Castlerigg Stone Circle
Keswick Carles · Castle Rigg
Late Neolithic·Late Neolithic Cumbria / Langdale axe network·🇬🇧 Cumbria, England, United Kingdom
About
About Castlerigg Stone Circle
Late Neolithic flattened stone circle on plateau near Keswick in Lake District, 29-32 m diameter of 38 local slate and volcanic stones up to 2.3 m high with rectangular enclosure of 10 stones abutting eastern side. Built c.3200 BCE, one of earliest circles in Britain with dramatic panorama of Skiddaw and Blencathra fells. Possibly seasonal gathering and trade axis for Langdale axe factories.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function of rectangular eastern enclosure within circle
Theories
- 01Early astronomical alignment to midwinter sunset
- 02Meeting place for axe trade
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 3200–3000 BCE
- Period
- Late Neolithic
- Culture
- Late Neolithic Cumbria / Langdale axe network
- Purpose
- Ceremonial circle and gathering place
- Abandoned
- c.2000 BCE
- Rediscovered
- Antiquarian 1725 Stukeley; conserved by National Trust
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 3200–3000 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1056 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
54.6026° N · 3.0984° W · 230 m · 2 mapped features
Main Circle
stone circle38-stone flattened circle
54.6026° N · 3.0984° WEastern Enclosure
enclosureRectangular 10-stone enclosure abutting circle
54.6027° N · 3.0980° W
Gallery