<< Our Photo Pages >> Stanton Drew - Stone Circle in England in Somerset

Submitted by TheCaptain on Monday, 24 July 2023  Page Views: 11678

Neolithic and Bronze AgeSite Name: Stanton Drew Alternative Name: The Weddings
Country: England County: Somerset Type: Stone Circle
Nearest Town: Bristol  Nearest Village: Stanton Drew
Map Ref: ST60006330
Latitude: 51.367344N  Longitude: 2.575969W
Condition:
5Perfect
4Almost Perfect
3Reasonable but with some damage
2Ruined but still recognisable as an ancient site
1Pretty much destroyed, possibly visible as crop marks
0No data.
-1Completely destroyed
 4 Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
 3 Access:
5Can be driven to, probably with disabled access
4Short walk on a footpath
3Requiring a bit more of a walk
2A long walk
1In the middle of nowhere, a nightmare to find
0No data.
 4 Accuracy:
5co-ordinates taken by GPS or official recorded co-ordinates
4co-ordinates scaled from a detailed map
3co-ordinates scaled from a bad map
2co-ordinates of the nearest village
1co-ordinates of the nearest town
0no data
 5

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I have visited· I would like to visit

Brian_Eyes robinjolley would like to visit

Hayden visited on 4th May 2021 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 3 Access: 4

Hayden visited on 4th May 2021 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 3 Access: 4

SandyG visited on 2nd Mar 2016 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 5 Access: 4

wildtalents visited on 10th Jul 2015 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 3 I really hadn't appreciated how vast the main circle is and this can be a tricky site to make sense of. A few stones here and there suggestive of an avenue, smaller circles off over yonder, lots of prone or semi-prone boulders, weird clusters of stones that might have been a dolmen, or even a deliberate rectangular setting like the one at Casterigg. (Not forgetting the cove stones over by the pub.) Stanton Drew has to be seen to be believed and I think I will look out for a guided tour, if there is such a thing, to grasp the real context. I can't quite put my finger on it but the individual boulders are very distinctive with their grey-red hue.

markj99 visited on 29th Aug 2014 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 5 Access: 4 At first sight I thought Stanton Drew circles were a jumble of stones, however after a 15 minute walk around the site the circles and avenues appeared before my eyes.

Richard13 visited on 1st Aug 2012 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 5

TheCaptain Ahdzib mark_a mdensham hevveh have visited here

Average ratings for this site from all visit loggers: Condition: 3.33 Ambience: 4 Access: 4

Stanton Drew
Stanton Drew submitted by Andy B : Tours around Stanton Drew on Sunday 23rd July for the Stukeley 300 celebrations - 300 years to the day that William Stukeley visited Stanton Drew. (Vote or comment on this photo)
At Stanton Drew village to the south of Bristol are the remains of several megalithic monuments, which once must have been an incredibly important centre. The remaining components include three large stone circles, two of which have associated avenues, and a cove. The great stone circle is the second largest in England, smaller only than the Avebury great circle.

The name Stanton is derived from the Angle-Saxon "stan' (stone) 'tun' (farm), the Drew bit linking it with Druid. The site has not been excavated, but it is believed to be the same age as the Avebury circles. In the news in 1998 was the discovery of concentric post-hole rings inside the main circle. These showed up on a geophysical survey carried out by English Heritage with new, more sensitive magnetic instruments. They indicate that once there was a massive timber henge or building here.

The site has two legends common to many stone circles; a 'revellers turned to stone' story and the supposed impossibility of counting the stones.

Access: Stanton Drew is 9km south of Bristol, off the B3130. Travelling south into the village, fork left at the centre of the village. There should be a small signpost here. Turn left after 50m and follow the road through some houses to Court Farm. There is a small admission fee.


