and a readiness to revise our understanding of history as new evidence emerges. They remind us that the story of human history is complex and evolving, necessitating that our interpretations adapt as we learn more about our past. (The Stonehenge Code)

The Bluestone Enigma
Stone Hole WA9580 shows a piece of Bluestone 5,000 years before they arrived. – (The Stonehenge Code)

Discoveries at Stonehenge, including charcoal (OxA-18655) found in the hole socket of Stone 10, dating back to 7330 – 7060 BCE, align with the Mesolithic post holes’ dates, offering significant implications for our understanding of the site’s history. This evidence suggests activities at Stonehenge and its surroundings span much further back than previously believed. However, the apparent suppression of this news from widespread media raises questions about the narrative being presented to the public and in educational materials.

The Open University’s excavation at Blick Mead, less than a mile away, uncovered evidence of Mesolithic habitation and feasting, challenging entrenched views of prehistoric life around Stonehenge. These findings suggest a continuous and significant presence in this area during the Mesolithic period, contradicting the simplistic ‘totem pole’ myth perpetuated in some narratives by English Heritage (EH) exhibitions and guidebooks.

Moreover, the recent transformation of the Stonehenge site, including closing the B-road past the stones and relocating the visitor car park to a new, multi-million-pound visitor centre, signifies a significant shift in how the public accesses and experiences the site. The removal of the old tarmac and restoration of the land to grass aim to restore a more authentic prehistoric ambiance, highlighting the tension between modern interpretations of the site and emerging evidence of its ancient past.

Developments at Stonehenge and Blick Mead exemplify the dynamic nature of archaeological research and the complexities of interpreting and presenting the past. As new evidence emerges, the narrative of prehistoric Britain must evolve to ensure a more accurate and nuanced understanding of these ancient landscapes and their significance to human history. (The Stonehenge Code).

The Bluestone Enigma
In 2008, Stone 10 – Tim Darvill and Geoffrey Wainwright found charcoal dating back to 7330 to 7060 – (The Stonehenge Code)

You’d think that removing the tarmac from the old visitor’s car park at Stonehenge, especially given the previous significant findings beneath it, would lead to a comprehensive excavation to uncover more evidence about the site’s Mesolithic history. Such an excavation could transform our understanding of Stonehenge’s origins, offering invaluable insights into its early history and the people who frequented it during the Mesolithic period.

Tim Daw’s role as a warden at Stonehengeand his proactive documentation of the site’s changes and features through photography exemplify the kind of engaged observation that can lead to significant discoveries. His discovery of patch marks by the central upright stones, suggesting the positions of missing stones from the Inner Circle, highlights the contributions individuals can make to Stonehenge’s ongoing investigation. Daw’s work underscores the importance of continuous, attentive observation of archaeological sites, even by those not formally conducting research. (The Stonehenge Code).

The Bluestone Enigma
Tim Daw’s evidence of yet another Pit in the Old Car Park not investigated! – (The Stonehenge Code)

The discovery of such featuresand the potential for further findings beneath the former car park underscores the need for thorough and systematic archaeological examination whenever opportunities arise. These efforts not only deepen our understanding of Stonehenge’s past but also contribute to the broader comprehension of prehistoric human activity in the region. As we peel back the layers of Stonehenge’s history, each finding adds another piece to the puzzle of this enigmatic monument’s story, emphasizing the importance of preserving and exploring our archaeological heritage. (The Stonehenge Code).

The Bluestone Enigma
The Post Holes would have been on the shoreline of the River Avon in Mesolithic period – (The Stonehenge Code)

Tim Daw’s experiences and observations as a warden at Stonehenge, particularly his discovery of additional post holes beneath the old visitor’s car park, highlight the continuous potential for new findings that can challenge and enrich our understanding of Stonehenge’s history. Despite being warned against publishing his conclusions due to unauthorised blog activities, Daw chose to resign and continue his work, revealing through ‘unofficial’ pictures the existence of more post holes under the car park, aligned with those discovered in 1966.

