Two sections of Thornborough Henge, near Ripon, England, were donated to the public body Historic England to preserve the thousands-year-old monuments.
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February 3, 2023
The heart of the three Thornborough Henge historic england
Known as the ‘Stonehenge of the North’, Thornborough Henges, a Neolithic complex near Ripon in North Yorkshire, England, was donated to public land and is now open to visitors.
The site dates from 3500 to 2500 BC and features three earth circles that are 4 meters high and 200 meters wide. Archaeologists believe that the earthworks were probably used by the early British as ceremonial gatherings and trading centers.
Two of the three henges were donated by the Tarmac Construction Company to the public body Historic England. They are now under the care of the charity English Heritage and are free to visit by the public. Local company Lightwater Holdings has also donated part of the larger monument.
Duncan Wilson of Historic England said in a statement that Henge “is a link to our ancient ancestors for thousands of years, inspiring a sense of wonder and mystery.”
“We are thrilled to have acquired a site so important to our country to ensure that these magnificent monuments are safe and preserved for generations to come.”
south and central henge historic england
The transfer of ownership means that two earthworks will be removed from the Historic England risk register. Since 2009 it has been registered due to concerns that the site has been encroached by livestock and rabbits.
All three henges appear today as large circular banks, but thousands of years ago they would have stood on wetlands. They may be covered in a sulfate mineral known as gypsum, creating white landmarks that can be seen for miles.
According to English Heritage’s Kate Maber, the site’s general opening will bring the story to new audiences. “Thornborough-Henges is one of Britain’s most important ancient sites, yet little known. We look forward to sharing its significance, stories and secrets with the public,” she said in a statement. said in
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