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Salisbury Journal THU 27-6-02
p3
Peace dawns on a grey and rainy
solstice
By Sarah McQuillen
RECORD crowds of 22,000 were
drawn to Stonehenge to enjoy the third successive open-access Summer Solstice
peacefully and with more than a touch of whimsy.
Traditional solstice celebrants druids, pagans and white witches
were vastly outnumbered by carousers, including several fully-costumed
fairies and dryads, who set out to prove that the solstice really is for
everyone.
Numbers were up 7,500 on last year itself a record. People's growing
ease with the open arrangement was reflected in the number of babies and
children brought by their parents to greet the dawn.
Any number of different languages and accents distinguished themselves
from the babble of the crowd. The air was full of soap bubbles and the
beat of drums and heavy with the scent of smoke and incense. Inside the
stone circle, a dense crowd danced and drummed, occasionally breaking into
cheers at the antics of any of their number.
A few individuals bent the rules, clambering up the stones and dangling
precariously, braced between the twin pillars. They came down to earth
to huge acclaim but their triumph was short-lived, as police escorted them
off-site.
The police and security presence was significant but low-key, with officers
mingling with the crowd giving directions and keeping an eye on the large
numbers of revellers who had overindulged in solstice spirit.
Around the periphery of the site, every group with a drum, didgeridoo or
juggling clubs staged its own sideshow. One would-be entertainer held a
guitar above her head and asked plaintively: "Can anyone play this?"
The cacophony found its focus as dawn approached. A parade of drummers
and torchbearers formed, with a horn-tipped mascot at its head.
Their rythmic procession around the stone circle captured the attention
of the crowd and set thousands of feet stamping in unison.
Incantations were said at the hele stone, while onlookers closed in to
enjoy the spectacle.
The dawn itself was misty, grey and quickly followed by heavy midsummer
rain, which helped ensure the prompt departure of the vast majority of
solstice visitors from the site. The police reported that the surrounding
roads were all clear by 10.30am.
Superintendent Jerry Wickham said: "We are happy with the way the
event went. There were 11 arrests for drunkenness and minor drug offences,
which, considering the number of people who were there, indicates that
the majority of people behaved very well.
"Some lessons have been learned, which will be incorporated into our
plans for 2003."
English Heritage also hailed the solstice as a great success, which augurs
well for future plans to increase access to the stones.
A spokesman said: "We are delighted that the summer solstice was peaceful
and enjoyable for everyone who attended. This builds on the success of
solstice 2001."
DA1067p1 As
the real sun failed to appear, this PIC1
reveller waved his own above the hele stone.
DA1067p2 A druid plays a sunrise salute. PIC2
DA1067p4 Chris
Knight and Lionel Sims. lecturers in PIC3
anthropology at the University of East London, dressed
up to play their part in the King's Drummers troupe.
DA1067p5 Part
of the considerable police and security PIC4
officer presence.
DA1067p13 Touching the hele stone at sunrise. PIC5
DA1067p15 A pair of didgeridoo players exchange fashion tips. PIC6
Pictures by Lara Ball
p14
From Our Files June 27, 1952
RITUAL AT STONEHENGE
DRUIDS' MIDSUMMER SERVICE
ABOUT 100 people, including American
tourists, braved heavy rain in the early hours of Sunday to travel from
neighbouring towns and villages to witness the Midsummer service of Druid
Universal Bond at dawn.
In front of the Altar Stone the ritual was led by the General Council of
the Order, wearing white robes, purple cassocks, red robed and golden girdles.
On the altar were the elements for the communion - a golden chalice, a
red rose, fire and bread; and in the centre of these was the Pentagram.
As the sun rose behind a bank of dark cloud at 4.43am, Druids crowned their
leader with oak leaves, sang the Song of Dawn, uttered their secret invocation
to the High Intelligence, recited the Benediction of the Blessed Awen (which
means knowledge of the life of the spirit) and at the end of the service
celebrated communion in the four elements of air, fire, water, and earth.
Across Satisbury Plain swept a piercing wind, and the spectators, most
of whom wore winter clothing, kept to the shelter of the huge tritithons.
Kennet news (Thisiswiltshire online news) Last updated: Thursday 27 June 2002
Revellers swamp stones PIC1
THE summer solstice at Avebury
was the calm before the storm as the mystical moment passed peacefully,
only for the village to then face an invasion from Stonehenge.
Villagers were initally pleased by the relativley small turn out and the
behaviour of those who gathered to see in the longest day on a grey and
overcast Friday.
But hours later the mood changed when hundreds of travellers and worshippers
arrived in battered old vans, buses and converted ambulances and attempted
to set up camp in Avebury.
They had been among the record number of 23,500 revellers that had waited
to see the midsummer sunrise over Stonehenge, only for it to be hidden
by clouds.
Encouraged to move on from the closely guarded and fenced monument, many
of the travelling community decided to use the Avebury stone circles for
the weekend as a stepping stone to the Glastonbury Festival, which starts
this week.
They filled the village car parks with their ramshackle vehicles and makeshift
tents and overflowed on to the roadside, into every available layby for
two miles around and a few trespassed in to fields.
On Saturday police were so concerned at the numbers converging on Avebury
that they set up road blocks at Beckhampton and advised other motorists
using the Devizes-Swindon road to seek alternative routes.
On Saturday night villagers complained that they were kept awake by incessant
drumming from the travellers and non-stop wailing.
One villager, who asked not to be named, said: "It was all good natured
but it's not really what Avebury is about. If the authorities don't do
something now to nip it in the bud then it will become as bad as the Stonehenge
festivals used to be."
Brian Ashley, owner of the Henge Shop in Avebury, said the weekend takings
were the worst in the 18 years he has been running the business.
He said: "Our worry is that it is going to grow and become like Stonehenge.
They filled up all the car parks and roads into the village.
"Any tourists who managed to struggle through saw all these bodies
lying around and the drunkenness.
"It's not good for the village because visitors did feel intimidated."
At the village post office and stores, Dick Stannard said his till never
stopped ringing all weekend as the solstice celebrants bought food and
supplies. He said: "We were very busy but I do think the villagers
get fed up with it."
It was a case of standing room only inside the village's only pub, the
Red Lion, for 48 hours, until the travellers began packing up their vans
and buses and drifting away on Monday.
One of bar staff said: "It's been hectic all weekend."
Police made just 11 arrests at Stonehenge through the night for minor drug
offences and drunkenness.