Note: Photos from our visit to the Stukeley 300 celebrations on Sunday 23rd July - 300 years to the day that William Stukeley visited Stanton Drew.
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 More pictures in our eGallery: Stanton Drew

Stanton Drew NE Circle
Stanton Drew NE Circle submitted by zail : Stanton Drew Stones at dawn on 31st May 2003 (7 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

Stanton Drew Great Circle
Stanton Drew Great Circle submitted by Andy B : Another kick-off image to give you the idea. Buttercups growing on one of the recumbent stones of the Stanton Drew Stone Circle complex. Category *A* I'm not eligible to win the competition but you can vote for me if you like! (3 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

Stanton Drew - Avenue
Stanton Drew - Avenue submitted by h_fenton : On hearing legend that this stone at Stanton Drew will violently repel anyone that pushes it hard enough, Megalithic Portal member 'TheCaptain' as well as physically pushing the stone channelled his thoughts into it - although the stone did not appear to repel him, TheCaptain did admit that his idea of pushing the stone to its limits made his head sore. 28 April 2012 (13 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

Stanton Drew Great Circle
Stanton Drew Great Circle submitted by JJ : Aerial photo copyright JJ Evendon (1 comment - Vote or comment on this photo)

Stanton Drew NE Avenue
Stanton Drew NE Avenue submitted by blingo : My 1st time to this huge site couple of days b4 summer solstice 2002. I was Well impressed. There's geo-phys for this site showing many rings. Must be much more to be discovered. ive also done 3d pics of here. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Stanton Drew
Stanton Drew submitted by Andy B : The core of our group from Sunday, from left: Martyn 'TheCaptain', (Andy B (me!), Andy Pattenden (Hare and Tabor), James (ID Runni) from Bristol and new member Alex B. Taking the photo was James over from Australia on a stone hunting expediditon. This was the Stukeley 300 celebrations - 300 years to the day that William Stukeley visited Stanton Drew. (2 comments)

Stanton Drew Great Circle
Stanton Drew Great Circle submitted by TimPrevett : Sheep having fun at Stanton Drew Great Circle (2 comments)

Stanton Drew Great Circle
Stanton Drew Great Circle submitted by Bladup : Stanton Drew Great Circle.

Stanton Drew NE Circle
Stanton Drew NE Circle submitted by ogham : Interesting texture and colours on the stones.

Stanton Drew - The Cove
Stanton Drew - The Cove submitted by TimPrevett : The Cove 01/04/09 (1 comment)

Stanton Drew Great Circle
Stanton Drew Great Circle submitted by bec-zog : One of the Stanton Drew stones.

Stanton Drew Great Circle
Stanton Drew Great Circle submitted by Lisa_Fryer : Happy Sheep at Stanton Drew Stone Circle (3 comments)

Stanton Drew NE Circle
Stanton Drew NE Circle submitted by zail : Stanton Drew Stones at dawn on 31st May 2003 (2 comments)

Stanton Drew Great Circle
Stanton Drew Great Circle submitted by vicky : Part of the Great Circle at Stanton Drew.

Stanton Drew NE Circle
Stanton Drew NE Circle submitted by HarryTwenty : Close up, looking SE.

Stanton Drew SSW
Stanton Drew SSW submitted by TheCaptain : Stanton Drew SW circle, seen here in spring 2004

Stanton Drew Great Circle
Stanton Drew Great Circle submitted by durhamnature : Old map from "Stonehenge...." via archive.org

Stanton Drew - The Cove
Stanton Drew - The Cove submitted by ogham : The church looks out over the stones.

Stanton Drew - The Cove
Stanton Drew - The Cove submitted by ogham : The church to the rear of the cove.

Stanton Drew - The Cove
Stanton Drew - The Cove submitted by ogham : Interesting shape to the stones.

Stanton Drew NE Circle
Stanton Drew NE Circle submitted by Bladup : Stanton Drew. This Original Artwork in a glass frame is £44.99 + Postage (Just whatever it costs), and is 29 and a half cm x 20 cm. A limited (to a 100) edition print in a 8" x 10" glass frame would be £19.99 + £2.90 postage, E-mail me at [email protected] if interested.

Stanton Drew Great Circle
Stanton Drew Great Circle submitted by theCaptain : Uh Oh, what is that popped out from behind the stones when you are not looking? Some sort of troll from Malreward? or just a hoody wearing chav from the other side of Maes Knoll? (1 comment)

Stanton Drew - Avenue
Stanton Drew - Avenue submitted by sem : Man headbutts stone - Frustrated by the bad weather at MegP's Stanton Drew meet, this member took out his anger on a nearby stone.

Stanton Drew NE Circle
Stanton Drew NE Circle submitted by soulsurfer : One of the larger stones of the NE circle at the Stanton drew complex.

