Porlock Stone Circle

Porlock Stone Circle: A Time Capsule of Ancient Britain

Imagine stepping back into time through the misty veil of history to a place where ancient Britons once gathered, perhaps for rituals or simply to mark their presence on this land. That’s what Porlock Stone Circle offers us today.

The Mystery of Porlock Stone Circle

Porlock Stone Circle is a stone circle located in the heart of Exmoor, Somerset, England. It dates back to the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age period, between 3300 and 900 BCE. This means it has stood for over 4,000 years, silently watching the changing seasons and the passage of countless generations.

What Makes Porlock Stone Circle Unique?

The circle consists of 13 green micaceous sandstone rocks, with ten upright stones and eleven prostrate ones. The largest gaps are on its north-west and east-southeast sides, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. It’s like the circle is whispering secrets to those who dare to listen.

History and Rediscovery

The first recorded mention of Porlock Stone Circle was in 1975 when it was initially noted as an 8-stone row, but later confirmed to be a much larger structure. The circle’s rediscovery by E.T. MacDermot in the early 20th century marked the beginning of its modern history.

Excavation and Discoveries

In 1928, Harold St George Gray surveyed the site, and a resistivity survey was conducted in 2009. These surveys hinted at sub-rectangular structures around the circle. Excavations took place in 2013 but yielded no significant artefacts or sealed deposits. However, a four-spoked lead wheel dating back to Roman-British times was found buried within the circle during excavation.

Designation and Conservation

The site has been designated as a scheduled monument since 1979, ensuring its protection for future generations. Surveys show that the number of stones in the circle has decreased over time—from 21 in 1950 to just 10 by 2009. Additional stones have appeared, raising questions about their inclusion and the true nature of the circle’s heritage.

Porlock Stone Circle: A Piece of Prehistoric Art

Imagine standing at Porlock Stone Circle, surrounded by green micaceous sandstone rocks that have stood for millennia. It’s like stepping into a time machine where you can almost hear the whispers of ancient Britons. The circle is not just a collection of stones; it’s a living testament to our prehistoric past.

Connecting the Dots: Porlock and Other Exmoor Circles

Exmoor, with its lack of natural granite, has only two known prehistoric stone circles: Porlock and Withypool Stone Circle. The scarcity of large stones led to the use of smaller ones (miniliths) in these circles. This makes each circle unique yet part of a broader landscape of ancient monuments.

Porlock Stone Circle: A Monumental Landscape

Gillings suggests that Porlock Stone Circle is part of a wider monumental landscape, with possible dates for construction during the Early and Middle Bronze Age periods. The site’s designation as a scheduled monument ensures its preservation, allowing us to continue exploring its mysteries.

Conclusion: A Timeless Legacy

Porlock Stone Circle stands as a timeless legacy of our ancient past. It is more than just a collection of stones; it is a portal to the lives and beliefs of those who came before us. As we stand in awe, we can’t help but wonder about the stories these stones hold and what they might reveal if only we could listen.