It is only the third time the monument has been opened to the public for
the solstice celebrations. English Heritage allowed entry on the condition
people did not take in glass bottles or fireworks and revellers had to
pass through two search points before being allowed near the stones.
A small number of people were ejected from the site for climbing on the
stones.
Druids and witches gathered at sunset to carry out traditional chants in
preparation for the influx of people later in the evening.
The nearing of dawn was greeted by a torch-lit procession including drumming
by the Kings Drums group, while visitors celebrated the occasion in their
own ways. Although the sun was hidden behind clouds, dawn was marked by
a chorus of cheers.
Rainfall dispersed the large crowds allowing the druids and witches to
enter the stones to carry out their traditional ceremonies.
Rolo Maughling, Archdruid of Glastonbury, said: "It was wonderful
right from the start. There were thousands of people, full of enthusiasm,
and everyone has been beautifully behaved.
"There was a very good spiritual vibration in the stones all night."
Police said the event had been generally peaceful. Supt Jerry Wickham,
who ran the police operation, said: "Considering we had 23,500 people
at this year's event and only 11 arrests it does indicate that the majority
of people behaved well. However, some lessons have been learnt and will
be incorporated into 2003."
English Heritage had staff patrolling Silbury Hill all through Thursday
night but were unable to prevent a handful of people climbing to the top
of the hill, which remains fenced off following the collapse two years
ago of an old exploration shaft.
One of the security officers said: "There are so many ways they can
get up the hill that it is impossible to keep them all out during the dark
but only a handful made it to the top."
Path to Commonwealth Games takes history in its stride
Runner Zoe Everard carried the Jubilee baton past Stonehenge yesterday as part of its 59,000-mile relay through the Commonwealth. The relay, launched by the Queen at Buckingham Palace on 11 March, Commonwealth Day, is visiting more than 20 countries on a journey that will end in Manchester for the opening of the Commonwealth Games on 25 July.
Photograph by Greg Garay/PA PIC1
23,000 at Stonehenge
By Barnaby Thompson
AMlD a haze of incense, more than 23,000 New Age travellers, druids and general revellers gathered peacefully at Stonehenge yesterday to see in the summer solstice. Despite the thick cloud, the dawn of the longest day was greeted by a cacophony of drums, whistles, gongs and whoops. People started to arrive on Salisbury Plain the previous night and were later allowed to congregate near the stones. Druids and assorted mystics have only been allowed to celebrate at Stonehenge for the past three years after clashes between revellers and police had led to the creation of a four-mile exclusion zone for the summer solstice. The celebrarion was by far the largest gathering since the site reopened. Police reported ll arrests, mostly for drunkenness and drugs offences.
[ World Cup - Cheer up, at least we knocked out Argentina... ]
... and a patriotic show at the
Stonehenge PIC1
summer solstice failed to work the magic.
(part of a composite picture)
Travellers and Druids party as summer solstice sun rises at Stonehenge
No need to blame it on the stones
Maev Kennedy Arts and heritage correspondent
As the summer solstice sun rose cloudily over Stonehenge, revealing the now annual heady mix of druids, journalists, goths, new age travellers, ravers, police, dogs on strings, drums, silver goblets, plastic cider flagons and didgeridoos, one Canadian pilgrim commented that it was very nice but not quite what she expected. The crowd was estimated at 22,000, the largest since English Heritage decided in 1999 to lift a 20 year ban and allow people back to celebrate what has become the high point of the alternative social calendar. Although a wide variety of substances was consumed - as almost certainly happened when people gathered at the monument 5,000 years ago the event was almost entirely peaceful. There was a handful ofarrests, for minor drugs and public drunkenness offences. It is more than half a century since archaeologist Jacquetta Hawkes commented that each generation invented its own Stonehenge: the summer solstice has now become a one night truce between a cosmology of invented Stonehenges. Because, despite centuries of academic argument, nobody knows what Stonehenge was for, it welcomes for one night the myriad true believers, convinced that it is a statementof bronze age power, a temple to the earth goddess, the moon or the stars, or merely a superb excuse for an all night party. The exclusion zone was imposed after the Battle of the Beanfield in 1985, when hundreds were injured in the determination to stamp out a free festival. In 1999 English Heritage opened the gates again, but heavy handed security turned the party into a disaster, with a minor riot and dozens of arrests. In the millennium year the organisarion defied some pessimistic advice that access should once again be forbidden, and instead made people walk further to get there, but handled the event much more delicately: bonfires, fireworks, glass bottles and climbing on the stones are banned, but a blind eye is turned to incense sticks, intoxication, nudity, and truly awful chants. Clews Everard, Stonehenge site director, said the atmosphere was wonderful. "It's good to see so many people of all different ages, classes and creeds eryjoying themselves." John Rothwell, from Telford, a computer technician who described himself as a "traditional British witch", said: "It's sucb a cool place to be."
Reflecting on revelry... a visitor's
glasses take PIC1
in some of the solstice sights at Stonehenge
Photograph: Darren Staples
p4
[ From the City to the Solstice, a nation keeps its eye on the ball ]
Thousands gather to watch the big match, but only bookies enjoy longest day
Owen Bowcott, Martin Wainwright, Gerard Seenan and Jamie Wilson
It really was the longest day.
The mood across the country yesterday was one of gloom and doom as a bleary-eyed
nation tried to come to terms with England's exit from the World Cup...[etc]
...Energy
At Stonehenge druids, hippies and travellers watched England crash out of the World Cup on two portable televisions. The weary revellers had gathered at the stone circle the previous evening to celebrate the surnmer solstice, but hundreds stayed on at the site near Salisbury, Wiltshire, to watch the match. "We tried to channel the mystical power of the circle to our boys all the way over in Japan. But I think that somewhere along the way the energy was misdirected to the Brazilian players," said Jon Powell who had brought the televisions and generators to the site...
