Stonehenge is one of Britain's most famous prehistoric sites, dating back over 4,500 years. The giant stone circle was likely used as a Neolithic temple and attracts many visitors annually due to its mysterious origins and incredible architectural complexity. Historian Susan Greaney discusses how new laser surveys are revealing details about how the stones were carved and arranged. While there are myths that the stones were transported from Ireland by the wizard Merlin, archaeological evidence shows that some smaller stones originated from Wales. Stonehenge offers a glimpse into Britain's rich cultural heritage.

1. Heritage is Great Transcript – Part 2
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Canterbury and Exeter cathedrals also
boast magnificent architecture and attract
visitors from around the world.
Some historic treasure dates back even
further.
Stonehenge… This giant circle of stones
stands out as one of Britain’s most famous
and visited historical sites. Dating back
thousands of years, its origins still remain a
mystery and that's why it’s still so popular.
Susan Greaney is a historian.
Richard: Susan, what is Stonehenge?
Susan: Stonehenge is a prehistoric stone
monument built about four and a half
thousand years ago in what we call the
Neolithic period. We think it was probably
used as some kind of temple.
Richard: So why is it so important?
Susan: Well, Stonehenge is unique in the
world. It's an incredibly complex monument
and it's amazing that it's survived from so
long ago.
Richard: Now you also do research here,
so what have you discovered about the
site?
Susan: Stonehenge has got lots and lots of
secrets and archaeology is trying to reveal
them the whole time. One of the most
recent things we've been doing is a laser
survey of the standing stones and that's
telling us lots of new detail about how the
stones were carved, and how they were set
up, and the kinds of carvings and graffiti
that are on the stones.
Richard: Tell me one of the famous myths
around the circle.
Susan: Well, there's a really interesting
myth about the fact that the stones were
brought here from Ireland by the wizard
Merlin and that was a myth that was popular
in the medieval period. Actually, we know
that some of the smaller blue stones here
do come from the west, from Wales, so
there's an element of truth underneath the
myth.
So there you go. What a great heritage
Britain has, as seen here at Stonehenge.
I'm off to explore some more.
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