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Stenness Standing Stones

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description Stenness Standing Stones Overview

The Standing Stones of Stenness is a Neolithic monument located on the mainland of Orkney, Scotland, comprising a large stone circle dated to around 3100 BC. It is one of the earliest henge monuments in the British Isles, originally consisting of twelve tall, thin slabs of local sandstone arranged in an ellipse. The surviving stones are part of a larger ceremonial landscape that includes the nearby Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe chambered cairn. The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and provides researchers with valuable evidence regarding prehistoric religious practices.

help Stenness Standing Stones FAQ

How many Stones of Stenness are still standing?

Four monumental stones remain upright today, with additional stone positions represented around the site. The original ring is generally reconstructed as containing about 12 stones.

Are the Stones of Stenness older than Stonehenge?

The Stenness circle dates to around 3100 BC, making it one of Britain's earliest known stone circles. Major phases of construction at Stonehenge span a long period, so comparisons depend on which part of Stonehenge is being discussed.

How are the Stones of Stenness connected to the Ring of Brodgar?

Both monuments stand in Orkney's dense Neolithic ritual landscape, with the Ring of Brodgar a short distance to the northwest. They form part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Why is the Watch Stone separate from the Stenness circle?

The tall Watch Stone stands beside the narrow route between the Stenness and Brodgar areas rather than inside the surviving circle. Its exact function is unknown, but its placement may have marked movement through the ceremonial landscape.

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