Woodhenge

Southern England

Although the structure of this henge was of a type similar to that of Stonehenge, it gained it's name from the fact that it was made with timber posts rather than stone.  Woodhenge consisted of 6 concentric rings.  The rings that were oval in shape, have the long axis pointing in the direction of the sun rise on Midsummer's Day.  There is also a burial near the centre, and there are several posts which do not form any part of the 6 rings.  Originally, the monument was surrounded by a ditch and an embankment.  To the North East a causeway crossed the ditch to allow access to the henge.

Although originally made from timber posts, other than the earthworks, there is nothing remaining from the original henge.  Concrete posts have been set to mark the original positions of the timbers, and the tops of which have been colour coded to show the various rings.  Granted looking at concrete posts does not have the same effect or atmosphere, but to see the layout of the original henge, and the complicated arrangement of the 6 rings alone is worth the visit.

Directions

Take the A345 from Amesbury towards Marlborough.  Woodhenge is signposted on the left hand side.

 

Photos

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