Stonehenge and its Environs 134
Image by RiotGibbon

Earlier in this discussion I mentioned the possibility that the Blue Stones may have been transported by a craft similar to the Neolithic sewn-plank boats as found at North Ferriby. See www.ferribyboats.co.uk

These remains have now been redated to 2030-1780 BC.

Having recently visited humberside to meet the people involved and look at the half-size replica I can confirm that these boats were extremely sophisticated craft, certainly capable of crossing the North Sea or plying the coastal waters of Britian.

At 50ft long and 12ft in the beam these boats, with room for a crew of up to 18 plus cargo up to 6 tons, would have been capable of 6 knots in bursts. There is also some evidence for the boats having had masts and by association sails.

There's no doubt that the ancients were able to carry five or six tonne cargoes but the question is whether they actually did do. Loading five tonnes of cattle would be far simpler than loading a five tonne single stone. And supporting the sea-borne theory is the oral tradition recorded by Caesar or Tacitus (whomever). Still no final proof though.