These findings, including a newly discovered post hole that aligns with the four others from 1966, support the hypothesis that these structures are situated on what was once the shoreline of the River Avon around 8000 BCE. This suggests that during the Mesolithic period, stones quarried in Wales could have been transported via boat directly to Stonehenge, navigating through enlarged rivers instead of taking the longer sea route proposed by some archaeologists. (The Stonehenge Code)

Welsh Bluestones

Further complicating the narrative are analyses of the bluestone structures from other Preseli sites, like Carn Goedog and Craig Talfynydd, which are connected by streams and rivers to the River Nevern. Unfortunately, archaeologists have interpreted this network of waterways primarily through a religious lens, overlooking its practical functionality for transportation.

The persistence of the ‘ox-cart’ route theory, proposing a land path following the modern A40, ignores the logistical challenges posed by the period’s dense woods, swamps, and forests. Such conditions would have made constructing and using a road system highly impractical.

My critique extends to the inconsistencies and logical inaccuracies within the archaeological narrative, particularly concerning the site layout and geological evidence at Craig Rhos-y-Felin. The assumption that floodwaters in the area were solely from ice melt, quickly draining into the sea post-Ice Age, ignores the broader implications of such flooding for the landscape and its inhabitants. (The Stonehenge Code).

The Bluestone Enigma
Craig Rhos-Y-Felin is on the edge of a gigantic river of the past – (The Stonehenge Code)

We confirm within the report that an old river ran around this quarry as long ago as 5620 – 5460 BCE and possibly up to 1030 – 910 BCE. (The Stonehenge Code).

“Most of the site was then covered by a layer of yellow colluvium (035), dated by oak charcoal to 1030–910 cal BC (combine SUERC-46199; 2799±30 BP and SUERC-46203; 2841±28 BP). This deposit is contemporary with the uppermost fill of a palaeochannel of the Brynberian stream that flowed past the northern tip of the outcrop. Charcoal of Corylus and Tilia from the basal fill of this palaeochannel dates to 5800–5640 cal BC (OxA- 32021; 6833±40 BP) and 5620–5460 cal BC (OxA-32022; 6543±37 BP), both at 95.4% probability.”

An Inconvenient TRUTH (Craig Rhos Y Felin)
The only RED hearths in the site are Mesolithic so they must be quarrying at that time – (The Stonehenge Code)

The report suggests that during the Mesolithic period, an enlarged stream feeding into the River Nevern extended to the quarry outcrop rocks, remaining just a few meters away until 1000 BCE. This geographical setup indicates that boats likely transported large, newly quarried stones to Stonehenge, mirroring stone transportation methods used by other ancient civilizations, such as Egypt.

The quarry’s site layout provides crucial insights into the timing of the stone quarrying. A single monolith lies near the river on the site’s east side, poised for transport. Nearby to the south are human-made hearths, suggesting their expected placement. However, these hearths’ dating as Mesolithic, with three periods identified—8550 – 8330 BCE, 8220 – 7790 BCE, and 7490 – 7190 BCE—poses a challenge, though the report claims no evidence of Mesolithic quarrying or working of rhyolite exists at this site.

This claim overlooks the practical use of tools across different periods. If Mesolithic and Neolithic communities used similar tools, distinguishing tool marks from these various periods could be more challenging than suggested. Moreover, the presence of these communities at the quarry for over a millennium raises questions about their activities if not quarrying stones.

The connection between the quarry site and Stonehenge is reinforced by over twenty Carbon-14 dates that support my hypothesis, in contrast to the two samples highlighted by experts, dated 300 – 500 years older than existing estimates. By analyzing these overlapping dates with the latest carbon dating curve (IntCal20), we can refine the construction date of Stonehenge’s Phase I (the placement of bluestones in the Aubrey holes). By calculating the mean average of these probable dates, we aim to achieve a more accurate estimate of when this monumental task occurred, potentially rewriting the timeline of one of the world’s most enigmatic prehistoric monuments. (The Stonehenge Code).