The Independent SAT 22-6-02 p2
Whistling witches and druids with drums greet solstice at Stonehenge
BY PAUL PEACHEY
THE DISTINCTIVE Stonehenge dawn chorus of gongs, drums and whistles greeted the summer solstice yesterday At 4.42am, thousands of people had gathered for the traditional welcome to the northern hemisphere's longest day, even if the rising sun was hidden by thick cloud. "It's such a cool place to be. People have been doing.this since year dot, even though ue have no written records of why," said John Rothwell, 39, a British "witch". "Everybody needs a reason to gather together, a place of reverence." Yesterday was only the third time in more than a decade that the ancient site has been open for solstice celebrations following past clashes with police which led to a four-mile exclusion zone being set up around the stones. Among the 22,000 revellers, there were only 11 arrests, mainly for drunkenness and drug offences. People started to gather at the neolithic site on Thursday night and were later allowed to congregate near the stones themselves amid a fog of incense and smoke. Dean Feebry, 27, a chemist from Staines, said: "There's a very bizarre mix oF people here - witches and druids with knives drinking out of silver goblets. But it's good, it's quite a spiritual place." Jen Bodimer, 24, From Canada, said: "It's pretty strange, not what I imagined, but it's pretty amazing." English Heritage had allowed the celebrations on condition that people did not bring in glass bottles or fireworks and did not climb on the stones, and only a few flouted the rule. English Heritage's director of Stonehenge, Clews Everard, said: "There's been a really wonderful atmosphere and everyone seems to have been having a good time. It's good to see so many people of all different ages, classes, types and creeds enjoying themselves." However the rainfall quickly dispersed the crowds and the tents were soon dismantled. Some stragglers making their way to the Glastonbury Festival next week are expected in the coming days.
Although 22,000 people gathered
at Stonehenge yesterday to celebrate PIC1
the summer solstice, there were only 11 arrests and English Heritage
paid tribute to the 'wonderful atmosphere'
Timothy Allen
p4
[ The longest day, the saddest exit, the sorriest fans... ]
By Matthew Beard and Andrew Grice
...At Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, New Age travellers gathered around two portable televisions powered by a portable generator to watch the game after celebrating the summer solstice. Jon Powell, of Frome, Somerset, said: "We tried to channel the mystical power of the circle to our boys all the way over in Japan. But I think that somewhere along the way the energy was misdirected to the Brazilian players." ...
Financial Times SAT 22-6-02 Weekend Magazine, The Business p8
the loop Edited by Oliver Bennett
Fire on Ice
Austria lights up midsummer - literally
It is Midsummer Day today. OK, the actual summer solstice has just passed, but today is Saturday, and thus a default Midsummer Night for many of us. There will be parties and events here, but sadly the UK tends not to celebrate the solstice. The most important event remains the gathering at Stonehenge, where druids and other interested parties can find "managed access" courtesy of English Heritage, which opens the site without actually encouraging ayone to come along. In other countries, however, solstice celebrations truly kick off. Take Austria, which has built on its traditional solstice celebrations - in which fires are lit on the Alps at sunset - with an extravaganza to mark the International Year of Mountains, a United Nations celebration. For the first time, artificial fires and lasers will assist in an event that Austria's tourism chiefs hope might be seen from space, as well as inducing admiring gasps from the earthbound.
www.alpengluehen.at PIC1
Stoned Henge
Drug arrests at party for longest day
By Greg Swift
STONEHENGE became Stoned Henge for a hippy few yesterday when 22,000 revellers gathered to celebrate the longest day. Some with St George flags climbed on top the famous stones to cheer on England, as other pranced and cavorted. Eleven people were arrested for drugs and drink offences at the prehistoric site in Wiltshire which was opened for only the third time in 10 years. But the event passed off largely peacefully enough. Clashes between crowds and the police in the past led to a four-mile exclusion zone being set up around the stones. English Heritage had allowed the celebrations on condition that people did not bring in glass bottles or fireworks and did not climb on the stones. Police said some people had flouted the rules including a number who climbed on top of the stones, and a few were ejected from the site. But Superintendent Jeremy Wickham said: "It's fair to say the majority of people have been very well behaved and there has been a good atmosphere." English Heritage Stonehenge director Clews Everard said: "There's been a wonderful atmosphere and everyone seems to have been having a good time. It's good to see so many people of all different ages, classes, types and creeds enjoying themselves." The dawn, although hidden by thick cloud, was greeted by the assembled crowds with a cacophony of gongs, drums, whistles and yells. The revellers came from all over - New Age Travellers, druids and Hare-Krishnas who all celebrated the solstice in their own manner amid a cloud of smoke and incense haze. "Traditional British" witch John Rothwell and Texan witch Melizande Veritas said the atmosphere had been good. Mr Rothwell, 39, a computer technician, said: "It's such a cool place to be. People have been doing this since year dot. Everybody needs a reason to gather together, a place of reverence. " Chemist Dean Feebry, 27, said: "There's a very bizarre mix of people here, witches and druids with knives drinking out of silver goblets. But it's good, it's quite a spiritual place." Rainfall quickly dispersed the crowds with many dashing off to watch the football.
RITE ON: Revellers mark the solstice. PIC1
22,000 at stones for summer
by Richard Smith
A HUGE crowd of 22,000 gathered
peacefully at Stonehenge yesterday to see in the summer solstice.
It was only the third time in the last decade the ancient site has been
open for the celebrations.
Clashes with police in the past had led to a four-mile exclusion zone around
the stones. But yesterday just 11 paople were arrested among the tens of
thousands of revellers.
Groups including druids, hare-krishnas and new age travellers greeted the
sunrise with gongs, drums, whistles and cheers.
A few even brought St George flags along to cheer England.
A spokesman for English Heritage, which looks after the Wiltshire site,
said: "There's been a wonderful atmosphere and everyone seems to have
been having a good time.
"It's nice to see so many people of all different ages classes, types
and creeds enjoying themselves."
Police said: "The majority of people have been very well behaved."
DAWN: Stonehenge PIC1
The Bath Chronicle 11:03 - 22 June 2002
[ LONGEST DAY OF DESPAIR ]
...Even the 22,000 assorted hippies, druids and sun worshippers who gathered at Stonehenge to greet the summer solstice dawn were glued to the game on portable radios and TV sets...
The News International, Pakistan Saturday June 22, 2002-- Rabi-uss-Sani 10, 1423 A.H.
Thousands celebrate summer solstice in UK
STONEHENGE: Chanting and dancing
to whistles and drums, thousands of revellers and a handful of robed Druids
welcomed the summer solstice on Friday in one of the biggest-ever gatherings
at the ancient Stonehenge megalith.
While most of bleary-eyed England was rising early to watch a crunch World
Cup football match, more than 16,000 people thronged to Salisbury Plain
in Wiltshire, southern England, to greet the longest day of the year.
"It is fantastic to come here at a non-corporate public monument and
celebrate with so much energy when the sun is at its highest point,"
said Jane Parker, 37, holding two flaming juggling clubs at her side.
The celebrations began Thursday night when a rainbow assortment of spiritualists,
Druids and dreadlocked mothers pushing prams descended on the site for
a once-a-year chance to walk among its towering stones.
