
Stonehenge is widely recognized today as a prehistoric site, often linked to the druids and ancient Celts. It was used for religious rituals and believed to be a place of worship for the cult of the dead. But how was it perceived in the Middle Ages? Was it simply abandoned to the passage of time?
Much like today, medieval people were fascinated by the monument and wondered about its significance. Stories about the origins of this enigmatic site emerged during the Middle Ages, and several medieval artists depicted it, providing us with insights into how they viewed the monument.
Recent discoveries of chapels, shrines, and burial mounds indicate that the monument was used long after it was believed to have ceased serving religious purposes. Some scholars suggest that the bluestones comprising parts of Stonehenge may have had healing properties. Geoffrey Wainwright believed that ancient pilgrims used the monument for healing, although this view might be influenced by early medieval stories about healing stones and waters popular at the time.
The famous Arthurian author Geoffrey of Monmouth (1100-1155) wrote about Stonehenge in 1136. He claimed that it was commissioned by the mythical Briton king, Aurelius Ambrosius, while in exile in Brittany. According to Geoffrey, it was built as a memorial to 460 slain British lords betrayed by Vortigern and the Saxons. The men were tricked into meeting at the site to broker a peace treaty but were slaughtered instead.
When Aurelius returned, he tasked Merlin with creating a memorial for the fallen. Merlin is said to have transported the stones from Ireland using his magic. Eventually, Aurelius and King Arthur’s father, Uther Pendragon, were supposedly buried there. This is one of the most popular medieval foundation stories surrounding the monument, firmly cementing Stonehenge’s association with the mythical Arthurian past.
Read More – Stonehenge’s Medieval Story: Art, Legend, and Lore
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