Featured: Hare and Tabor T Shirts for discerning antiquarians

Hare and Tabor T Shirts for discerning antiquarians

Random Image

Addingham Cross

Addingham Cross

Art as Metaphor: The Prehistoric Rock-art of Britain

Art as Metaphor: The Prehistoric Rock-art of Britain

Login

Register here - as a registered user you get more features and fewer ads.

Who's Online

There are currently, 536 guests and 2 members online.

Sponsors

Stonehenge Winter Solstice free Open Access for 2011 Wiltshire

Submitted by TimPrevett on Friday, 16 December 2011  Page Views: 24354

Stonehenge

<< Events >>

Country: England County: Wiltshire Type: Henge

Internal Links:

Stonehenge.
Stonehenge. submitted by TimPrevett : Winter Solstice 2010 (Vote or comment on this photo)
English Heritage have confirmed that the winter solstice will be celebrated on Thursday 22 December 2011 and this will be through managed open access, which is free to those who wish to celebrate at this time. Sunrise will be at approximately 08:09 hrs.

Stonehenge is famously supposed to be aligned to the sunrise on the mid-Summer Solstice. However there is more archaeological evidence that in prehistoric Britain, people gathered at Stonehenge at sunset to celebrate the shortest day of the year. People usually assume that the Winter Solstice falls on 21 December, but it varies between the 20th and the 23rd depending on factors such as the motion of the Earth.

This year, visitors will be allowed into the Monument when it is considered sufficiently light to ensure safe access. Entry will be available from approximately 07:30 hrs until 09:00 hrs when visitors will be asked to vacate the site.

Please note that access might not be possible if the ground conditions are poor or if it is felt that access might result in severe damage to the Monument.

Limited facilities are available at Stonehenge for the duration of the access although these facilities will not be available prior to access commencing (this includes the toilets). The cafe at Stonehenge will be open from 08:00 hrs.

More information on Stonehenge here

(with thanks to Simon for the information)
Contributor Bio for TimPrevett: Based in Warrington, contributing since 2012. Favourite site: Taversoe Tuick. Occupation: Creative Media.

·
Events
·
Please add your thoughts on this site

Stonehenge: Celebration and Subversion

Stonehenge: Celebration and Subversion

More on Stonehenge

Sponsors

More Events

See all Events →

"Stonehenge Winter Solstice free Open Access for 2011" | Login/Create an Account | 31 News and Comments
  
Go back to top of page    Comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content.
Curious Hob Nob asked to leave Stonehenge ! by Anonymous on Thursday, 22 December 2011
Good Morning.. I am Hob Nob the 'Hobby Horse" 'Obby Oss" the traditional ritual beast who, used to accompany the Salisbury Giant, a gentle mischievous creature who was bringing lots of fun, pleasure, mischief and magic to those attending the Winter Solstice yesterday at Stonehenge.
I was with White Horse Morris dancers and after following a lady into the centre of the stones, ( i couldn't see her E.H.badge as I was behind her) I was asked to leave the site.. two security men were sent... but I don't think their training had prepared them for handling a ritual beast and they kept well clear, Hob Nob was very unhappy and droopy at that point anyway.
One of the morris dancers aggressively told me to get off the site because a member of English Heritage had threatened the whole side with removal if I didn't leave.
The Hobby Horse is very much part of English Folk Heritage and for many people seeing him there reaffirmed the living presence of English cultural identity.
I was ve...

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Curious Hob Nob asked to leave Stonehenge ! by AngieLake on Thursday, 22 December 2011
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    That is such a shame, Hob Nob. You and the Giant were one of the most fascinating items on display when I visited Salisbury museum in May 2010. (I believe the Giant put in an appearance at Downton Cuckoo Fair - where I was staying for a week?)
    Down here in the southwest we have your cousin, the Padstow Obby Oss, and watching him and his friend (the red ribbon and blue ribbon osses) dancing through the streets to the sound of the May Day song is a wonderful experience.
    We're fortunate that people who value these ancient rituals take care to preserve you for everyone to enjoy and it seems such a pity the EH person didn't appreciate this. [I expect the dreaded 'elf 'n' safety' aspect kicked in!]
    [ Reply to This ]
    Re: Curious Hob Nob asked to leave Stonehenge ! by Blingo_von_Trumpenstein on Thursday, 22 December 2011
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    Don't let it affect you Allie. Come to Thornborough for Beltane - you will be welcomed with open arms . . .
    [ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice free Open Access for 2011 by Anonymous on Thursday, 22 December 2011
It seems most likely that the sunset at winter solstice was the main event that Stonehenge was designed for. This celebrates the ascent of the spirits of the dead into the sky on the final rays of the setting sun. This is supported by newgrange in Ireland, where the sunset lights up the chamber where the dead were put. It is also supported by the fact that the main processional way lies to the NE of stonehenge and would be where a large number of people could assemble to watch the setting sun through Stonehenge to the South West. There is evidence of reat feasting at the winter solstice which would also mark the transition into spring from winter etc.
One question, is ther a live webcam set up to view this and if not why not please English heritage? (should be some money available from all our entry and parking fees surely?)
Tony H
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice free Open Access for 2011 by Runemage on Thursday, 22 December 2011
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    Nearly right, the amount of alignments and their timings at different sites is quite astounding. Newgrange catches the morning sun at Winter Solstice. The dead in their entirety weren't put into Newgrange, only a few selected bones.
    Dowth (not far away from Newgrange http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=65, see latest article about opening to view) is aligned to the midwinter sunset as is Maeshowe in Orkney, which does have a webcam http://www.maeshowe.co.uk/
    Knowth, near Newgrange has two long passages and some say is aligned to the equinoxes whereas Anthony Weir observed "Because the western passage is oriented somewhat south of west, to about 260 degrees azimuth, it is not aligned on the equinoxes as some have claimed, but rather 18 days before the Spring Equinox and 18 days after Autumn Equinox." Cairn T at Loughcrew has an equinox sunrise alignment and Cairn L there is aligned to Samhain/Imbolc. I think there's a bit more to the alignments than just funerary rites,...