As dawn broke above one of the stone archways, Druids -- a pagan religious
order dating to Celtic Britain -- joined with the crowds in chants and
cheers of joy. But the atmosphere was filled more with cannabis then incantation.
"I think most of the people here are on a spiritual quest and even
those who aren't can find wisdom here," said Brian "Earthspoon",
an unofficial spokesman for the celebration. English Heritage, guardians
of Stonehenge, a world heritage site, estimated the crowd numbers at 16,000,
by far the largest gathering since it reopened the stone circle for the
solstice festival in 2000. It was only the third time since violence marred
the event in 1985 that English Heritage allowed the public among the stones
inside the site, about 80 miles southwest of London.
The banning of the Stonehenge Free Festival, an annual day of public access
to the stones, sparked clashes in 1985 between riot police and visitors
who had made spiritual pilgrimages to the site demanding to be allowed
to perform religious rites. Since then, access to Stonehenge -- built between
3,000 B.C. and 1600 B.C. -- has been limited, but the solstice attracts
thousands every year.
[edited version of the Reuters
agency story by Jason Hopps and Pete Harrison]
Reuters add:
Theories abound about the purpose
of the stunning stone circle. Historians are undecided as to whether it
was built as a temple, a burial ground, a calendar or if it served a variety
of religious and temporal purposes.
Regardless, the site is one of Britain's most popular tourist attractions,
receiving about one million visitors annually.
Even England's hotly-anticipated World Cup quarter-final clash against
Brazil wasn't enough to tempt the truly faithful away from the standing
stones.
"I'd love to watch the game, but being here is far more important,"
said Earthspoon.
[ A Terrible mourning ]
... Dozens of hippies and druids who gathered at Stonehenge in Wiltshire for the summer solstice stayed to watch the game on portable TVs powered by generators.
BBC online Saturday, 22 June, 2002, 15:04 GMT 16:04 UK
Avebury swamped in solstice celebrations
Residents of a Wiltshire village
are calling for more control over the number of travellers who stop off
in the village after the summer solstice.
Hundreds of people camped in Avebury during the ancient festival period
camping near the village's famous stone circle, in car parks and on the
roadside.
Police were forced to divert traffic away from the village as it became
almost impossible to pass through.
John Cronk, chairman of the parish council, said villagers had found it
difficult to cope with the huge numbers of people.
Daily Echo (B'mth) FRI 21-06-02
Stonehenge, UK
FLAG DAY: Steve Wilson, of the
British Druids Society, PIC1
carries his flag of St George as he leaves Stonehenge where
thousands congregated to celebrate the summer solstice today
Friday, 21 June, 2002, 10:28 GMT 11:28 UK
Stonehenge open for solstice
More than 16,000 people gathered at Stonehenge on Friday morning for a peaceful celebration of the summer solstice. The dawn, despite being hidden by a thick cloud, was greeted by the assembled crowds with gongs, drums, whistles and whoops.
The revellers came from all over, new age travellers, druids, hare-krishnas, who all celebrated the solstice in their own manner amid a cloud of smoke and incense haze.
'Wonderful atmosphere'
Police said although some people
flouted the rules and tried to climb the stones, there was a "good
atmosphere at the site.
Drink and drugs were much in evidence, but at the end of the event there
were only 11 arrests.
English Heritage Stonehenge director Clews Everard said: "There's
been a really wonderful atmosphere and everyone seems to have been having
a good time.
"It's good to see so many people of all different ages, classes, types
and creeds enjoying themselves."
The site was opened at 2000BST on Thursday and had closed by 0700BST.
As the sun came up the assembled Kings Drums group banged out the beat,
not unlike a Brazilian samba.
The England football fans were also in evidence - some revellers brought
St George flags to wave.
Chemist Dean Feebry, 27, from Staines said: "There's a very bizarre
mix of people here, witches and druids with knives drinking out of silver
goblets. But it's good, it's quite a spiritual place."
Jen Bodimer, 24, from Canada, said: "It's pretty strange, not what
I imagined, but it's pretty amazing."
Dr Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, said he was pleased
to welcome people to Stonehenge for the solstice.
"This builds on the considerable success of the celebrations in 2000
and 2001."
The 15-year ban on solstice celebrations at the site was lifted in 2000.
The sacred Wiltshire stones were protected by a four-mile exclusion order
during the summer solstice from the 1980s, following a series of public
order problems.
During the year, paying visitors are prevented from going up to the stones
themselves, unless special arrangements are made.
The Wiltshire stones are all that remain of a sequence of monuments on
the site between about 3000 and 1600 BC.
Each was circular and aligned with the rising of the sun at the midsummer
solstice - the longest day of the year.
The purpose of the stones themselves is still shrouded in mystery although
druids regard them as living temple.
Some historians say it was built by a sun-worshipping culture; others that
it aligns with the sunrise because its banks were part of a huge astronomical
calendar.
The atmosphere was happy as the
sun came up. PIC1
The stones are aligned with the solstice sunrise PIC2
Guardian online FRI 21-06-2002
Stonehenge
The summer solstice is upon us, and the nation's druids are heading towards Stonehenge. Here's our guide to Britain's most mysterious ancient monument
Sally Bolton Guardian Unlimited
Friday June 21, 2002
1. Sure as today is the longest day of the year, as the sun rises over the Salisbury plain on June 21, crusties from across the land will be drawn as if by a mysterious force to the enigmatic monument of Stonehenge.
2. On the summer solstice, happy druids and Lord of the Rings fans can now mill freely - but quietly and soberly - among the ancient stones unfettered by nasty plastic fences, thanks to English Heritage.
3. The monument, near Amesbury in Wiltshire, is made up of a 100ft wide outer circle of bus-sized Sarsen stones, surrounding an inner horseshoe of bluestones from the Preseli mountains in south-west Wales. Inside that lies another horseshoe of giant archways.
4. Stonehenge began as a circle of timbers surrounded by a ditch, over 5,000 years ago. The bluestones were added in around 2100BC, their transportation by ancient man from a mountain range 245 miles away posing one of the greatest mysteries of the monument. About 200 years later the outer ring was added.
5. All this sweat and toil on the part of our neolithic forebears begs the question - why? Some think the stones' position means that Stonehenge was used as some kind of astral calculator - on midsummer's dawn, the sun rises in a direct line with the monument's huge heel stone.
6. But others believe that Stonehenge was merely a religious temple, housing pagan rituals and ceremonies. The Druids, the high priests of the Celts, may have used the central altar stone - as immortalised by Thomas Hardy - for animal or even human sacrifice.
