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Ritual Landscapes The Later Neolithic and early Bronze Age is known (to EH at least) as the period of ritual landscapes. This is because it was during these times that Henges and other "ritual" landscape features were being created for the first time, their apparent lack of practical use, and relationship to burial grounds, typically represented by barrows. At Thornborough there is a convincing argument for a ritual landscape. Between Borroughbridge and Thornborough there are six identical yet unique henge monuments, these all share the same size (260m dia.) and type (henge with two entrances and ditches on the inside and the outside of the bank). Four of the henges sit on an alignment with the Devils Arrows, at Boroughbridge, the other two forming a second alignment with the same. Archaeological evidence shows that the henges had at least two distinct phases of construction, which resulted in their current shape. Firstly, approx. 2,200BC a classic type II henge was canstructed (two entrances, one outer bank, one inner bank), then the outer bank was reduced and a new bank created inside the original ditch, with a new ditch being constructed within this, thus forming their current shape. The uniformity of construction, coupled with the alignments that they sit on, and other factors identified by archaeology strongly suggest that they were a part of a prolonged and co-ordinated "architecting" of the overall landscape. It is probably the term "ritual" which is the most unfortunate (although I can't think of a better term) since it brings up all sorts of religious connotations which somewhat cloud the waters. A good example of the case for ritual however, also comes from Thornborough, where a large number of polished stone axes from Langdale in Cumbria have been found. These were mainly in an "as new" condition, and seemingly were deposited in what would have been a boggy area slightly to the north of the complex (the current quarry). The evidence of them being unused and apparently deposited yet presumably of having some value (they travelled here from Cumbria, and were extremely well made) is suggestive of a deliberate and ritualistic deposition. Combining these two factors and one can see how this period could easily construed as that of ritual landscapes. But the term ritual does not simply mean religious, look at football - it is possibly the largest example of ritual behaviour in Britain, many would say verging on a religion for some, it has resulted in the creation of thousands of large amphitheatres, and no doubt has resulted in the creation of many personal and group rituals, some may include the destruction of prized objects, yet it does not form part of our "religion" as such. So, ritual deposits - an offering to the gods? or did the "axe team" lose the championship? Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by BrigantesNation 3rd October 2003ce Edited 3rd October 2003ce

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Oculus This link argues that a prehistoric trackway passed by the Devils Arrows. Since it was written, Catterick henge has been discovered. A line drawn between Catterick Henge and the Arrows cuts through the centre of Cana Barn and Hutton Moor Henges. Furthermore, if extended south it cuts through Newton Kyme henge. The fact that three of these henges are identical`and that they are built on a stright alignment gives strength to the suggestion that a dead stright overland route existed in the Neolithic period. Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by BrigantesNation 27th April 2004ce

Northern Earth Detailed study of the Ure-Swale ritual landscape. pt2 Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by IronMan 1st March 2002ce

Northern Earth Detailed study of the Ure-Swale ritual landscape. pt1 Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by IronMan 1st March 2002ce

The Thornborough Henges — News

Nosterfield Quarry - archaeological report After 17 years on site the publication report for Nosterfield Quarry is complete. This important work tells the story of the northern margins of Thornborough Moor, the changing patterns of its use during the prehistoric period, the drainage of the wetland and their subsequent enclosure. http://www.archaeologicalplanningconsultancy.co.uk:80/thornborough/nos.php Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by thesweetcheat 11th July 2011ce

The Devil's Arrows (Standing Stones) — Images (click to view fullsize)

Posted by tiompan 28th May 2011ce

The Thornborough Henges — News

Beltane Joy at Thornborough Henges ! Hail Brigantia ! Fun was had by one and all that attended the Beltane celebration at Thornborough Henges over the May Bank Holiday Weekend. Perhaps 500 people attended from all over the country. Glorious sun and pretty windy. Superb fire show at night, awesome drumming sessions and I got handfasted to my love. Many thanks to Ollie and Sigbrit. This site is so special I cannot believe it is so forgotten. More visitors in 1 day than the rest of the year put together. The Brigantes Nation is strong and proud - Hail Brigantia ! Come next year to see what I am talking about . . . Blingo Comments (2)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by Blingo_von_Trumpenst 3rd May 2011ce

The Devil's Arrows (Standing Stones) — Images

Posted by fitzcoraldo 19th March 2011ce

Thornborough Henge Central — Fieldnotes

From the northwest henge driving southish a track is on the other side of the road and map says it goes straight to the central henge, we plumped for the shortcut, because thats the way I am. I really should mend my ways, the track doesnt go all the way but degenerates into something like a footpath, it was really difficult reversing over rough ground encased in brambles. But when I did turn round I could see we'd got within a hundred yards of the henge so me Eric and maggie scampered over and climbed over the fence . The henge is stunningly impressive, if it was on its own I would still have come here but three in a row is just stupifying. The henge is higher in places than others by the southeast entrance the bank has so eroded that a barrow like structure appears at the entrance. It had been a long day and the sun was low in the sky, it would be dark before we were half way home, we left the henge to the fearful sheep and monument destroying rabbits. Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by postman 25th November 2010ce

Thornborough Henge North — Fieldnotes

Untill now I'd only been to the other two henges which are both easy to see and get to as theres a carpark between them. This northern henge has no carpark though there is room for a couple of cars at the side of the road but a few no parking signs deter this, not me though. This was a good vibe place for me though, a tarzy hung over the henge bank and occupied Eric for the whole time, Maggie the Jack Russell kept reacting to something only she could detect, and more than half my photos came out blurry, adding to the mystery of the place very muchly. As if the trees and age of the thing weren't enough. The henge was bigger and better preserved than I'd thought they'd be, a perambulance will pass by both entrances and the henge will reveal itself to you in good time. Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by postman 25th November 2010ce

Thornborough Henge North — Images

Posted by postman 25th November 2010ce

Thornborough Henge Central — Images

Posted by postman 25th November 2010ce