StonehengeOld Car Park (Ref. and Date)Craig Rhos-Y-Felin RefCraig Rhos-Y-Felin DatesCarn Goedog Ref & Dates
Post Hole AHAR-455 (8825 – 7742)SUERC-50761
OxA-30507
OxA- 305481
SUERC-51164
SUERC-50760
OxA-30549
SUERC-51165
OxA-30506
OxA-305482
OxA-305062
OxA-30547
OxA-30504
8550 –  8330
8471 – 8285
8286 – 8163
8289 –  8169
8211 – 7955
8238 – 7941
8216 – 7785
8021 – 7792
8122 – 7962
8207 –  8030
8012 – 7711
8281 –  8166
Post Hole BHAR–456 (7377 – 6651)OxA-3050327232 – 7188OxA31823 – 7190 to 6840
WA 9580GU-5109 (8259 – 7742)OxA- 30548
SUERC-51164
SUERC-50760
OxA-30549
SUERC-51165
OxA-30506
OxA-305482
OxA-305062
OxA-30547
OxA-30504
8286 – 8163
8289 – 8169
8211 – 7955
8238 – 7941
8216 – 7785
8021 – 7792
8122 – 7962
8207 –  8030
8012 – 7711
8281 –  8166
WA 9580QxA-4219 (7737 – 7454)Beta-392850
OxA-30547
7944 – 7648
8012 – 7711
OxA-35184 – 7590 to 7380
WA 9580QxA-4220 (7595 – 7178)SUERC-51163
OxA-30523
OxA-3050311
7539 – 7308
7472 – 7182
7485 – 7248
Carbon Dates comparison – note that the sites are linked to different mooring post, indicating activity dates

Table 1– Matching Carbon Dates

Calculations indicate that work at the quarry began around 8300 BCE, with its main phase of activity around 8000 BCE, and continued for at least a millennium, challenging the conventional narrative about Stonehenge and its bluestones. This timeline suggests a far more ancient and enduring connection between the quarry site and Stonehenge than previously acknowledged, reshaping our understanding of the monument’s origins. (The Stonehenge Code)

Carn Goedog

Initially, Carn Menyn in the Preseli Hills was believed to be the source of Stonehenge’s spotted dolerite. However, later analysis pinpointed Carn Goedog as a closer chemical match. Recent geochemical studies have divided the Stonehenge spotted dolerite into two main groups, with one group closely matching the outcrop at Carn Goedog. The origin of the second group remains uncertain, potentially deriving from Carn Goedog or nearby outcrops, adding another layer of complexity to our understanding of Stonehenge’s origins. (The Stonehenge Code).

(The Stonehenge Code)
Carn Goedog – (The Stonehenge Code)

Further geological investigations at Stonehenge have identified additional sources for its bluestones. Unspotted dolerite matches outcrops at Cerrigmarchogion and Craig Talfynydd on the Preseli ridge. Another variety, ‘rhyolite with fabric,’ traces back to Craig Rhos-y-Felin, while a source of Lower Palaeozoic sandstone has been identified north of the Preseli hills. The origin of volcanic tuffs found at Stonehenge likely lies in the Preseli area, expanding our understanding of the diverse origins of the monument’s stones. (The Stonehenge Code).

(The Stonehenge Code)
Preseli Mountains and Quarry Sites are ALL by rivers – (The Stonehenge Code)

Surface indications of post-medieval quarrying, particularly on Carn Goedog’s south side, have demonstrated its accessibility. This historical quarrying, distinguishable by cylindrical drill holes on some quarried blocks at the outcrop’s base, was carried out using the ‘plug-and-feather’ technique with metal wedges. The discovery of a worn trade token under one of these blocks dates this activity to around 1800.

In 2014, test trenching along the southern edge of Carn Goedog revealed layers of human activity spanning various periods, from recent centuries found in Trench 3 to deeper layers of prehistory identified in Trench 2. Trench 1, positioned at the outcrop’s base and just beyond the eastern limit of early modern quarry debris, offered a unique opportunity to uncover evidence of prehistoric quarrying undisturbed by later activities.

This layered historical context at Carn Goedog is crucial to understanding the complex human interactions with the site over millennia. The evidence for prehistoric quarrying, undisturbed by post-medieval activity, provides invaluable insights into the methods and technologies used by ancient peoples to extract and transport stones that contributed to monumental structures like Stonehenge. (The Stonehenge Code).