7. But they certainly didn't build it, despite what 17th century Stonehenge antiquary John Aubrey thought. Carbon dating shows that Stonehenge was finished about 1,000 years before the Celts moved in.
8. Several less scientific theorists propose instead that Stonehenge was built by Merlin, the devil or aliens.
9. And that it is a landing site for UFOs, because of the crop circles that frequently appear around it. (Although in the pubs around the crop circles, there frequently appear mischievous hay-covered crusties with sore feet.)
10. Well, now they can't party the summer solstice in, as in the days of the Stonehenge festival, they have to do something.
11.15am update
Crowds of revellers return to Stonehenge solstice
Staff and agencies Guardian Unlimited
Thousands of people gathered
peacefully at Stonehenge today to see in the summer solstice. Some danced
naked, and others waved St George flags ahead of the England game, although
any appeals to spiritual bodies for help went unheeded.
Although the world heritage site in Wiltshire is open to the public during
the day, all year round, it is only the third time in more than a decade
it has been open for solstice celebrations.
Clashes between crowds and the police in the past, culminating in the Battle
of the Beanfield in 1985, led to a four-mile exclusion zone being imposed
around the stones during the solstice.
But police and English Heritage said today there had been only 11 arrests,
made mainly for drunkenness and drug offences, among the estimated 22,000
revellers.
People started to gather at the monument site last night and were later
allowed to congregate near the stones themselves. English Heritage had
allowed the celebrations on condition that people did not bring in glass
bottles or fireworks and did not climb on the stones.
Police said some people had flouted the rules including a number who climbed
on top of the stones, and a few were ejected from the site.
Superintendent Jeremy Wickham, who ran the police operation, said: "It's
fair to say the majority of people have been very well behaved and there
has been a good atmosphere. There have been the odd bits and pieces, most
of them drink or drug related. But I think we have learnt our lesson about
how to do things over the years."
The director of English Heritage Stonehenge, Clews Everard, said: "There's
been a really wonderful atmosphere and everyone seems to have been having
a good time. It's good to see so many people of all different ages, classes,
types and creeds enjoying themselves."
The dawn, although hidden by thick cloud, was greeted by the assembled
crowd with a cacophony of gongs, drums, whistles and whoops.
The revellers came from all over, new age travellers, druids, Hare Krishnas,
who all celebrated the solstice in their own manner amid a cloud of smoke
and incense haze.
A handful brought St George flags with them, standing on the stones to
cheer on England. And the assembled Kings Drums group banged out a rhythm
in their torchlit parade akin to a Brazillian samba.
John Rothwell, a "traditional British" witch, and Melizande Veritas,
a Texan witch, said the atmosphere had been good.
Mr Rothwell, 39, a computer technician from Telford, said: "It's such
a cool place to be. People have been doing this since year dot, even though
we have no written records of why. Everybody needs a reason to gather together,
a place of reverence."
Dean Feebry, 27, a chemist from Staines, said: "There's a very bizarre
mix of people here, witches and druids with knives drinking out of silver
goblets. But it's good, it's quite a spiritual place."
Jen Bodimer, 24, from Canada, said: "It's pretty strange, not what
I imagined, but it's pretty amazing." Jacob Geraghty, 25, from New
Zealand, said: "Everybody seems to be here for a different reason,
but having a good time."
Rainfall quickly dispersed the crowds with many leaving to try and find
a television to watch the football.
Police said those camped in the fields were supposed to leave by 1pm but
they expected some stragglers among those moving on to next week's Glastonbury
festival, which is nearby.
National Geographic online Wire Services June 21, 2002
Solstice Ceremonies Usher in Summer
Figures dancing and singing around
a huge bonfire at midnight, people waiting breathlessly for the sun to
set, prayers offered up to the god of fertility. An ancient Druid ritual?
More like a gathering of people in an otherwise conservative corner of
Toronto. A dozen or more members of TWIG (Toronto Temple of the Wiccan
Grove) were to gather in a quiet forested area in the north part the city
and then make their way down to the shores of Lake Ontario to watch the
sun rise Friday on the longest day of the year.
"There isn't a time of year when there is more life than the summer
solstice," said Richard James, owner of an occult store in Toronto
and co-founder of the Wiccan Church of Canada.
Travelers watch the sun rise over the Stonehenge monument June 21, 1999. British Druid priests performed sacred rituals to mark the summer solstice at Stonehenge for the first time in over a decade. The Druids were banished from the prehistoric stone circle after violent clashes between police and travellers in 1985.
Photograph by Paul Hackett/Reuters NewMedia Inc./CORBIS PIC1
Wiccans were also expected to
celebrate the solstice in other locations in Ontario, B.C., Alberta and
Quebec. The Wiccan Web site also mentions Winnipeg, Brandon, Saint John,
Corner Brook, St. John's, Dartmouth, Halifax and Yellowknife as having
people who are active in "the craft."
But appreciation of the sun-filled day goes beyond pagan worship. Canada's
National Aboriginal Day—a celebration of native cultural achievements—coincides
with the summer solstice and the beginning of summer. June 21 was chosen
because of the cultural significance of the longest day of the year and
because many Aboriginal groups mark this day as a time to celebrate their
heritage.
"It's an important day for aboriginals as it is seen as a time for
renewal, sacred ceremonies where we pray for healing medicines, good crops,
good harvest…it's a very significant day for us," said Jim Compton,
also known as The Rising Day in Ojibwa.
Aboriginal celebrations are scheduled across the country and APTN, Canada's
aboriginal television network, has full day coverage of the event featuring
aboriginal music.
"It's not every day you get a day to celebrate who you are,"
said Compton, programmer at APTN, who likened the day to Martin Luther
King day in the United States.
In aboriginal communities, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, June
21 is considered a holiday and Compton hopes one day all of Canada will
treat it as such. He has a vision of having a three-day stretch of celebrations:
Aboriginal Day, St.-Jean-Baptiste Day, and then Canada Day.
Dana Wessell, who will be teaching a course on the history of witchcraft
at the University of Lethbridge this summer, said many holidays coincide
with pagan celebrations.
"When Europe converted to Christianity, many pagan holidays were incorporated
into Christianity—look at the winter solstice and Christmas," said
Wessell.
In addition to welcoming summer, there is a scientific reason for all the
excitement surrounding this day.
Ralph Mistlberger, a professor of psychology at British Columbia's Simon
Fraser University, said there is anecdotal evidence that people, especially
those in the north, sleep less and are highly energized during longer days.