    Read the rest of this post...
    [ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice free Open Access for 2011 by dreamholme on Wednesday, 21 December 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
I don't understand, I thought it was sunset on the shortest day 21Dec why sunrise 22? anyone know?
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice free Open Access for 2011 by Anonymous on Wednesday, 21 December 2011
    Winter Solstice occure this year at 5:30am 12-22-2011 Greenwich mean time. You need to convert the time to your time zone. eg; 12-21-2011 9:30pm PST.
    see http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/
    [ Reply to This ]
    Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice free Open Access for 2011 by Anonymous on Wednesday, 21 December 2011
    They were watching, or waiting, for the rebirth of the sun. This would signal the start of a new year.
    [ Reply to This ]
    Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice free Open Access for 2011 by Anonymous on Thursday, 22 December 2011
    Solstice is a celebration of the return of the Sun. Many ancient traditions banged drums on the longest night to ward off the darkness and any accompanying bad spirits and to encourage the Sun to come back. So sunrise is important because the faithful sun has returned with the promise of spring to come.
    [ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice details for 2011 including Lunar Eclipse by Anonymous on Wednesday, 21 December 2011
im coming to Touch the Stones .. the Heritage better move aside .. they have made there money this year from Our monument .. I'd hope to see People arriving from 3am.. :)
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice details for 2011 including Lunar Eclipse by Anonymous on Thursday, 22 December 2011
    Why are people so obsessed with TOUCHING the stones? I wonder if they were permitted to in prehistoric times. Doubt it somehow, as it seems there were never large groups allowed inside them in ancient days anyway. Never designed for it, and that's why it's so damaging in these increasingly large numbers--touching has gradually eroded the carvings like the dagger/axes, and kills the lichens that help protect the stones from pollution.
    I was there this morning, and while most of the group was great, it was disappointing to see how many people (including those who profess to have some special 'affinity' to the stones) were standing on fallen menhirs and clambering around on them. A lot of smoking going on too with fag butts being flicked around...I mean, can't people manage without for 5 minutes when they are supposed to be in the presence of their gods/spirits/ancestors?
    You do know,right, that much of the money SH makes goes towards maintaining other sites that have no charge? Or don't other stone circles/burial mounds etc matter other than the most famous? It's funny, there are so many wonderful ancient sites out there and most of them are completely devoid of visitors when I've visited.
    [ Reply to This ]
    Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice details for 2011 including Lunar Eclipse by Runemage on Thursday, 22 December 2011
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    Touch is an important sense, don't think I've ever been at a site and not touched the stones or not seen other people touching them too. Have you never done so and for example been surprised at a stone's temperature which is often different to what you'd expect whilst taking into account the weather?





    [ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice details for 2011 including Lunar Eclipse by Anonymous on Tuesday, 20 December 2011
wanna be here!!!! hipster 4ever!!!
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice free Open Access for 2011 by Anonymous on Monday, 19 December 2011
thanks Simon see you there shall bring my wellies and some soup
Andy
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice free Open Access for 2011 by Anonymous on Monday, 19 December 2011
hi basically i know that there is a sort of gathering at Stonehenge to celebrate the solstice in the evening before the day the sun comes up but i was wondering if the gathering in the evening is on the Wednesday 21 of December or on the Thursday the 22 of December ?? it would be very appreciated if you could get back to me as soon as you can, many thanks.
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice details for 2011 including Lunar Eclipse by Anonymous on Monday, 19 December 2011
I know this is rather late but i've just read that access to the Stonehenge circle is managed by English Heritage and requires an application form to be submitted and approved 24hrs in advance?

It all seems rather contradictory though as English Heritage also says there is no access to the stones at all between the 19th - 28th of December inclusive. Everything I've read and everyone I've talked to though blatantly intends to be there on those dates. (English Heritage website seems to be ignoring the solistice too).

