Stones of Brytene

The Stones of Brytene

Stānhencg (Englisc) Cylch cerrig (Celtic)
File:Brytene Stones.jpg
Location	Brytene
Region	Anglaland
Type	Monolithic structure
Length	4.2km
Width	1.6km
Height	3.8m
History
Builder	Unknown
Material	Stone, various
Founded	circa 2600BC
Cultures	Template:Country data Brytisc Celts (assumed)
Site notes
Condition	Protected site
Ownership	House Rohan
Management	Bureau for Culture
Website	www.visitthestones.bry

The Stones of Brytene are a prehistoric monument located in central Anglaland, Brytene, about 2km west of Eorlingas Holdfast. They are a famous national monument and consist of standing stones and menhir. The site is believed to have been constructed circa 2200BC. The site is officially owned by House Rohan, but is managed and controlled by the Brytisc Bureau for Culture.

History

Radiocarbon dating suggests that the first standing stones were raised in roughly 2600BC, on the site of a former causewayed enclosure, the ditches of which can still be seen radiating out from the eastern end of the monument. The 'Death Stone' (see below) dates to at least 6000BC and is by far the oldest stone portion of the monument still standing.

The first portions to be raised were two single rings of menhirs, raised on a west-east parallel with one another. These two rings now form the outer rings of the monument. An avenue of menhirs just over a kilometer long was added roughly a century later, connecting the two rings.

In approximately 2200BC, the larger inner rings were raised, giant dolmen-style structures within the two outer rings of menhirs. This appears to be the final phase of construction.

The Stones appear to have been in regular use for the next twenty-five centuries. In 481AD, Torsten of Rohan founded the town of Eorlingas Holdfast within sight of the Stones. Little direct reference is made to the monument, but the rulers of the town are recorded as taking the title 'Lord of the Stones' from this date, suggesting that they exercised direct control over access to the monument.

In 644AD, the Battle of the Stones was fought in and around the monument, between the Saxones and a confederation of invading Celti led by King Cadwyg Cadarn. The battle was a victory for the Saxons.

The site has remained in use to this day as a site of Adfyrian worship, although in 1812 control of the site was handed over to the Bureau for Culture.

Use

Little is known about the original function of the Stones. Some scholars believed that the layout suggests the Stones they were a form of sun-worship site, as the largest dolmens to the east and west frame the rising and setting sun during the equinoxes and solstices.

Burials found near the site suggest it was also a religious or judicial location. Many of the bodies were found ritually buried and with crushed skulls in the proximity of the 'Death Stone', located in the centre of the western ring. This has led to speculation that the Death Stone was used as an execution or sacrificial site.

File:Death stone.jpg

The 'Death Stone'

The Stones are still being used as a site of worship for Wotan, as well as a stage for religious and political ceremonies. This use persists somewhat to this day, although the site is currently controlled by the Bureau of Culture.

Visitor access is allowed throughout the year, although unaccompanied guests may not pass beyond a recently-constructed Ha-ha that encircles the site. Visitors may be taken on pre-booked tours of the Stones, and religious and cultural events are held there throughout the year. The site is also used to host marriages, but the waiting list is rather long.

Damage to the site is punishable by heavy fines and, if intentionally caused, by mandatory jail sentences.

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