SECRETS OF STONEHENGE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 220, 11 June 1921, Page 7

SECRETS OF STONEHENGE

ANCIENT ENGINEERING FEAT. Is the age-long riddle of Stonehenge nearer solution? . Dr. H. H. Thomas, of the Geological Survey, has now positively identified the origin of the "blue stones,” as certain parts of the monument are called, mid this is an important addition to our knowledge. These “blue stones . have been identified with the formation in the Preserily Mountains in Pembrokeshire. How they were transported from the rock, all' that distance, has yet to be discovered.

Recent work has produced evidence of a fascinating character —namely, that the present monuments are but the remains of Sionehenge IT, and that there irns an older Stonehenge than the one known to-dav.

That, this megalithic monument of preStonclienge times existed has been proved bv Pter researches at the "Aubrey holes.”

A circle of standing stones, enclosed by a bank and a ditch, was th" site of this older monument, from which, in the Bronze Age, ths atones were taken to heln to build the newer one. flow Stonehenge was erected in those early timoa lies been suggested by comparison with the mechanism used for the repair® carried out in the last twelve months.

“Tho makers of Slouehenge.” It is pointed out "ware clenrlv equal to the task of raising stones of five or six tons t> tho required heights. ami of setl'ng them unright with .absolute nrecision.’

Astronomers have dated Stonehenge at 15011 rears before Christ, «o that unl. ot * the latest ovidom-es confit-l wifi, this dat» somethin" like a , ivil'aed community. commanding considerable engineering and mechanical knowledge, must bo mosiimed to have existed in England more than 3000 rears ngu.