Stanton Drew Great Circle
Stanton Drew Great Circle submitted by DrewParsons : Stanton Drew is one of my favourite sites - perhaps its because I like the name!! Drew Parsons

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Nearby sites listing. In the following links * = Image available
 22m SSW 206° Stanton Drew Great Circle* Stone Circle (ST59996328)
 71m E 81° Stanton Drew - Avenue* Multiple Stone Rows / Avenue (ST60076331)
 98m ENE 66° Stanton Drew NE Circle* Stone Circle (ST60096334)
 126m ENE 71° Stanton Drew NE Avenue* Multiple Stone Rows / Avenue (ST60126334)
 234m SSW 199° Stanton Drew SSW* Stone Circle (ST59926308)
 320m SW 231° Stanton Drew - The Cove* Standing Stones (ST59756310)
 528m NNE 18° Hautville's Quoit* Chambered Tomb (ST60176380)
 1.0km W 273° Lower Tyning Standing Stones (ST58986337)
 1.8km N 11° Norton Malreward Cross Base* Ancient Cross (ST6035265042)
 2.3km W 267° Chew Magna Church Cross Ancient Cross (ST5767363199)
 2.7km N 360° Maes Knoll* Hillfort (ST600660)
 4.0km NW 322° Dundry Long Barrow* Long Barrow (ST57606645)
 4.3km W 260° Pagans Hill* Ancient Temple (ST55766261)
 4.3km WSW 246° Chew Stoke* Stone Circle (ST560616)
 5.2km SSW 200° Burledge Hillfort* Hillfort (ST582584)
 5.8km W 275° Leigh Down* Stone Circle (ST542639)
 7.2km E 87° Stantonbury Camp* Hillfort (ST67256366)
 7.9km WNW 286° Felton Village Bowl Barrow* Round Barrow(s) (ST52386550)
 8.0km W 281° Felton Hill Bowl Barrow T30A* Round Barrow(s) (ST52126490)
 8.1km WSW 259° Fairy Toot* Long Barrow (ST52056178)
 8.2km W 280° Felton Bowl Barrows T28 & T29* Round Barrow(s) (ST51966480)
 8.2km W 280° Felton Common Suck Stone* Natural Stone / Erratic / Other Natural Feature (ST5187164800)
 8.4km W 266° Butcombe Barrow* Round Barrow(s) (ST51646273)
 8.5km W 280° Felton Hill Long Barrow T26* Chambered Tomb (ST51626491)
 8.6km NW 308° Fairy Well (Barrow Gurney) Holy Well or Sacred Spring (ST532686)
View more nearby sites and additional images

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"Stanton Drew" | Login/Create an Account | 7 News and Comments
  
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Re: Stanton Drew by arthurthegnome on Tuesday, 25 July 2023
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Stukeley 300 was a great event. Had a really good day in spite of the WW2 attitude to road signs in that part of Somerset (hidden). We were there on the Sunday and got in on the 1.30 p.m. tour. This was really useful I had last been 30 years ago but was on my own and did not know about all the geophys info. Was good to meet Andy B and the Captain, always nice to put faces to names. Coffee and cake was excellent, home made and cheap. We enjoyed the almost village fete ambience of the day. Thank you to all those who contributed.
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Calling all like minded folk: Stanton Drew, Sunday 23rd July including Timings by Andy B on Sunday, 02 July 2023
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Sunday 23rd July is 300 years to the day that William Stukeley visited the amazing stone circles of Stanton Drew. The rest, as the say, is (pre)history. Calling sll like minded folk to join us there to mark the day.

There’s a big Stukeley 300 event going on and we’ll be to joining them.

There are various other things going on including an exhibition, of which more soon. We hope you can join us there to help mark this momentous day.

We're planning a combined Megalithic Meet up with members of Stone Club too around lunchtime and afternoon so it would be great to see you there if you are near enough and can make it. Plans still being worked out but let me know (click on my name for email / PM details) and I'll include you on any further discussions.

Parking is available in the field next to the Village Hall and will be signposted and supervised. A donation upon exit would be appreciated (proceeds to charity). Both Days: WCs located in Village Hall (accessible), the Druid's Arms public house and the church.