Anyway I suppose what I liked to know is: Can I still just turn up on Thursday morning and get in, like I'd planned, or is that idea scuppered without this some kind of form/pass?
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice free Open Access for 2011 by Anonymous on Monday, 19 December 2011
my son will be celebrating his 16th Birthday on the 22nd & all he wanted was to be at Stonehenge. so looking good weather wise for us to be there for this important rite of passage in his life.
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice free Open Access for 2011 by Anonymous on Monday, 19 December 2011
Where is the best place to park
[ Reply to This ]

winter solstace 2012 by Anonymous on Monday, 19 December 2011
I plan to come and celebrate my 40th birthday, (22nd dec) at stonehenge next year :) can't wait xo
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice free Open Access for 2011 by Anonymous on Saturday, 17 December 2011
Thank you for this information... I shall be there! xx
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice details for 2011 including Lunar Eclipse by ledgehammer on Sunday, 20 November 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
Tim,

will be there, with a guitar and my rods... :-)

Tom
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice details for 2011 including Lunar Eclipse by Andy B on Wednesday, 12 October 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
Hello, yes as far as we know Stonehenge will be open for access on the morning of the 22nd December 2011, as this is the closest to the actual solstice this year. The event is free of charge, probably starting around 7.30am but people need to be out before it opens to the public as normal later in the day.

However it may well also open on the 21st Dec as well to cater for the people who turn up on the wrong day - this has happened in the past but don't rely on it!

More details nearer the time. Thanks for the reminder
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice details for 2011 including Lunar Eclipse by Anonymous on Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Had a fantastic experience at Summer Solstice so am looking to come up alone for Winter - could you please advise what day would be best to attend 21st or 22nd? Thank you
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice details for 2011 including Lunar Eclipse by Anonymous on Friday, 25 November 2011
    Happy Solstice winter 2011 My advice would be to go to Avebury on the 21 national trust car park much more mellow See you next year at Stonehendge
    [ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice details for 2011 including Lunar Eclipse by Anonymous on Wednesday, 12 October 2011
is the winter solstice 2011 open access at Stonehenge?
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice details for 2011 including Lunar Eclipse by ledgehammer on Sunday, 09 October 2011
(User Info | Send a Message)
Tim,

hope to be there work permitting :-)

BTW i sell thermals and would be happy to give discount to anyone requiring them, let me know in advance :-)

best wishes

Tom
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice details for 2011 including Lunar Eclipse by AngieLake on Friday, 17 December 2010
(User Info | Send a Message)
Have a brilliant day Tim. Hope it goes well for you, but though I'd love to attend it would be a bit too cold for me. Dawn or sunset, individually, I might be able to survive, but not all day!
You could get a thermal underwear maker to sponsor your day out?!!
;-)

PS: We're looking forward to the photos already.
PPS: @ anonymous (Mayan prophecies):
We do get to celebrate another Solstice, in 2011, don't we? ;-)

Happy Solstice to anyone who gets to read this!
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice details for 2011 including Lunar Eclipse by Anonymous on Thursday, 16 December 2010
Happy solstice one and all.

Have fun at this one - it might be the last if the Mayans are correct!!
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice details for 2011 including Lunar Eclipse by TimPrevett on Thursday, 16 December 2010
(User Info | Send a Message)
If joining in, I'd strongly appreciate a positive RSVP on Facebook event page, or a personal note to that effect, so I know who to expect... thanks!
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Stonehenge Winter Solstice details for 2011 including Lunar Eclipse by Anonymous on Sunday, 20 November 2011
    Is there a link for the FB event page please? I can't find it.
    [ Reply to This ]

Your Name: Anonymous [ Register Now ]
Subject:


Add your comment or contribution to this page. Spam or offensive posts are deleted immediately, don't even bother

<<< What is five plus one as a number? (Please type the answer to this question in the little box on the left)
You can also embed videos and other things. For Youtube please copy and paste the 'embed code'.
For Google Street View please include Street View in the text.
Create a web link like this: <a href="https://www.megalithic.co.uk">This is a link</a>  

Allowed HTML is:
<p> <b> <i> <a> <img> <em> <br> <strong> <blockquote> <tt> <li> <ol> <ul> <object> <param> <embed> <iframe>
We would like to know more about this location. Please feel free to add a brief description and any relevant information in your own language.
Wir möchten mehr über diese Stätte erfahren. Bitte zögern Sie nicht, eine kurze Beschreibung und relevante Informationen in Deutsch hinzuzufügen.
Nous aimerions en savoir encore un peu sur les lieux. S'il vous plaît n'hesitez pas à ajouter une courte description et tous les renseignements pertinents dans votre propre langue.
Quisieramos informarnos un poco más de las lugares. No dude en añadir una breve descripción y otros datos relevantes en su propio idioma.