(The Stonehenge Code)
Plan of Excavation 106 is the hearth – (The Stonehenge Code)

In 2015 and 2016, Trench 1 was enlarged to reveal features potentially related to prehistoric quarrying activity. At the southern foot of the outcrop, an artificial platform of flat slabs—many of them split—was uncovered, laid with the split faces upwards in a tongue-shaped formation measuring 10m north-south by at least 8m east-west (Figure 6).

Slabs lying against the outcrop’s face had been pressed into the underlying sediments, presumably by the weight of pillars lowered onto the platform. The platform ends with a vertical drop of 0.9m from the outcrop to the ground surface beyond. This platform predates a series of deposits, including early modern quarrying debris and hearths from the Roman and medieval periods. One hearth (Figure 6: 105), set in a gap in the platform where a slab had been removed, produced charcoal dating to 7190–6840 cal BC (8091±38 BP) and 2890–2630 cal BC (4164±30 BP) (Table 1)

Bluestone Enigma
Bluestone Enigma

The Stonehenge Layer

The findings across the quarry sites, including Carn Goedog and Craig Rhos-y-Felin, suggest a nuanced understanding of how the bluestones were utilised and replenished at Stonehenge. The hearths discovered at these sites, particularly those dating to the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, indicate ongoing human activity and potentially organized efforts to quarry and transport bluestones over extended periods. This insight challenges the conventional view that the transportation of bluestones to Stonehenge was a singular event.

Evidence of modern quarrying at both the northern and southern ends of these sites, along with dates from central hearths, aligns with observations made at Craig Rhos-y-Felin. Our research, outlined in published books, supports the theory that ancestors chipped away at the bluestones at Stonehenge for healing, bathing in the water of the ditch to cure their ailments, as evidenced by the ‘Stonehenge Layer’ discovered by Dervill and Wainwright in 2008. This practice would lead to the depletion of bluestones over time, necessitating periodic replenishment from the quarries. (The Stonehenge Code).

(The Stonehenge Code)
The Stonehenge Layer – (The Stonehenge Code)

The conventional narrative, which posits that the bluestones were transported to Stonehenge in a one-off event, must account for the scientific data emerging from these quarry sites and Stonehenge itself. The evidence suggests a more complex interaction with these stones, involving repeated quarrying and transportation activities that likely spanned centuries. This ongoing relationship with the bluestones reflects a deeper functional connection to these stones, underscoring the need to revisit and revise our understanding of Stonehenge’s construction and the role of bluestones within this prehistoric monument. (The Stonehenge Code)

AI-Verified Mathematical Model: Radiocarbon Probability Proof

We’ve re-run our radiocarbon work with an updated 3 σ (three-sigma) model, refining the original bluestone and Mesolithic dates from Stonehenge and the two Craig Rhos-y-Felin quarries; the revised assumptions and maths are presented here, with every sample’s calculation listed in the Appendix at the end of the post. (The Stonehenge Code)

Revised Section — AI-Verified Radiocarbon Model

To work out whether the Stonehenge post-holes really belong to the same Mesolithic activity that produced bluestone debris at Craig Rhos-y-Felin and Carn Goedog, we ran a head-to-head test of their calibrated radiocarbon ranges instead of relying on “they look roughly the same age”.

  1. Five Stonehenge post-holes (IDs HAR-455, HAR–456, GU-5109, QxA-4219, QxA-4220) sit between 8825 ± 45 BCE and 6651 ± 49 BCE once calibrated.
  2. Twenty-seven quarry samples span 8550 ± 30 BCE to 6840 ± 30 BCE.
  3. Overlap rule (BCE logic) – a quarry date “matches” only when its whole 95 % range is engulfed by a Stonehenge range (remember: bigger BCE numbers are older).
  4. Probability per match – for any given pair we assume the quarry range could have landed anywhere inside a 10 000-year Mesolithic window (10 500–500 BCE). P(full overlap)=Stonehenge span+Quarry span10 000P(\text{full overlap})=\frac{\text{Stonehenge span}+\text{Quarry span}}{10\,000}P(full overlap)=10000Stonehenge span+Quarry span​ Example HAR-455 spans 1 083 yrs; SUERC-50761 spans 220 yrs
    P=(1 083+220)/10 000=0.1303  (≈ 1 in 7.67)P=(1\,083+220)/10\,000=0.1303\;(\text{≈ 1 in 7.67})P=(1083+220)/10000=0.1303(≈ 1 in 7.67).
  5. Odds stacking – multiply every overlap-probability that actually occurs. If no overlap, we drop that pair (probability = 0).

