Top 5 Weird and Wonderful Theories About Stonehenge

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With a murky history still unexplained, part of Stonehenge’s charm lies in giving people the opportunity to play detective and decide for themselves who put the stones there, and why. A number of theories have been put forward in an attempt to put Stonehenge’s puzzling past to rest – some more peculiar than others! Here is our pick of five unique Stonehenge theories that have all been legitimately supported by people over the years. Remember to keep an open mind…

1. Stonehenge as an Alien Landing Pad

Of course there’s going to be at least one theory involving extraterrestrials. Unfortunately for the creator of this idea, it’s even harder to prove.

Danish author Erich von Daniken created a loyal following when he suggested Stonehenge shares the same function as crop circles, reminding aliens where to land on the days they drop in to pay us Earthlings a visit.

Erm… we’re not totally convinced.

2. Stonehenge as an Ancient Party Place

A theory backed by a team of researchers proposed that ancient Brits gathered around the stones to do nothing more than have a good time.

After excavating prehistoric animal bones, findings were published theorising people gathered for epic sociable feasts.

Maybe Stonehenge was the Glastonbury of 2000BC!

3. A Force of Mother Nature

Geologists have put forward the theory that Stonehenge is nothing more than the result of Mother Nature at her finest. That she transported the rocks onto Salisbury Plain by moving glaciers.

The heavy rocks – some weighing up to 30 tonnes – and how they were put on the site has baffled people for years.

This theory answers that question, but is unpopular due to its yawn-inducing factual details.

4. Merlin The Wizard’s Magic Touch

The earliest Stonehenge theories were tales of legendary proportions. According to 12^th century writer Geoffrey of Monmouth, hundreds of British nobles were slaughtered on Salisbury Plain and a memorial to their memory was required by the King.

The myth goes that Merlin the Wizard used his sorcery to gather and erect the stones, where they have stood as a symbol of mystical power ever since.

5. The Oldest Team Building Exercise Known to Man

Another modern theory from the same brains that put forward Stonehenge as a premier party destination is the idea that the rocks were put together by people as part of a unification ritual.

Brits came together to bond over the construction of the hefty monument – and partied when it was completed.

Work hard, play hard!

Got any more interesting or wacky theories about the origins of Stonehenge? Share with us @goldentoursuk!

You could also make up your own mind with a visit to this captivating attraction. Stonehenge has a travel time of around two hours from London, and Golden Tours offer a number of Stonehenge packages .

Whether you want to discover historic Salisbury or Roman architecture in Bath, check out our list of tours to suit you.