MEGALITHIC PORTAL TIMINGS FOR SUNDAY
Meet at 13:00 Pub The Druids Arms Beer garden and/or Sunday lunches available - if you want lunch you need to book your own table via their website
14:45 The Cove (near the church) for a walk around the stones with Andy B and other members
15:45 Main Circle (Weather permitting)
16:15 Stanton Drew NE Circle (Weather permitting)
17:00 Pub #2 (same pub!)
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Calling all like minded folk: Stanton Drew, Sunday 23rd July by Anonymous on Monday, 03 July 2023
    Chris
    I would like to join you and others for your meet up at Stanton Drew on the 23rd. I used to go there as a child, cycling on my bike. Very special place. It will look different now - even the stones will though to them no time has passed.

    [ Reply to This ]
      Re: Calling all like minded folk: Stanton Drew, Sunday 23rd July by Andy B on Thursday, 20 July 2023
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      Hello Chris, great, look forward to meeting you, see above for timings.
      [ Reply to This ]

Stukeley 300 Symposium, Saturday 22nd July, Online Viewing Option Available by Andy B on Thursday, 22 June 2023
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Stukeley 300 Symposium, Saturday 22nd July
Stanton Drew Village Hall, Sandy Lane, Stanton Drew, Bristol BS39 4EL

A day of talks on William Stukeley, and the archaeology of Stanton Drew, given by leading academics and archaeologists. Invited speakers include Josh Pollard, Jodie Lewis, Susan Greaney, Neil Linford and David Boyd Haycock.

Tickets for the event in the village hall cost £25, but have all been sold. There is a ‘wait list’ you may join in case tickets become available.

There will also be a live streaming, for which tickets cost £15.
Click here to join the wait list for the event in the village hall or to buy tickets for the live streaming.
https://stukeley300.org.uk/stukeley-300-symposium/
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Stukeley 300: guided tours of Stanton Drew, Sunday 23rd July by Andy B on Thursday, 22 June 2023
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Stukeley 300: guided tours of Stanton Drew, Sunday 23rd July
There will be a celebration in Stanton Drew on the weekend of 22-23 July 2023, of the 300th anniversary of the visit of the celebrated antiquarian, William Stukeley.

Stanton Drew is the site of the most important stone circles in England, after Stonehenge and Avebury. There are three circles, of which the Great Circle is second only to Avebury in size, and a cove of three stones in the village.

William Stukeley was the leading antiquarian of the eighteenth century, and the first to perform a rigorous study of Avebury and Stonehenge. He visited Stanton Drew just once, on the 23rd July 1723, but in that short time he produced a detailed plan, made several accurate drawings, and wrote an account that was to bring Stanton Drew to national prominence.

On Sunday 23rd July 2023, the exact 300th anniversary, there will be a day of events in the village, including tours of the stones and an exhibition. Tour places are free but must be pre-booked. This day of celebrations will be family friendly.

The events are being organised by Stukeley 300, a group with representatives from Stanton Drew Parish Council, Bristol and Avon Archaeological Society, Bath and Counties Archaeological Society, Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society and English Heritage. For further information visit the website: http://www.stukeley300.org.uk The website will be continually updated with information about the events and ticket information and sales.

The Village Hall, Sandy Lane, Stanton Drew, Bath and NE Somerset, BS39 4EL

Guided tours of the stone circles, organised by English Heritage, will be available all day but should be pre-booked to avoid disappointment. The ground is grass pastureland - uneven and may be muddy - wear suitable footwear. This site may be unsuitable for those with impaired mobility, wheelchairs and buggies/prams. Children under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the stone circles' fields (except assistance dogs). The Village Hall will be open from 10.00 a.m. for light refreshments and an exhibition. Two informal lectures about the stone circles will be presented upstairs in the Village Hall. Unfortunately this area of the Hall is not accessible for people with impaired mobility.

As seating for these lectures is limited, pre-booking is recommended. Parking is available in the field next to the Village Hall and will be signposted and supervised. A donation upon exit would be appreciated (proceeds to charity). We respectfully request that cars are not parked in the car park of the Druid's Arms (local pub) nor in the very narrow village lanes. The village lanes are not accessible for larger coaches. Both Days: WCs located in Village Hall (accessible), the Druid's Arms public house and the church.

Each tour lasting approximately 60-90 minutes starting from 10.30 a.m. On the hour and half hour. Last tour starts at 5.00 p.m

Additional booking information

Tours start at the Village Hall and last an hour to an hour and a half. Places on the tours must be booked in advance.

Free, but a donation of £3 is suggested.

https://www.archaeologyuk.org/festival/festival-event-listing/stukeley-guided-tours-of-stanton-drew.html
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