 |
|
Scotland |
Ring of Brodgar
Summary
A late Neolithic circle of 27 upright stones (originally 60
stones) with an enclosing ditch. Located a short distance from the
Stones of Stenness stone circle. The location above two lochs is superb.
Ring of Brodgar Photo Gallery >>
When was it built
The Ring was begun around the year 2500 BCE. There has never been a true
excavation of the entire site, so we're a bit vague on dates. By comparison,
2500 BCE places Brodgar significantly later than many similar sites,
like Stonehenge.
The ring is composed of an outer ditch, or henge, 340 feet across,
and measuring 3 metres deep and 5 metres wide, with access causeways
in the south-west and north-east of the henge. Within the henge enclosure
is a circle of standing stones. There were originally 60 stones, but
only 27 survive. There are numerous outlying stones and cairns, including
a solitary stone known as the Comet Stone, though whether these outliers
played a part in the purpose of the Ring is open to debate. The size
of the henge makes Brodgar the third largest such site in the UK after
Avebury and Stanton Drew.
 The amount of work that went into the building of the circle is quite
extraordinary. The ditch, for a start, was cut from solid bedrock.
Some of the stones were cut from the bedrock on the site, others were
quarried at Vestrafiold, Sandwick, over 7 miles away.
What is it?
An astronomical observatory? A ceremonial centre? A religious shrine?
The truth is, we don't know. It seems very likely that circles like
this played a role as a form of calendar. The passage of the seasons
was important to Neolithic people, who se lives were so closely tied
to the weather and the seasons. It was important to them to keep
track of the seasons. At its most basic this meant knowing when winter
had passed its worst and the promise of Spring growth was just ahead.
By aligning the stones with specific stars, or the sun, at various times
of the year, they could keep track of the passage of time. The circles
may well have played a religious role; indeed it is hard to imagine
that they did not, but what that role might have been we can only guess.
One unusual aspect of Brodgar is that it is almost circular in plan.
This may seem an odd statement for a stone circle, but the truth is
that most stone circles are not circular at all, but oval, or flattened
on one side. Brodgar, by comparison, is as close to a true circle as
you are likely to get.
The stones vary in height between 7 ft and 15 ft, making them much
smaller than the huge stones at Stenness.
A local legend tells that the stones were a party of dancing giants
who were turned to stone by the first rays of sunlight. The Comet Stone
is said to be the giant who fiddled for his fellows until he too was
petrified by the sun's rays.
 Where to find it
The Ring is located on the B9055, just north of its intersection with
the A965. The turning is well signposted, and easy to find. There
is a small parking area on the eastern side of the road that will
hold a dozen or more cars, and there are pull-over places along the
road for buses. Alternatively, you can park
at the Stones of Stenness at the southern end of Loch Harray and
walk 1 mile or so along the B9055 to the Ring of Brodgar.
Location
The location of the Ring plays a great part in its appeal; the circle is located
on an isthmus known as The Ness of Brodgar between the lochs of Stenness and
Harray. The scenic beauty of the location can match any circle in Britain.
There are a rich treasury of other Neolithic sites nearby. We mentioned the
Stones of Stenness earlier. Less than a mile away across Loch Harray is the
chambered tomb of Maes Howe, while Unstan Chambered Tomb lies to the west.
Together these sites, along with numerous unexcavated sites and the stone village
of Skara Brae, form the Heart
of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site.
The name
You will see the ring variously called Brodgar and Brogar. The currently
accepted spelling is Brodgar, which is closer to the Orcadian pronunciation.
The meaning of the term is obscure, though it may come from the Old
Norse brúar-garðr for Bridge
Farm. The 'bridge' in this case is most likely the Ness of Brodgar;
the narrow land bridge between the lochs of Stenness and Harray.
Our Verdict
The Ring of Brodgar is one of the most beautifully situated
prehistoric monuments in the UK. In my own experience I'd have to
put it in a group with Callanish, Stonehenge, and Castlerigg in the
Lake District as the most scenic stone circles. Unlike Stonehenge,
and to a lesser extent, Castlerigg, it is relatively quiet, and you
may have the entire site to yourself.
Catching the Sunset
Many visitors take advantage of long summer and
early autumn evenings to visit the circle at sunset, particularly at
midsummer. So be warned that you won't necessarily have peace and
quiet if you do visit at dusk. Also be aware that humans are not
the only creatures to visit in the late evening. Midges are frequent
visitors, if you are standing around and watching the sunset you
are a tasty treat for the little blighters - so be warned!
Also see our ...
Ring
of Brodgar Photo Gallery >>
Details
Ring of Brodgar
Stenness
Mainland
Orkney
Highlands and Islands
Scotland
Location: 5 miles east of Stromness, on the B9055
Website: Ring of Brodgar
OS HY294134
Orkney Attractions by type
All attractions (big
page!)
Ancient/Prehistoric
Museums
Historic Properties
Countryside
Historic Churches
|
