The circular enclosure at Flagstones near Dorchester, situated in the green hills of southwest Britain, is believed to have been constructed during the Middle Neolithic period, over 5,000 years ago. Recent reconstructions by Jennie Anderson shed light on this ancient site, which is challenging archaeologists’ understanding of Neolithic transformations.
Thanks to updated radiocarbon dating, Flagstones has been dated back to around 3200 BC, making it approximately 200 years older than previously assumed. This revelation places it as a significant monument during the Middle Neolithic era, a time marked by cultural and ceremonial advancements. The distinctive design and ancient age of Flagstones suggest it may have influenced later iconic structures, such as the early stages of Stonehenge.
During the Middle Neolithic period (3400-2800 BC), a shift from long, rectangular structures to large circular enclosures, known as proto-henges or formative henges, was observed in Britain and Ireland. These circular formations, typically encompassing ditches, banks, and narrow entrances, signify a transition towards more ceremonial and ritualistic practices.
Excavations at various proto-henge sites have unveiled ritualistic deposits, including cremated remains and carefully interred bodies, indicating evolving beliefs and customs regarding death and ceremonial spaces. The circular layouts of proto-henges represent not only a change in architectural form but also signify deeper cultural shifts towards order, symmetry, and centralized ceremonies.
The Flagstones enclosure, hidden beneath modern structures in Dorchester, was discovered during construction work in the 1980s. This nearly perfect 100-meter-wide circle, meticulously carved into chalk bedrock, features intercutting pits, an outer and inner bank, and various burial sites. The presence of cremated and uncremated remains, carefully buried within the enclosure, points to its solemn function as a burial ground.
Initially believed to have been constructed around 3000 BC, Flagstones’ true age and significance have only recently been reevaluated. Dr. Susan Greaney’s research has shed new light on this ancient site, with its unique design and burial practices challenging previous assumptions about Neolithic monuments.
At the University of Exeter, a new scientific dating program was led by Dr. Peter Marshall, formerly of Historic England. Working with labs at ETH Zürich and the University of Groningen, the team obtained 23 new radiocarbon measurements from human remains, red deer antlers, and charcoal, yielding surprising results.
Excavation of the western half of the Flagstones enclosure revealed early activity dating back to around 3650 BC, including pit digging. A large circular enclosure was then built around 3200 BC, followed by the placement of burials in the pits. However, the most remarkable find was the grave of a young adult male buried beneath a massive sarsen stone approximately 1,000 years after the enclosure’s initial construction, suggesting prolonged significance or sacredness.
Comparing Flagstones with other sites highlights its uniqueness and possible influence on later constructions. The resemblance between Flagstones and the first phase of Stonehenge, built around 2900 BC, raises questions about potential connections and influences. Dr. Greaney notes the importance of Flagstones’ chronology in understanding ceremonial and funeral monuments in Britain, prompting a reevaluation of Stonehenge’s dating.
The findings suggest a shared network of ceremonial spaces across Britain, possibly extending to Ireland. This interconnected world is reflected in the similarities in monument design, burial practices, and ritual traditions, indicating a cultural exchange across vast distances.
Accurate chronology is crucial for comprehending societal practices and influences. By positioning sites like Flagstones within broader cultural frameworks, archaeologists can better understand shifts in ceremonial styles. The updated timeline places Flagstones between other major monuments in the Dorchester area, highlighting its role in bridging evolving ceremonial practices.
Flagstones’ significance transcends local boundaries, showcasing its role in shaping broader cultural landscapes.
A significant part of a broader wave of innovation, this era represents a shift to circular thinking by builders and a renewed honoring of death in unique and enduring ways. The map displays the location of Flagstones within the broader Dorchester area, along with other Neolithic and Early Bronze Age monuments and settlement evidence. Despite a portion of Flagstones being situated beneath a modern road, its influence continues to expand. Designated as a scheduled monument, the site’s excavation records are safeguarded at the Dorset Museum. The intriguing inquiries it sparks regarding tradition, impact, and memory remain central to the exploration of Britain’s ancient past. Thanks to recent research, the oldest known large circular enclosure in Britain has transitioned from a mere footnote to a significant landmark. Research findings can be accessed online through the Cambridge University Press journal. This article was originally published by The Brighter Side of News. Enjoy such uplifting narratives? Subscribe to The Brighter Side of News’ newsletter for more.
