Stonehenge, Lands End

You've made it to Stonehenge, one of the most instantly recognisable sites on your journey.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Stonehenge was actually constructed in several stages, the first around 5000 years ago. The earliest part of the monument itself was connected with the burial of the dead, as evidence of cremation has been found around the Sarsen stones. However, although not part of the monument itself, there is evidence of an even older site of ritual significance nearby - four or five pine posts had been erected in an East-West alignment and left to rot; these are a staggering 10,000 or so years old. 

There's also evidence of wooden structures being part of Stonehenge throughout the 2000 or so years that construction and possibly even change of use continued - what is perhaps most remarkable is the great distances the stones were brought to the site from: the Marlborough Downs forty or so kilometres to the north is far enough away, but the famous bluestones could only have come from the Preseli Hills in Wales; six times the distance from Stonehenge.

No one knows what Stonehenge was for; it was probably equal parts ritual site, shrine, and burial ground. Since a significant number of burials either suffered deformity or injury, it probably also served as a place of healing. They also travelled a long way to get here - scientific analysis of remains indicates origins in France, Germany, and even the Southern Mediterranean. It would appear that Stonehenge's worldwide fame is nothing new.

Don't take root like one of the standing stones - you're doing a great job!