"The day signifies the goddess being at her fullest and her ripest,"
which could explain why June has been the traditional month for marriages,
said Wessell.
One of the popular spots to celebrate the summer solstice is at Stonehenge
in Wiltshire, England, where people gather to watch the sunset on the horizon.
In 1986 the British government allowed solstice goers to view the sunset
from six kilometers away. In 1999, James said, Britain decided to allow
groups into Stonehenge for one hour at a time.
Thousands Gather at Stonehenge
This year, thousands of New Age
people, aging hippies, mystics and those merely wishing to escape the crucial
England World Cup game against Brazil gathered at Stonehenge in a peaceful
celebration of the summer solstice.
The dawn, although hidden by thick cloud, was greeted with a cacophony
of gongs, drums, whistles and whoops. The revelers came from all over,
travelers, druids, hare-krishnas, who all celebrated the solstice in their
own manner amid a cloud of smoke and incense haze.
A few brought St. George flags with them, standing on the stones to cheer
on England against Brazil.
The Kings Drums group banged out a rhythm in their torchlit parade akin
to a Brazilian samba.
The site, whose origins are lost in four thousand years of history and
legend, is open to the crowds, after being closed for years, but carefully
monitored.
Clashes between crowds and the police in the past culminating in the Battle
of the Beanfield in 1985 led to a six-kilometer exclusion zone being set
up around the stones.
Police and conservation authorities said there had been only 11 arrests
made mainly for drunkenness and drug offences among the estimated 22,000
revellers by Friday morning.
The crowds began gathering late on Thursday and were later allowed to congregate
near the stones themselves. Glass bottles and fireworks were banned, as
was climbing on the stones.
Police said some people had flouted the rules including a number who climbed
on top of the stones, and a few were ejected from the site.
Jeremy Wickham, who supervised the police operation said the atmosphere
had been good. "There have been the odd bits and pieces, most of them
drink or drug related, but I think we have learnt our lesson about how
to do things over the years."
Traditional British witch John Rothwell, 39—who is also a computer technician—and
Texan witch Melizande Veritas said the atmosphere had been good.
"It's such a cool place to be. People have been doing this since Year
Dot, even though we have no written records of why," Rothwell said.
Copyright 2002 The Canadian Press and Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH
More info-
In Australia, It's the Winter Solstice
The Age (Melbourne, Australia)
Today may seem just another frosty
June workday in Australia but, on the astronomical calendar, it marks a
stellar event celebrated for thousands of years.
It is the winter solstice—the shortest day in the southern hemisphere,
the longest in the northern—and one of the merriest days for pagans, including
the thousands in Australia.
From sunrise at 7:35 a.m. to sunset at 5:08 p.m., Melburnians enjoyed just
nine hours and 33 minutes of daylight. From now on, the days will start
getting longer, but, alas, not warmer.
The twice-yearly solstices, which always fall within a day of June 21 and
December 21, occur because the Earth is tilted. In summer, the sun's rays
hit Australia at a front-on, direct angle for maximum heat. In winter,
they strike at an oblique angle, resulting in colder, shorter days.
The significance of the solstices (and the equinoxes in March and September,
when day and night are of equal length) have been known since ancient times.
Monuments such as Stonehenge in Britain were built to record their passing,
and the days were celebrated throughout the ancient world, from England
to China to America.
Census figures show 40,000 Australians—a figure that has doubled since
1996—are devotees of paganism and other nature-based religions that celebrate
the day.
Craig Ambrose, 23, of Balwyn, was to mark the winter solstice night with
a dozen or so fellow pagans. "We'll talk about resolutions for the
coming part of the year and share some food and drink—it's about hope and
a start of new things,'' he said.
Ambrose and his friends were to dine on a hot roast and mead in a simple
ceremony. The mead would be poured on the ground.
"You always offer some to the gods,'' he said. "I don't literally
believe there's a (pagan) goddess, but it's a metaphor in my mind.''
Copyright 2002 John Fairfax Group
Miami Herald online Posted on Fri, Jun. 21, 2002 [AP]
Revelers mark solstice at Stonehenge
Steve Wilson of the British Druids
Society carries the
English flag of St. George as he leaves Stonehenge in PIC1
Wiltshire, England, where thousands congregated to
celebrate the summer solstice. This is the third consecutive year that
English Heritage have allowed public access to observe the pagan ritual
from within the stone circle. Chris Ison, AP
STONEHENGE, England - Dancing,
chanting and beating drums, thousands of people greeted the year's longest
day Friday amid the prehistoric megaliths of Stonehenge.
While millions of their compatriots rose early to watch England's World
Cup quarterfinal clash with Brazil, more than 20,000 partygoers, self-styled
druids and New Age followers watched dawn break over the 4,000-year-old
stone circle.
As the sun - obscured by thick cloud - rose over the lichen-covered stones,
revelers beat drums, banged gongs and blew whistles.
"It's such a cool place to be," said John Rothwell, a computer
technician from Telford in central England who called himself a "traditional
British witch" and added, "Everybody needs a reason to gather
together, a place of reverence."
The stones were opened to the public for the solstice two years ago, after
being closed following violence between police and revelers in 1985.
Police said Friday's gathering was peaceful, but that 11 people were arrested
for drunkenness and drug offenses. Several people were ejected from the
site after clambering onto the stones.
Stonehenge - the remnants of the last in a sequence of circular monuments
built between 3000 B.C. and 1600 B.C. - has become a traditional gathering
place at the solstice, the northern hemisphere's longest day and the first
day of summer.
Exactly how and why Stonehenge was built remains a mystery. Some experts
believe it is aligned with the sun simply because its builders came from
a sun-worshipping culture, while others believe the site was part of a
huge astronomical calendar.
Pictures from other users of this Associated Press agency story:
Many of the partygoers had stayed
up much of the night, PIC1
but were unprepared for the weather. (AP)
People wait for dawn to arrive
to be able to celebrate the PIC2
Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, England, Friday June 21,
2002. The ceremonies were minimal with heavy rain arriving,
sending most of the participants away.(AP Photo/Max Nash)
Participants leave Stonehenge,England,
and the Summer Solstice, PIC3
Friday June 21, 2002, as heavy rain falls. Many of the participants
who had stayed up much of the night arrived unprepared for the
weather. (AP Photo/Max Nash)
Friday June 21, 07:29 AM Steve
Wilson of the British Driuds PIC4
Society waves his flag of St George at Stonehenge in Wiltshire
as thousands congregated to celebrate the summer solstice
Friday 21 June, 2002. It is the third consecutive year that English
Heritage have allowed the public access to observe the pagan ritual
from within the stone circle. (AP Photo/ Chris Ison., PA)
Ananova online Friday June 21 2002, 06:26 AM
Peace reigns at Stonehenge as 22,000 celebrate solstice
Thousands of people have gathered
peacefully at Stonehenge to see in the summer solstice. It's only the third
time in more than a decade it's been open for solstice celebrations.