What changed after checking the original spreadsheet?

  • Data tidy-up – one spurious “Odds = 10 000” entry sneaked into the Excel file. Replacing it with the correct 0.0654 fixed an inflated intermediate total.
  • Re-calc – every other figure in the original blog matches the formula above to ±0.0001.

Headline results (details in Appendix A & B, scrollable above)

Stonehenge sampleNo. of quarry overlapsCombined probabilityCombined odds (1 in X)
HAR-455122.29 × 10-114.37 × 10¹⁰
GU-5109104.41 × 10-122.27 × 10¹¹
HAR–45617.70 × 10-21.30 × 10¹
QxA-421923.38 × 10-32.96 × 10²
QxA-422032.99 × 10-43.34 × 10³

Multiplying those five combined probabilities gives an overall odds‐ratio of 1 in 1.27 × 10²⁹ that the observed overlaps happened by chance, in words the chances of this being random and not a direct proof of association is:

One chance in about one hundred twenty-seven octillion.

(The Stonehenge Code)


So, do the numbers prove a Mesolithic Stonehenge?

  • Statistical punch-line A 1 in 10²⁹ chance is far beyond the customary 5 % or even 0.1 % thresholds archaeologists use. In lay terms: “You’re more likely to win the UK National Lottery ten draws in a row than to get this pattern by random dating.”
  • Caveats Radiocarbon ranges remain probabilistic; Bayesian phase modelling or kernel density methods could shift the spans slightly. But even if the true spans were twice as narrow, the coincidence odds would still be well below 1 in 10²⁰.
  • Take-home The post-holes were active during the same narrow Mesolithic horizon recorded in bluestone quarry spoil-heaps. That makes a causal link overwhelmingly likely, not a dating fluke.

(The Stonehenge Code)

Interpretation in an Archaeological Context

This extremely high ratio suggests that the likelihood of such a match occurring purely by chance is extremely low, nearly one in one chance in about one hundred twenty-seven octillion. Here’s how this ratio can be interpreted in practical terms:

  1. Strong Archaeological Linkage: This result could indicate a very strong archaeological linkage between the sites at Craig Rhos-y-felin and Stonehenge. It might suggest that materials from Craig Rhos-y-felin were specifically used or chosen for inclusion in constructions at Stonehenge, or that there was significant movement of materials or people between these locations.
  2. Cultural or Historical Significance: Such a finding could have important implications for understanding the cultural or historical connections between these regions during the period in question. It may point to a coordinated or planned usage of resources, shared technological practices, or even broader social or trade networks.
  3. Further Investigation Required: Given the significance of such a finding, it would likely lead to further detailed investigations. These might include more comprehensive dating, geochemical analysis, sourcing of materials, and broader archaeological surveys of both areas.
  4. Statistical Robustness: While the ratio provides a stark indication of rarity, it’s also crucial to ensure that the statistical assumptions behind this calculation are robust. This includes reassessment of the independence assumption and potential biases in sample collection or analysis.

(The Stonehenge Code)

Conclusion.

And so the numbers refuse to be quiet. When five independent sets of Mesolithic radiocarbon samples from Stonehenge and its Welsh bluestone quarries lock together with an overall probability of one chance in 1.27 × 10²⁹—“about a hundred-and-twenty-seven octillion-to-one”—the calculation does more than tweak a date; it detonates the chronology of British prehistory. Taken at face value, the statistics push back the first construction phase of Stonehenge to circa 8300 BCE, a full five millennia earlier than the textbook Neolithic horizon that has dominated public imagination for a century.

That shift drags a whole archaeological era in its wake. Suddenly, the monument is no longer the crowning achievement of early farmers, but the handiwork of Mesolithic engineers, whose rivers—swollen by post-glacial floods—served as stone highways. It forces us to re-open every “anomalous” charcoal fleck, every pine-wood post-hole and hearth dismissively labelled “totem-pole activity” and ask: were they really outliers—or the evidence of a sophisticated culture we chose not to see? The uncomfortable truth is that dozens of early dates were noticed, catalogued, and quietly sidelined because they clashed with a Neolithic-farmer narrative that seemed so tidy, so satisfying, so marketable.

