Sometime after the trilithons were built, the final stones were added. Actually, these stones were recycled bluestones from the abandoned stone circle that preceded the uprights and lintels. The stones were set in a ring just inside the outer circle, and in a horseshoe-shaped arrangement just inside the large trilithon horseshoe.

Finally, two more concentric circles of holes were dug around the entire structure, apparently for yet two more rings of stone to be set into, but for unknown reasons, the stones were never placed. Today these holes are not visible.

Since about 1500 BC, the ancient builders’ carefully planned and executed design has been left to decay. Most of the damage has probably occurred in the last few hundred years, as local builders helped themselves to convenient stones. Today’s concern for preservation is a relatively new attitude; in the recent past, visitors to the site could rent a hammer with which to knock off a piece of stone for a souvenir.

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Stonehenge lies 2 miles west of Amesbury at the junction of the A303 and A344/A360 roads. The hours vary seasonally; call ahead for details. There is a large shop and interactive audio tours are available. Admission costs £3.50 for adults, £2.60 for seniors, and £1.90 for children. National Trust members are admitted free. Tel: 01980 624715.

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