>>>If people today build wonderful astronomical, sacred theories around stone circles (when in fact some of those circles may have actually just been corrals) then something has gone seriously wrong with the interpretation. We can marvel at the effort and ingenuity of the people who built ancient structures but if we then label the reasons for their efforts with the wrong interpretation we are doing them (and ourselves) a great disservice.<<<

We often take into account the folkloric evidence as a hint of what may have gone on, future interpretation of our generation's relics will do the same in the absence of written records surviving.

If the circle builders wanted to corral livestock, why didn't they use 4 ft tall thin stones so they could easily weave withies or brush or thorn between them. I can't think of any circle that would lend itself to being easily used in this way and what about a gate? Why go to all that effort when there are easier ways? Are any circles called sheepfold or pinfold? Is there a link to the Stones List please as I don't want to go off topic here.

Rune