Archaeologists in Wiltshire have unveiled a remarkable discovery just three miles from the iconic Stonehenge: a prehistoric structure they believe to be a simpler, older version of this world-famous monument. The site, located in the village of Bulford, has been dated back approximately 5,000 years, predating Stonehenge’s stone alignments by around half a millennium.
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Dr. Phil Harding of Wessex Archaeology, who led the excavation, described the find as “one of the greatest discoveries” of his professional career. The research team conducted their exploration under the Army Basing Programme of the UK Ministry of Defence, which allowed for significant archaeological work in an area of great historical intrigue.
The simpler structure at Bulford is thought to have played a crucial role in commemorative activities such as solstice celebrations. This would have occurred around the time the earliest earthworks were being developed at Stonehenge. Evidence suggests that the site was a gathering point for prehistoric communities who came together for feasting and festivities aligned with the solstices, marking the changing of the seasons.
Stonehenge, renowned for its complexity and grandeur, features multiple stones meticulously arranged to align with the sun at specific times of the year. Observers standing within the stone circle during the summer solstice can see the rising sun appear in line with the Heel Stone, situated to the northeast. Conversely, during the winter solstice, the setting sun aligns with the Altar Stone to the southwest, creating an impressive astronomical spectacle.
In contrast, the Bulford structure was notably less elaborate, consisting of two wooden poles set 400 feet apart. These poles would have been precisely positioned to align with the sun’s positions during the summer and winter solstices. Although only the post holes remain, expert skyscape archaeologist Fabio Silva was able to use reconstructions of the sky and the surrounding landscape to affirm their celestial alignment.
Intriguingly, it is hypothesised that a similar wooden structure may have existed at Stonehenge before its transformation into the stone circle we know today. As the site evolved over time, any remnants of this earlier construction would have been obscured.
Dr. Harding remarked on the significance of the Bulford site in understanding the astronomical practices of ancient people, highlighting the deep importance of the sun in their calendars and rituals. “In a few days, Stonehenge will be filled with people celebrating the midsummer solstice,” he noted. “Yet only a few would realise that on a hillside overlooking present-day Bulford, the same rituals were being observed 5,000 years ago, as communities gathered to honour the sunrise.”
The excavations at Bulford took place between 2015 and 2017, revealing nearly 50 pits filled with artefacts, including animal bones, pottery, stone tools, and charcoal. This evidence suggests a significant congregation of people at the site over a relatively short time frame.
Dr. Harding expressed his pride in the findings, emphasising that this new knowledge adds remarkable depth to our understanding of prehistoric astronomy, which previously relied heavily on the larger spectacle of Stonehenge and similar sites. “What we’ve discovered at Bulford predates the stones we’re familiar with by 500 years, shining new light on the cultural practices of our ancestors,” he concluded.
As research continues, the Bulford discovery invites further investigation into the ways early societies interacted with celestial events, enriching the narrative surrounding British prehistory.