Trouble in the past culminating in the Battle of the Beanfield in 1985
led to a four-mile exclusion zone being set up around the stones.
Police and English Heritage say there were only 11 arrests, mainly for
drunkenness and drug offences among the estimated 22,000 revellers.
People started to gather at monument site last night and were later allowed
to congregate near the stones themselves.
English Heritage allowed the celebrations on condition that people did
not bring in glass bottles or fireworks and did not climb on the stones.
The dawn, although hidden by thick cloud, was greeted by the assembled
crowds with a cacophony of gongs, drums, whistles and whoops.
The revellers came from all over, new age travellers, druids, hare-krishnas,
who all celebrated the solstice in their own manner amid a cloud of smoke
and incense haze.
"Traditional British" Witch John Rothwell said the atmosphere
had been good.
Mr Rothwell, 39, a computer technician from Telford, said: "It's such
a cool place to be. People have been doing this since Year Dot, even though
we have no written records of why. Everybody needs a reason to gather together,
a place of reverence."
Stonehenge opened to solstice revellers
Dawn breaks on an empty Stonehenge yesterday. The scene this morning was expected to be very different. The site was being opened overnight to allow people to witness this morning’s sunrise for the summer solstice. Druids and pagans were expected to make their annual pilgrimage to the monument where the dawning of the longest day has been worshipped for thousands of years.
After damage caused by solstice revellers in previous years, English Heritage set strict conditions. Visitors were not allowed to climb on or lean against the stones, or light fires. Amplified music was banned, along with dogs, tents, garden furniture, glass bottles and drunken behaviour.
Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, said that conditions were essential if access for the solstice was to be sustainable for the future. "This builds on the success of celebrations in 2000 and 2001," he said. "Summer solstice is a special time which means different things to different people. We want everyone who comes to be able to enjoy the occasion safely and peacefully."
Voice of America online News
21 Jun 2002 09:12 UTC
Arts & Culture
Thousands Celebrate Summer Solstice at Stonehenge
Thousands of people have greeted
the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere at Stonehenge in southern England
early Friday.
As the sun rose over the ancient stone structures, revelers beat drums,
chanted and danced.
No one knows why Stonehenge was built sometime between 3,000 and 1,600
B.C.
Some experts believe the circle of stones is aligned with the sun because
its builders came from a sun-worshipping culture. Others believe the site
was part of a huge astronomical calendar.
Stonehenge is one of Britain's most popular tourist attractions, a spiritual
home for thousands of druids and mystics.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.
Annanova online Story filed: 03:19 Thursday 20th June 2002
Open access for Stonehenge solstice
English Heritage is to allow
managed open access to Stonehenge for the summer solstice.
The stones will be open from 8pm until 7am tomorrow.
Access to the stones and the car park will be free and subject to entry
conditions.
Dr Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said: "We are
very pleased to be welcoming people to Stonehenge to celebrate the summer
solstice this year.
"This builds on the considerable success of the celebrations in 2000
and 2001.
"Summer solstice is a special time which means different things to
different people. We want everyone who comes to be able to enjoy the occasion
safely and peacefully."
Visitors will not be permitted to climb on, stand or lean against the stones,
or bring or light fires. Amplified music will also not be allowed.
Drunken behaviour will not be tolerated, nor are dogs, tents, garden furniture,
glass bottles or other objects.
Sky online Thursday June 20 2002, 04:22 PM
Stonehenge Set For A Summer Party
Stonehenge will be opened up
by English Heritage for revellers to celebrate the summer solstice.
The historic site, which hold special religious significance for some people,
will be open from 8pm on Thursday to 7am Friday.
Access to the stones and the car park will be free but subject to entry
conditions.
Visitors will not be permitted to climb on, stand or lean against the stones,
or bring or light fires.
Peacefully
Amplified music will also not
be allowed.
Drunken behaviour will not be tolerated, nor are dogs, tents, garden furniture
or glass bottles.
Dr Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage said: "We are
very pleased to be welcoming people to Stonehenge to celebrate the summer
solstice this year.
"Summer solstice is a special time which means different things to
different people.
"We want everyone who comes to be able to enjoy the occasion safely
and peacefully.
"Observance of the entry conditions is essential if we are to ensure
that access over the solstice is sustainable for the future," he added.
Helsingin Sanomat Culture - Thursday 20.6.2002
DOs and DON'Ts for Midsummer/Juhannus
20 ways to ensure you survive the weekend By William Moore
Midsummer is upon us. Actually Midsummer really IS upon us, tonight, but perversely the Finns celebrate June 24th instead, as the festival of John the Baptist. In fact, even this is not quite true, since what is celebrated is "the Saturday nearest to the 24th". Hence Friday night is Juhannusaatto, or the Eve of St. John, and Saturday is Juhannuspäivä, even if the actual religious festival isn't until Monday this year. If you think this is confusing now, try working it out after you have had a couple of burnt sausages and a few hits of the 40° electric soup...
Juhannus is an important Finnish festival , and the International Edition will not be appearing on Friday, since everyone will have vanished to their summer cottages to celebrate the event. Thursday is also generally designated "Bad Traffic Day", since most people take Friday off and fill the highways on Thursday afternoon. Juhannus is not a particularly "difficult" festival, as it does not require much more than alcohol, sausages, some sauna logs, and a box of matches to make it work. However, there are certain things it is important NOT to do, and others that you would do well to remember in order to ensure your enjoyment and survival.
1. DON'T
expect the trip to the cottage and back will resemble those TV-ads for
cars, where the driver of that spiffy little Peugeot is alone on the winding
open road. You will have plenty of company, and there will be several horse's
asses who think that a stationary line of cars is designed to be overtaken,
and perhaps others who have started celebrating before they reach the cottage.
Allow plenty of time and exercise patience. The roads should not be quite
so crowded on the return trip, as many people use this weekend to kick
off their summer vacation, and they simply stay where they are.
