5,000-year-old proto-Stonehenge solstice site discovered at Bulford, England. Site discovered at Bulford, approximately 5 km from Stonehenge, during archaeological work ahead of Ministry of Defence housing construction Excavation led by Dr. Phil Harding uncovered 48 pits radiocarbon dated to around 2950 BCE, roughly 500 years before Stonehenge's stones were erected Artifacts recovered included pottery, animal bone, worked flints, charcoal, and a rare disk-shaped knife possibly referencing the sun disk
Near Stonehenge at Bulford, England, Dr. Phil Harding led an excavation uncovering 48 pits dated to ~2950 BCE—roughly 500 years before Stonehenge's stones went up. Two post holes 120 meters apart aligned with solstice sunrises to within 1 degree, confirmed by skyscape archaeologist Dr. Fabio Silva. The site may have hosted ancient solstice celebrations before permanent monuments existed.
Key Facts
- Site discovered at Bulford, approximately 5 km from Stonehenge, during archaeological work ahead of Ministry of Defence housing construction
- Excavation led by Dr. Phil Harding uncovered 48 pits radiocarbon dated to around 2950 BCE, roughly 500 years before Stonehenge's stones were erected
- Artifacts recovered included pottery, animal bone, worked flints, charcoal, and a rare disk-shaped knife possibly referencing the sun disk
- Two post holes for wooden poles placed 120 m apart aligned directly with the rising sun during the solstices, confirmed by skyscape archaeologist Dr. Fabio Silva to within 1 degree accuracy
- Findings suggest the site was a place for ancient people to celebrate solstices before more permanent monuments like Stonehenge were built
Source: Latest #Archaeology Discoveries: June 2026 by Inside Archaeology