Hello everyone, Alex Iles here, and welcome to the Mailman Heritage Trail in beautiful Northumberland! Today, we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of henges, standing stones, and stone circles, exploring their significance in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.
A Shift in Time: The Arrival of New Cultures
As we’ve discussed before, Britain experienced a major population shift in the Neolithic period. A new group of people arrived, bringing with them unique traditions and practices. In the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age, these people began constructing ritual monuments across the landscape, and henges were among their most remarkable creations.
What Exactly is a Henge?
When you hear “henge,” Stonehenge likely springs to mind. While that iconic monument is a prime example, it’s actually one of the later, more complex iterations. The earliest henges were far simpler, often starting as a single standing post or stone within a cleared woodland area. Over time, these sites were expanded, modified, and enhanced, becoming increasingly significant to the local communities.
A true henge is essentially a ritual space defined by a circular ditch and an outer bank formed from the excavated soil. Think of it as an enclosed sacred area, much like our modern churches, mosques, or temples. These spaces were designed for communal worship and connection with the divine.
Mailman’s Recreated Henge: A Window to the Past
Here at Mailman, we can see a recreation of a locally excavated henge. You’ll notice posts both inside and outside the enclosure, suggesting a division between inner and outer spaces. These spaces likely held different meanings and were used for various rituals throughout the year.
Crucially, many henges align with significant celestial events, such as the winter and summer solstices. Just like Stonehenge, the henges in Northumberland would have been aligned with these seasonal markers, as well as with prominent local landmarks like hills and other monuments.
From Wood to Stone: The Evolution of Ritual Sites
Over time, these wooden structures were replaced with standing stones. These stones were incorporated into the henges, often replacing the original posts, leading to the creation of stone circles. These circles then evolved, becoming more elaborate with increasing numbers of stones and complex arrangements.
Sadly, many stone circles throughout the British Isles have been damaged or destroyed. Some stones were repurposed for buildings or farm walls, while others were vandalized due to changing religious ideologies.
The Millfield Valley: A Sacred Landscape
The Mailman Trail is part of the Millfield Valley, a region rich in ritual sites dating from the late Neolithic to the Bronze Age. This area forms a spiritual route leading from Millfield to Yevering Bell, a prominent local hill. Yevering was likely a sacred site for Bronze Age people, later becoming a significant hill fort during the Bronze and Iron Age.
This landscape highlights the interconnectedness of these ancient monuments. The henge we’re standing in is just one piece of a larger puzzle, a network of stone circles and ritual sites that guide you on a spiritual journey to a high place of worship.
Beyond Individual Monuments: A Connected Ritual System
It’s vital to remember that these stone circles were not isolated monuments. Like the ongoing discoveries at Stonehenge reveal, they were part of a larger system of ritual spaces. These sites formed a calendar of events, marking significant times of the year and guiding processions and religious ceremonies.
In Northumberland, the route through the fertile Millfield Valley culminates at Yevering Bell, a holy mountain that served as a site for final rituals and royal gatherings. This site’s importance continued into the Kingdom of Northumbria, becoming the capital city of Ad Gefrin under King Edwin.
A Legacy That Endures
These holy sites have maintained their significance for thousands of years, even into the era of recorded history. They offer a tangible connection to our ancestors and their beliefs.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration of henges and their role in the ancient landscapes of Northumberland. If you did, please like, subscribe, and share this video with your friends.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through time. I look forward to sharing more of these fascinating stories with you soon.
