For over four centuries, the origin of the colossal sarsen stones that form the iconic primary structure of Stonehenge has remained one of Britain's greatest archaeological enigmas. Now, a revolutionary scientific breakthrough has finally cracked the case.
A team of researchers, led by Professor David Nash from the University of Brighton, has successfully identified the precise source of the giant stones. Their findings, published after a meticulous multi-year study, reveal that nearly all of the 15-ton sarsens were hauled from a site known as West Woods, located just 15 miles north of the stone circle on the edge of the Marlborough Downs in Wiltshire.
The Detective Work: How Geochemistry Solved a Millennia-Old Puzzle
The key to unlocking this ancient secret was a core sample, drilled from one of the stones during conservation work in the 1950s. This priceless piece of stone, kept as a souvenir by a worker for decades, was returned to English Heritage in 2018, providing the team with pristine, uncontaminated material for analysis.
Using a state-of-the-art technique called portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (PXRF), the scientists first analysed all 52 remaining sarsens at the Wiltshire monument. This non-invasive method revealed that 50 of them shared a remarkably consistent geochemical composition, suggesting a common origin.
The team then subjected the core sample to more destructive, high-precision analysis. By comparing its unique geochemical fingerprint—a signature of trace elements and isotopes—to potential source areas across southern England, they found a definitive match: West Woods.
Why This Discovery Rewrites History
This discovery is monumental for several reasons:
- It confirms long-held theories: While West Woods was a suspected source, this is the first conclusive, scientific proof.
- It reveals sophisticated Neolithic planning: The builders specifically selected large, robust sarsens from a single location for the main circle and inner horseshoe.
- It highlights a mammoth effort: Transporting 15-30 ton stones over 15 miles of rugged prehistoric landscape was a phenomenal logistical feat.
'This discovery is nothing short of a Holy Grail moment for archaeologists,' exclaimed Professor Nash. 'To finally have a definitive answer to this 400-year-old question is incredibly thrilling. It allows us to look at the monument with new eyes and understand the journey these stones took.'
Susan Greaney, Senior Properties Historian for English Heritage, added that the finding makes the story of Stonehenge even more remarkable, emphasising the deliberate choice of location and the immense effort undertaken by Neolithic people.
While the origin of the smaller 'bluestones' from Wales had been previously established, the mystery of the larger sarsens has now been laid to rest. This breakthrough not only solves a perennial mystery but also opens a new chapter in understanding the ambition, skill, and determination of Stonehenge's Neolithic creators.
