England is home to some of the most famous sites in the world. From Stonehenge to Hadrian’s Wall, to Avebury and many more, England’s past lives on in its innumerable archaeological monuments. These fascinating remnants of earlier civilizations give us a window into our rich history and culture. That is why we must protect these historical locations so that future generations can appreciate them as much as we do. Thankfully, there are many organizations dedicated to doing just that. One such organization is The National Trust. These non-profit trusts work with private individuals and public bodies to preserve sites of historical significance so that they may be enjoyed by visitors for years to come.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is one of England’s most famous landmarks, and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, these enormous stones have been standing for thousands of years. Constructed in three phases, the first of which occurred around 3000 BCE, these mysterious monoliths are a source of endless fascination and speculation. Theories abound as to what these stones were used for, but no one can say for sure. Its sheer size and the sheer number of people required to move the stones to their current location make it one of the wonders of the world. Stonehenge is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To protect this incredible site, the government designated a Stonehenge World Heritage Site Management Plan in 2004. This plan focuses on the conservation of the site, tourism management, and public education. Visitors can help protect Stonehenge by following the rules outlined in the plan: they should stay on the paths, respect the site and its surroundings, and not bring any food or drink inside the stones.
Avebury
Avebury is a Neolithic henge and stone circle located in Wiltshire. It was built between 3800 and 3000 BCE as a monument to prehistoric people’s ancestors and deities. It is the largest henge in the world, with a diameter of over 1,000 feet. It is also the largest stone circle in Europe. The site is a popular destination for archaeologists and historians who are eager to learn more about the civilization that built it. Visitors can see the stones themselves, but the site is closed to all but researchers between October and March. The rest of the year, the site is open to the public. Visitors can tour the stones and see the excavated remains of the settlement that once stood there. The site is under the care of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, which work to protect it by restricting access to the stones themselves. Visitors are welcome to walk through the henge and the surrounding fields and paths.
Castlerigg Stone Circle
Castlerigg Stone Circle is a Neolithic stone circle located in the Lake District National Park. It is one of the most famous stone circles in northwestern England. Believed to date to around 3000 BCE, this site features 29 stones that form a circle approximately 90 feet in diameter. The stones at Castlerigg are primarily made of diorite, a type of igneous rock. The site was excavated in the 1930s and again in the 1980s, revealing pottery fragments and human bones left at the site as offerings. It is believed that these stones were erected as a form of worship for the sun or moon.
Silbury Hill
Silbury Hill is an enormous man-made mound in Wiltshire that was built around 2500 BCE by the people of the Avebury culture as a tomb for their rulers. Both of these sites have been under the care of The National Trust since the 1920s. Visitors can explore both the sites and the visitor centre nearby at any time of the year. The National Trust works to protect and educate visitors about these sites through signage and an exhibit in the visitor centre. Visitors can not climb Silbury Hill but only view it from the nearby car park and information point.
Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall is a historic wall that stretches from coast to coast across northern England. Built-in 122 CE, this wall was the northernmost border of the Roman Empire. It was originally built out of turf and clay but later replaced with stone. The wall was abandoned in the 5th century CE after the Roman Empire withdrew its forces from the isles. This remarkable site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. To protect the wall from erosion and other damage, the government passed Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Act in 2003. This act made it illegal to damage the wall, whether willingly or by accident. To protect the site further, the government designated the land south of the wall as Hadrian’s Wall Country Park. Anyone who wishes to visit and explore this wall must follow the park rules.
Rollright Stones
The Rollright Stones are an ancient stone circle located in Oxfordshire. It is believed that the stones were erected around 3000 BCE. The stones at the Rollright Stones are made of sandstone and are believed to be of Cornish origin. This site has been protected as a scheduled monument since 1929. The government works to protect the site by restricting access to the stones themselves. Visitors are welcome to walk on the paths surrounding the stones and through the surrounding fields. The government also provides information about the site, its history, and the various myths and legends associated with it. The Rollright Stones are believed to be the inspiration for the fictional stones of Tolkien’s Middle Earth.
Maiden Castle
Maiden Castle is a large Iron Age hill fort in Dorset, England. It was built around 600 BCE and was used as a settlement and defensive structure throughout the following millennia. It is one of the most famous archaeological sites in southern England. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is under the care of The National Trust. Visitors can explore the site and walk along the ramparts and moat during March through October. The National Trust works to protect this site by providing information about it to visitors as well as working to prevent erosion of the site. Maiden Castle is believed to be one of the largest hill forts in Europe and contains a wealth of archaeological finds.
Conclusion
The ancient monuments in England are some of the most famous sites in the world. From Stonehenge to Hadrian’s Wall, to Avebury and many more, these fascinating remnants of earlier civilizations give us a window into the rich history and culture of the UK. That is why we must protect these historical locations so that future generations can appreciate them as much as we do.