Archaeology Team Unearths 'Prototype' of World-famous Stonehenge Monument Just a Few Miles Away

A remarkable discovery near the iconic Stonehenge monument in southern England suggests a potential precursor to the 5,000-year-old Neolithic structure. Archaeologists from Wessex Archaeology revealed on Thursday the unearthing of a site featuring two large wooden poles, estimated to have been 120 meters apart.

Researchers believe this wooden structure, which predates Stonehenge by approximately 500 years, served as a 'prototype.' Its alignment was precisely set to mark the rising sun during the summer solstice and the setting sun during the winter solstice. The discovery was made at Bulford, about 5 kilometers from the main Stonehenge circle, as part of archaeological assessments for the British defense ministry.

“

Opportunities like this probably only come once in a career, in a lifetime.

Phil Harding, a lead archaeologist on the project, described the find as a career highlight. The site also yielded a wealth of artifacts, including pottery, animal bones, and a rare disc-shaped knife, indicating it was likely a significant location for major religious gatherings. The findings are being released just ahead of the summer solstice, a time when thousands traditionally gather at Stonehenge to celebrate the longest day of the year.

“

I’m probably towards the end of my career now, but thank God I’m still in archaeology long enough to be part of this discovery, because it’s certainly the highlight of my career.