Stones of Stenness Henge

The Stones of Stenness formed a Neolithic henge in Orkney. Radiocarbon dates from animal bones in the ditch place early activity around 3100–2900 BC. The oval enclosure measured approximately thirty metres across and was surrounded by a ditch cut into bedrock, about four metres wide and two metres deep. That substantial boundary is no longer visible as an open ditch. Excavation identified a large central hearth, a path and stone settings, together with pottery and animal remains. These features show that activities took place within the enclosure, but their full ceremonial meaning remains uncertain. The surrounding landscape also contains the Watch Stone and the prehistoric settlement at Barnhouse. Stenness should be understood within that wider setting, while avoiding the assumption that every neighbouring monument was built or used at exactly the same time. Period: Neolithic; approximately 3100–2900 BC Grid reference: HY 3067 1252 Protection: Source: Historic Environment Scotland, https://www.trove.scot/place/2105 (Open Government Licence). Contains Historic Environment Scotland data licensed under the Open Government Licence; source compiler retained per record. Banner photo: "Standing Stones of Stenness 2026 1" by Ekrem Canli, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.