Neolithic complex dubbed ‘Stonehenge of the North’ opens to public in UK

Two sites of Thornborough Henges near Ripon, UK, have been donated to the public authority Historic England in an effort to preserve millennium-old monuments.

Thornborough Henges, a Neolithic complex near Ripon in North Yorkshire, UK, known as “North Stonehenge”, has been taken over by the state and is now open to visitors.

This place dates from the period from 3500 to 2500 BC and represents three earth circles, each 4 meters high and 200 meters in diameter. According to archaeologists, earthworks were probably used by the early Britons as ceremonial gathering places and trading centers.

Two of the three henges were donated to Historic England by the construction firm Tarmac. They are now in the care of the English Heritage charity and are open to the public. A local company, Lightwater Holdings, also donated parts of the wider monument.

Henji is “a connection with our ancient ancestors over the millennia that inspires a sense of wonder and mystery,” Duncan Wilson of Historic England said in a statement.

“We are delighted to have purchased this very important site for the nation, ensuring that these magnificent monuments are safe and will be preserved for future generations.”

The transfer of ownership means that the two earthworks will be removed from the Historic England Risk Register. They have been on the registry since 2009 due to concerns that these sites are being destroyed by livestock and rabbits.

Today, all three hedgerows are visible as large circular banks, but thousands of years ago they would have stood over wetlands. They may have been coated with a sulfate mineral known as gypsum, which created white landmarks visible for miles.

According to Kate Mavor of English Heritage, opening the site to the public will introduce new audiences to its history. “Thornborough Henges is one of the most important ancient sites in Britain, but almost completely unknown. We look forward to sharing its meaning, stories and secrets with the public,” the statement said.