2. If the roads are miraculously
clear, DO remember that the police are probably NOT on holiday, and will
be eager to make up their monthly quota of tickets. Speed kills, and even
if it doesn't, it comes expensive in this country if you get caught driving
too fast.
3. DO stock up well beforehand
with the necessaries. The queues in the Alko off-licences are murderous
as Juhannus approaches. The Alko stores are open as normal on Thursday,
and from 9-13 on Friday, but thereafter you will have to wait until Monday.
4. DO remember that sound travels
a long way over water. Those clarion "Happy Midsummer" calls
to Arska and Pena on the other islands will tend to disturb the peace of
the occasion. And yelling the pair over to sample your moonshine may involve
you in a larger party than you had planned for. The same decibel warnings
go for tango and accordion music, both of which are well-represented at
this time of year.
5. DON'T mix alcohol and water,
unless both are safely inside a glass. Midsummer is the peak of the drowning
season, as overconfident swimmers discover that practising once a year,
colder-than-expected lake water, and several stiff ones before and during
sauna produce a strange sinking sensation.
6. On the same subject, DO keep
buttoned up, you gents, if you are out in a boat. One of Finland's more
grotesque statistics is that the majority of summer drowning victims are
found to have their zipper undone. Standing up to pee over the prow or
stern - especially when you are carrying a heavy liquid cargo - is a good
way to get your name in the Monday morning papers.
7. DO make sure that your Midsummer
bonfire (traditional, lovely, and largely invisible in the light evenings
of June) is situated well away from buildings. The fire services deserve
a holiday, too, and if you are not careful you may find that the remoteness
of your island-and-lake paradise is less attractive when the fire brigade
take an hour to arrive and your sauna/cottage is a charred stump. Forest
fire warnings are not meant to be flouted, either.
8. DON'T believe the weather
forecasters' optimism. They are just trying to avoid getting lynched by
public opinion for saying it will rain. Don't leave things outside overnight,
especially not matches. Cold sausages are even less appetising than hot
ones.
9. DO think carefully before
tearing up trees and branches (birch trees, that is) to decorate the outside
of your cottage in the traditional manner on Juhannusaatto. If you pick
the wrong ones, you may find the neighbours can see everything you do.
And if you pick THEIR trees, heaven help you.
10. If you have to stay in Helsinki
for the event, DO try to get to the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, where there
is an annual event with several bonfires and music and dancing and lots
of other stuff. Bus and tram timetables for Helsinki City Transport will
conform to Saturday schedules on Friday the 21st, but the No. 24 bus to
and from Seurasaari will be running later than usual, with the last departure
back to town at 01.30 on Saturday morning. Just to confuse matters, on
Saturday (Juhannuspäivä) the local buses, trams and trains will
be following their Sunday timetables.
11. DO read up beforehand on
local Juhannus fertility superstitions and rites, gentlemen. This will
make it easier to understand your partner if you find her buck-naked in
the grass covered in wild flowers. If she is also covered with Pekka from
next door, treat any explanations about rites with healthy scepticism.
The sun (if it appears) apparently does something for the libido - I think
I read somewhere it's got something to do with eye-lids, but I never knew
they were erogenous zones - and it is a fact that there is a peak in the
birth rate in mid- to late March.
12. DO read the instructions
on your barbecue. Throwing petrol on those lazily smouldering charcoal
bits is another great way of getting into the newspapers, and really the
sausages aren't worth it.
13. DON'T under any circumstances
break wind in the sauna if you are visiting friends. Farting is considered
very impolite, and with the right combination of alcohol and spring onions
it can be downright dangerous as well, and fully merits the curse of your
fellow-bathers that you will be plagued with haemorrhoids.
14. DO remember when making a
vihta - or birch switch - for the sauna that you should leave the leaves
ON. Contrary to popular belief abroad, it is not supposed to be masochistic,
but pleasurable.
15. DON'T stare at people walking
and sitting around naked on their wooden sauna jetties if you happen to
pass by in a sightseeing boat. They are not there to confirm your strange
belief that Scandinavians are all sex-mad exhibitionists, they are enjoying
the rays and washing themselves.
16. DO remember the shops will
probably be shut just when you run out of sugar or coffee. And that it's
anyway a long drive to the nearest shop. Man (and woman) cannot live long
on Koskenkorva and sausage alone.
17. DON'T leave windows and doors
unlocked at home, and DO get your neighbours to deal with the post and
newspapers (always assuming they are around to do it). Midsummer/Juhannus
is a favourite time for those without cottages to help themselves to the
video recorders and DVD players of those who are away.
18. DON'T even think of attending
any of the festivals ("rock festivals" is barely a suitable term)
that may be arranged over the weekend. These are among the more horrific
spectacles that the country can offer. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of
hormonally-supercharged teenagers sit in a field getting completely wasted
on beer, and the artists are ferried in and out, often by helicopter, in
a frantic attempt to get in as many gigs to brain-dead (and therefore receptive)
audiences as possible in a short time. If you like this country so far,
don't spoil the image now.
19. DO enjoy yourselves, and...
20. DON'T come anywhere near
me with lines like "Well, it's downhill all the way to Christmas now"
in the days that follow Juhannus. It is a natural enough reaction to the
importance of the solstice and the light, but since we have had a wonderful
start to the summer, it would be nice to think it can continue even after
Midsummer has passed.
Annanova online Story filed: 12:54 Monday 17th June 2002
Stonehenge was Bronze Age Millennium Dome'
A Plymouth man believes Stonehenge
originally looked like a Bronze Age version of the Millennium Dome.
Bruce Bedlam says the Wiltshire monument would have been a meeting place,
government centre and temple.
He claims the outer ring of monolithic stones supported a cone-shaped timber
roof, like a cathedral's.
The wooden beams would have stretched out from the stones to form a 10-point
star on the ground, like the supports that jut out from the Dome.
The former Army engineer says the tent-like shape was designed to line
up exactly with the movements of the sun at key dates throughout the year.
However Dr Christopher Chippindale, a Cambridge University archaeologist,
disputes the theory.
He says the stone blocks have such shallow foundations it is unlikely they
could have supported a cathedral-like roof.
The Western Daily Press says Mr Bedlam will unveil a model of the building
this week after spending 18 years researching the background of the stones.
Mr Bedlam said: "If they could move these stones, I can't imagine
the people who built Stonehenge standing in the rain - it doesn't make
any sense at all. I had to ask myself: Why was it so big? Why is it in
a circle? What are the lintels locked together and why is there a circle
of holes around Stonehenge?"
PIC1
