Castlerigg stone circle, Stone circle in Lake District, England.
Description
Castlerigg is an oval stone arrangement with 38 standing stones on a hill plateau in the Lake District, England. The formation measures between 29.5 and 32.6 meters across, with a rectangular group of ten stones set within the eastern section.
History
The circle was built around 3200 BCE during the Late Neolithic and served communities as a gathering place. The layout suggests use over several centuries before the tradition eventually faded.
Culture
The name comes from a nearby farm and points to the agricultural use of the surrounding land in later centuries. Visitors today can see how the local slate slabs reflect the geological character of the region.
Practical
The site lies near Keswick and remains open all year with no admission fees or closing times. The path from the parking area runs a short distance over firm ground.
Did you know?
The heaviest stone weighs around 16 tonnes and was likely hauled several kilometers using wooden rollers and ropes. The alignment of the stones suggests a connection with the nearby ridge of Threlkeld Knott.
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Stone circles stand among humanity's earliest architectural accomplishments, constructed by prehistoric communities across Europe and beyond over thousands of years. These circular arrangements of standing stones served multiple purposes, functioning as astronomical observatories where ancient...
The Lake District covers the hills and valleys of Cumbria where lakes sit among mountains. Windermere, the largest, has boats crossing its waters for many years. Derwentwater, near Keswick, attracts walkers who circle its shores on foot. Ullswater offers a more quiet setting, while Buttermere and...
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