Arbor Low

Arbor Low has been called the finest henge monument in the north of England. The site is composed of a henge monument with the addition of a later stone circle. The outer bank of the henge is roughly circular, measuring about 259 x 246 feet in diameter. Within the bank is a ditch about 6 feet deep and 30 feet wide. The weathered limestone stones are not standing, but lie in a rough circle pointing outwards. There is no firm evidence to suggest whether the stones were originally standing or not; speculation exists that they were knocked down by zealous Christians, but they may also have been laid down by the builders of the circle.

There are 46 large stones, measuring up to 13 feet in length, with 13 smaller stones. A Bronze Age round barrow was later grafted onto the rear of the site.

Nearby is Gib Hill, a Bronze Age burial mound that may once have been connected to the Arbor Low site by an earthen bank. Gib Hill is built upon a much earlier Stone Age barrow. The hill is man made and may possibly have been constructed to provide a sightline from Arbor Low.

Arbor Low must be approached through a farmyard - be sure to wear good protective footwear!

Arbor Low

For a selection of recent photos which should help give a sense of the site, see our Arbor Low Photo Gallery