Are Dartmoor’s Mysterious Stone Circles Tied to Stonehenge and Orkney?
Discovery of Ancient Stone Circles on Dartmoor’s Taw Marsh
For over 20 years, archaeologist Alan Endacott has explored Dartmoor’s rugged expanse in search of hidden treasures from the past. His dedication recently yielded another major find: two Neolithic stone circles, believed to be 5,000 years old, near Taw Marsh close to Belstone in Devon.
One of these monumental circles, situated near Metheral Hill, has been dubbed the Metheral stone circle. With 20 stones, most now fallen, this impressive structure spans 130 by 110 feet (40 by 33 meters). Its design, reminiscent of Stonehenge, suggests a sophisticated layout, possibly tied to spiritual or astronomical functions.
Mapping the Sacred Arc: A Neolithic Landscape Theory
Endacott’s discoveries are part of his broader research into Dartmoor’s “sacred arc”, a theoretical interconnected network of ancient stone formations. He believes these sites form a unified sacred landscape, symbolizing the cultural and spiritual priorities of Neolithic communities.
“Dartmoor then would have been vastly different,” Endacott explained, referencing the once forested terrain. “These circles might have marked significant high ground, perhaps enclosing it for ceremonial or territorial reasons.”
The newly found Metheral stone circle aligns well with the existing arc map Endacott has been piecing together. A second circle discovered during the same excavation lies outside this outline, leading Endacott to hypothesize it served as an entrance or gateway into the sacred arc.
Neolithic Builders: Links to Broader Megalithic Cultures
Constructed around 3,000 BC, these stone circles may have undergone modifications during the Bronze Age as the region’s inhabitants added their own legacy to these enduring monuments.
Endacott draws comparisons between the Metheral circle and notable structures like the Ring of Brodgar in Orkney or the Stipple Stones on Bodmin Moor. “Travel and cultural exchange were significant even then,” he noted. “The builders of the Metheral circle might have been to Stonehenge or even as far as Orkney, showcasing widespread contacts and shared traditions.”
A Century of Discoveries: Endacott’s Journey of Uncovering History
The Metheral and Taw Marsh circles are only the second and third new finds on Dartmoor in 100 years. Endacott’s earlier discovery of the Sittaford stone circle in 2007 marked the beginning of his sacred arc theory. Situated at 1,720 feet (525 meters), Sittaford is the highest-altitude stone circle in southern England and sparked Endacott’s interest in exploring further.
Searching for Dartmoor’s Hidden Past
As the founder and curator of the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton, Alan Endacott has made it his mission to unearth Dartmoor’s ancient secrets. His systematic surveys and in-depth research continue to expand our understanding of the region’s Neolithic and Bronze Age heritage.
“These excavations exceeded my expectations and added invaluable evidence to our understanding,” Endacott stated. “Yet they also raise new questions—why were they built, and what role did they serve? The journey to uncover these answers is far from over.”
The Fascinating Future of Dartmoor’s Sacred Arc
Endacott’s vision of Dartmoor as a sacred, interconnected landscape opens new possibilities for exploration. With every discovery, the story of Dartmoor’s ancient inhabitants grows richer, inviting us to connect with their enduring legacy and marvel at their ingenuity.
Source: Are Dartmoor’s Mysterious Stone Circles Tied to Stonehenge and Orkney?
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