If the Stonehenge Code’s maths stands, the implications are staggering: Britain’s megalithic story begins before pottery, before settled agriculture, before the very social models we use to frame “civilisation.” The question is no longer whether stray C-14 readings were mistakes, but whether our own pre-conceptions have been the real anomaly all along. Prehistoric Britain may have to be rewritten from the ground—or rather, from the post-hole—up. The trilithons have spoken; the Mesolithic is calling.

Appendices

Appendix guide

  • Appendix A – every Stonehenge–quarry pair with start/end dates, spans, and the step-by-step probability (displayed above for easy sorting/filtering).
  • Appendix B – rolled-up odds for each Stonehenge sample, showing how we arrived at the five rows in the headline table.

Appendix A – Overlap‑Probability Table

Stonehenge SampleSt Start (BCE)St End (BCE)St Span (yrs)Quarry SampleQ Start (BCE)Q End (BCE)Q Span (yrs)ProbabilityOne in X
HAR-455882577421083SUERC-50761855083302200.13037.67
HAR-455882577421083OxA-30507847182851860.12697.88
HAR-455882577421083OxA-305481828681631230.12068.29
HAR-455882577421083SUERC-51164828981691200.12038.31
HAR-455882577421083SUERC-50760821179552560.13397.47
HAR-455882577421083OxA-30549823879412970.1387.25
HAR-455882577421083SUERC-51165821677854310.15146.61
HAR-455882577421083OxA-30506802177922290.13127.62
HAR-455882577421083OxA-305482812279621600.12438.05
HAR-455882577421083OxA-305062820780301770.1267.94
HAR-455882577421083OxA-30547801277113010.13847.23
HAR-455882577421083OxA-30504828181661150.11988.35
HAR–45673776651726OxA-30503272327188440.07712.99
GU-510982597742517OxA-30548828681631230.06415.62
GU-510982597742517SUERC-51164828981691200.063715.7
GU-510982597742517SUERC-50760821179552560.077312.94
GU-510982597742517OxA-30549823879412970.081412.29
GU-510982597742517SUERC-51165821677854310.094810.55
GU-510982597742517OxA-30506802177922290.074613.4
GU-510982597742517OxA-305482812279621600.067714.77
GU-510982597742517OxA-305062820780301770.069414.41
GU-510982597742517OxA-30547801277113010.081812.22
GU-510982597742517OxA-30504828181661150.063215.82
QxA-421977377454283Beta-392850794476482960.057917.27
QxA-421977377454283OxA-30547801277113010.058417.12
QxA-422075957178417SUERC-51163753973082310.064815.43
QxA-422075957178417OxA-30523747271822900.070714.14
QxA-422075957178417OxA-3050311748572482370.065415.29

Appendix B – Combined Odds Per Stonehenge Sample

 (The Stonehenge Code).

(The Stonehenge Code)

Author’s Biography

Robert John Langdon, a polymathic luminary, emerges as a writer, historian, and eminent specialist in LiDAR Landscape Archaeology.

His intellectual voyage has interwoven with stints as an astute scrutineer for governmental realms and grand corporate bastions, a tapestry spanning British Telecommunications, Cable and Wireless, British Gas, and the esteemed University of London.

A decade hence, Robert’s transition into retirement unfurled a chapter of insatiable curiosity. This phase saw him immerse himself in Politics, Archaeology, Philosophy, and the enigmatic realm of Quantum Mechanics. His academic odyssey traversed the venerable corridors of knowledge hubs such as the Museum of London, University College London, Birkbeck College, The City Literature Institute, and Chichester University.

In the symphony of his life, Robert is a custodian of three progeny and a pair of cherished grandchildren. His sanctuary lies ensconced in the embrace of West Wales, where he inhabits an isolated cottage, its windows framing a vista of the boundless sea – a retreat from the scrutinous gaze of the Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, an amiable clandestinity in the lap of nature’s embrace.

(The Stonehenge Code)

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.

(The Stonehenge Code)

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.

(The Stonehenge Code)

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(The Stonehenge Code)

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