Longstone of Minchinhampton, Neolithic menhir in Minchinhampton, England.
The Longstone of Minchinhampton is a Neolithic limestone monolith standing about 2.3 meters tall and 1.8 meters wide with natural holes pitting its surface. One hole measures roughly 38 centimeters across and has become the most distinctive feature of the stone.
The stone originates from the Neolithic period and stands as a key monument to that prehistoric era. Excavations around the site uncovered flint tools and arrowheads indicating substantial human settlement and activity in the area from ancient times.
The holes in the stone became the focus of local healing practices where mothers passed sick children through them seeking relief from measles and whooping cough. This ritual shows how the monument held a living place in community life across generations.
The stone sits in a field along the road between Minchinhampton and Avening with access through a gated entrance for visitors. The site is easily reached on foot but the meadow can become muddy after rain, so suitable footwear is recommended.
Local legends tell of repeated attempts to move the stone using oxen teams that inexplicably failed as though held down by an unseen force. These stories, whether factual or not, reveal how deeply the stone has become embedded in the area's folklore.
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